π₯ RumChata
American cream liqueur launched in 2009: Caribbean rum, dairy cream and a spice blend with cinnamon and vanilla, inspired by horchata; made in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
RumChata is an American cream liqueur launched in 2009. According to the producer, it is balanced with Caribbean rum, lightly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with vanilla; the idea comes from horchata, a traditional Mexican milky rice drink.
History. The liqueur was created by Tom Maas, founder and master blender, who began experimenting in his kitchen. According to the 2021 press release of E. & J. Gallo, it is made from fresh dairy cream, rum and a proprietary spice blend, and is produced by Midwest Custom Bottling in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. In April 2021 Gallo announced an agreement to buy Agave Loco, the owner of the brand, together with that bottler; the sale was expected to close on 16 April 2021, and the terms were not disclosed.
The range. Besides the Original, the producer lists Pineapple Cream, Coconut Cream and the seasonal Peppermint Bark.
Why it matters to you. RumChata contains dairy cream, so people with a cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance should be careful. Under EU rules (Regulation 2019/787) a liqueur must be at least 15% ABV, so check the label for the strength of each version. The WHO says that no level of alcohol consumption is safe for health.
Facts
| Year founded | 2009, Tom Maas; Gallo announced the purchase of Agave Loco in April 2021 |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | EU: liqueur at least 15% ABV (Reg. (EU) 2019/787) |
| Raw material | Caribbean rum, dairy cream, spice blend (cinnamon, vanilla) |
What it includes
How it connects to Spirits
π₯ RumChata β kind of β πΈ Liqueurs β kind of β π₯ Spirits
Links
- Made from
- π₯ Rum, π₯ Cream
- What it contains
- π¬ Sugar, π· Ethanol
- What it affects
- π· Alcohol and health, π· Drunk driving
- Traditions
- π§βπ€βπ§ Americans
- Part of
- πΈ Liqueurs
- Related to
- π North America
- Similar and different
- π₯ Irish Cream, π₯ Baileys, π₯ KahlΓΊa
Frequently asked questions
Is there real cream in RumChata?
Yes. According to the 2021 Gallo press release, it is made from fresh dairy cream, rum and a proprietary spice blend; look for the milk note on the label.
Who created RumChata?
Tom Maas, founder and master blender; the liqueur launched in 2009.
Who owns RumChata?
In April 2021 E. & J. Gallo announced an agreement to buy Agave Loco, the brand's owner, and the Midwest Custom Bottling plant in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
Which versions of RumChata exist?
According to the producer: Original, Pineapple Cream, Coconut Cream and the seasonal Peppermint Bark.
What to read next
- π· Alcohol and health β Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- π· Ethanol β The alcohol formed during fermentation that makes you drunk.
- π₯ Rum β A distillate of sugar-cane molasses, syrup or juice: in the EU at least 37.5% vol., no flavourings or added alcohol, up to 20 g/l of sugar.
- π¬ Sugar β Sucrose added to condensed milk, ice cream and sweet yogurts; WHO advises that free sugars supply less than 10% of daily energy.
- π North America β US and Canada: 9.5 million US cows gave 232 billion lb of milk (2025); Wisconsin makes a quarter of US cheese; Canada runs on dairy quotas.
Similar
π₯ Southern Comfort Β· π₯ Tia Maria Β· π₯ Frangelico Β· π₯ Irish Mist Β· π₯ Tuaca Β· π₯ Salmiakki Koskenkorva
β οΈ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- RumChata official site: Original (Caribbean rum, dairy cream, cinnamon, vanilla; other flavors Pineapple Cream, Coconut Cream, Peppermint Bark)
- E. & J. Gallo press release, 6.04.2021: purchase of RumChata (2009 launch; Tom Maas; dairy cream, rum, spice blend; Pewaukee, Wisconsin)
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks, Annex I, category 33 liqueur (minimum 15 % ABV), legislation.gov.uk copy
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)
- RumChata official site: Our story (rum blended with horchata, cinnamon; full flavor lineup)