On my recent report on The TODAY Show, I shared the “101” on rum–which is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing spirits.

I explained the five types of rums: White, golden, dark, spiced and Anejo–and then invited Meredith, Matt, Al, Ann and Natalie for a little early morning taste test.

Here’s a preview of some of the cocktails and their classic recipes:

The Classic Daiquiri:

• Fill a short glass (6 ounce or less) with ice.
• Combine 1 ½ oz of white Rum, 1 oz fresh lime juice with 1 tablespoon of white sugar in a shaker.
• Fill shaker with ice – shake vigorously, strain and pour into glass.

• Fill a tall glass with ice.
• Combine 1 ½ oz. dark Rum, ½ oz. fresh lime juice, ½ oz. fresh lemon juice, 3 oz. fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon of white sugar, dash of grenadine syrup in a shaker.
• Fill shaker with ice–shake vigorously, strain and pour into glass.

• Fill a tall (8 oz.) glass with ice.
• Combine 1 ½ oz. dark Rum, add the juice of a half a lime, and fill with a cola soda.
• Stir, and add the emptied shell of the lime half.