The Cuba Libre originated in early 1900s Cuba following the Spanish-American War. The name means "Free Cuba," the battle cry of Cuban independence fighters. Distinguished from a simple Rum and Coke by the essential addition of fresh lime juice.

Planter's Punch originated in Jamaica and first appeared in print in September 1878 in London's Fun magazine. This classic rum cocktail follows the famous rhyme "one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak," referring to lime juice, sugar, rum, and water.

The Hurricane was created in the 1940s at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans' French Quarter. Born from necessity when bar owners were required to purchase large quantities of rum to obtain whiskey, this sweet, potent cocktail became an iconic symbol of New Orleans.

The Zombie was invented in 1934 by Donn Beach at his Hollywood restaurant Don the Beachcomber. This legendary tiki cocktail combines three types of rum with fruit juices and secret ingredients, becoming so potent that Beach limited customers to two per visit.

The Dark 'n' Stormy was created in Bermuda shortly after World War I when British sailors combined Gosling's Black Seal rum with ginger beer. This trademarked cocktail is one of only a handful of legally protected drink recipes worldwide.

The Mai Tai was created in 1944 by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron at his Oakland, California restaurant. This tiki cocktail features aged rum, fresh lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup, named after a Tahitian phrase meaning "out of this world."

The Piña Colada was created in 1954 by bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This tropical cocktail combines rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, becoming Puerto Rico's official drink in 1978.

The Daiquiri was invented in 1898 by American mining engineer Jennings Cox near the Cuban village of Daiquirí. This classic cocktail features just three ingredients—white rum, fresh lime juice, and sugar—creating a perfectly balanced sour.

The Mojito is Cuba's most famous cocktail, with origins tracing to the 16th century drink "El Draque." This refreshing highball combines white rum, fresh mint, lime juice, sugar, and soda water, gaining worldwide fame through Havana's bar culture.