Essential Rum Books

Rum has a long, storied, and at times, troubling, history across the centuries. From the rise of "kill devil" on Caribbean islands in the colonial era, through the golden age of European blending houses, tiki's rise and fall and rise again, to the modern era of craft cocktails and rum-focused interest groups, there is a lot to go over.

This list is non-exhaustive, but includes many books that are important to rum history, tiki (and non-tiki) cocktail creation, and modern rum topics. Several of these I have read and/or am currently reading, while others come recommended through other rum communities around the web.

For each book, I've added (non-affiliate) links to get more information and/or purchase the book. If you want to purchase one of these books, I'd highly suggest placing an order through a local independent bookstore, such as Novel here in Memphis.

And a Bottle of Rum by Wayne Curtis

Beachbum Berry's Potions of the Caribbean by Jeff Berry

Modern Caribbean Rum by Matt Pietrek

Smuggler's Cove by Martin Cate with Rebecca Cate

Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails by Shannon Mustipher