Smooth white rum has yet to captivate the US public quite like whiskey has, but that doesn’t mean it’s a no-go for fans of craft cocktails. White rum is an important component of drinks from classics like Mojitos to modern, kitchen-sink tiki creations and can add a bright note of fruit or molasses to a mix. And while there’s no shortage of rum options on the market (including the ubiquitous Bacardi), newer producers have a commitment to quality that shines through their smooth offerings.

These rums are ideal for adding flavor to your cocktails and can also be enjoyed on their own. You’ll find a wide variety of options from high-end, aged sipping rums to those that use charcoal filtration before bottling to remove color and impurities. Some have an age statement on the bottle, while others are filtered without any barrel time at all, giving them a very clean and unadulterated taste.

Sailing on Smooth Seas: A Connoisseur’s Guide to the Best Smooth White Rums

This rum from Belize is a certified organic marvel, using both column and pot still distillation techniques to bring out complex notes of tropical grasses and citrus. It’s also very affordable, making it perfect for adding to a big batch of Mojitos or Pina Coladas. It’s a solid choice for letting the mint, lime juice, and sugar hog the spotlight, but it’ll hold up just as well in a more subtle drink.