The Rum Cooler, Deconstructed (and Reconstructed)

Breaking down the corner bar basic — and building it up again.

If you go to most ordinary bars in the United States and order a Rum Cooler, you will receive a quizzical look from the bartender or a tall glass that consists of inexpensive, inoffensive light rum and a basic lemon-lime soda, most likely Sprite or 7-Up, served over ice. Possibly, the bartender will add some other citrus juice component — some recipes c…