Straight rum is a popular drink in rum-producing countries. Elsewhere, rum is usually consumed in mixed drinks, with light rums preferred for such cocktails as the daiquiri and dark rums used in such tall drinks as the rum Collins. Rum is frequently used as a flavouring in dessert sauces and other dishes.
The taste of rum can be described as toasted sugar flavoured with sweetness. The only exception is white rum, which is not sweet. Most gold rums are flavoured with caramel.