Rum, made from fermented and distilled from sugarcane, is a very popular liquor, in no small part because of its versatility. It can be enjoyed on its own, mixed with cola, or blended into frozen drinks, such as daiquiris or piña coladas. Try something a little different this summer, and see what kind of rum drinks Tampa Bay area restaurants have to offer.

Jerk Hut Restaurant & Rhum Bar
1406 E Fowler Ave.
Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 632-9551
www.jerkhut.com

Hours: Mon to Wed – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thurs – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri – 11 a.m. Midnight, Sat – 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., Sun – 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Jerk Hut is a Caribbean-style restaurant, offering traditional island fare like curried chicken, jerked shrimp and conch fritters. This is a favorite among locals, and not just for the large portions and small prices. One of Jerk Hut’s more unique features is the rum bar, which offers guests several different types of rum and a huge assortment of mixers. The more traditional can choose from a selection of fountain sodas or imported Jamaican sodas, such as kola champagne or solo banana soda. Adventurous types can choose from local and imported juices, including passionade, pineapple ginger juice and sour sop. Don’t forget to save room for the addictive dark rum cake.

Rumba Island Bar & Grill
1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd.
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 446-7027
www.rumbaislandgrill.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri to Sat – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Rumba Island, with over 100 different types of rum from all over the globe, has so many selections that guests are given a “rum atlas” to navigate through the choices. Rumba’s most popular rums are the fruity selections, including mango, coconut and guava. The spot also serves up some hot Caribbean-inspired food, especially seafood. Mussels, fried shrimp, grilled mahi-mahi and crab cakes are found all over the menu alongside sophisticated pairings like Scotch bonnet-cheddar corn muffins, mashed sweet potatoes and grilled Jamaican greens.

The Green Iguana
4029 S. Westshore Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 837-1234
greeniguana.com

Hours: Mon to Sun – 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

The Green Iguana, which boasts “Tampa Bay’s Best Burger,” has also won half a dozen awards for its excellent bar. The bar menu includes several different types of rum as well as a great variety of rum-infused mix drinks, such as the Mudslide Martini and Mai Tai. Or, if you feel like thinking outside the glass, try the Green Iguana’s version of iced coffee: a blend of Monin True Brewed Expresso, vanilla syrup, half & half, cinnamon and a shot of Parrot Bay Rum. This drink is guaranteed to give you a good morning.

Related: Best Margaritas In Tampa

O’Maddy’s
5405 Shore Blvd.
Gulfport, FL 33707
(727) 323-8643www.omaddys.com

Hours: Mon – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tues – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wed to Sat – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun – Noon to 5 p.m.

O’Maddys is a favorite among Gulfport residents. The relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and nightly karaoke make O’Maddy’s a great place to chill out and unwind. The bar has an extensive selection that includes wines, beers and all different types of rum that can be enjoyed alone or mixed in a tropical cocktail. Coconut rum, guava rum and black seal rum are just a few of your choices. Try one of the specialty cocktails, like the Gulfport Guava Breeze.

Rum Runners
2706 Alt 19
Palm Harbor, FL 34683
(727) 787-5566
www.rumrunnersfun.com

Hours: Mon to Sun – Noon to 3 a.m.

Rum Runners is an all-American bar and grill serving up hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches and daily drink specials. A neighborhood hot spot for 25 years, this is the perfect place for a friendly get-together to enjoy good food and drinks, sing karaoke and play games like Texas hold’em, darts and pool. Rum Runners has a full liquor bar that includes 99 different beers, wine, mixed drinks, and of course, the signature drink, the rum runner.

Related: Best Martini Selection In Tampa

Amanda Mole has been writing since she was old enough to hold a pencil and cooking since she was tall enough to reach the stove. She believes that food provides more than just vital nutrients: it is an irreplaceable part of countless cultural and social activities. As a Tampa Bay resident for the past 21 years, she is well acquainted with the incredibly diverse range of restaurants, bars, and food festivals that the area has to offer. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.