Rum is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses or sugarcane juice, through fermentation and distillation. It is aged in barrels, often made of oak, which imparts flavor and color. Originating in the Caribbean, rum comes in various types, including light, dark, spiced, and flavored. Light rum is typically used in cocktails, while dark rum is consumed straight or used in cooking. The spirit has a rich history tied to seafaring, trade, and colonialism, and remains popular worldwide, especially in tropical drinks like mojitos and piña coladas.