In the rum world, where many brands stick to traditional pirate themes, Alexandra Dorda-Marcu is doing things differently with her brand, Kasama Rum.
She combines her Filipino roots, family background in the spirits industry, and a fresh perspective on rum.
A Legacy in the Spirits Industry
Alexandra’s connection to the spirits industry runs deep. Her father, Tad Dorda, co-founded Belvedere Vodka and Chopin Vodka, helping put Polish vodka on the map. Growing up, Alexandra spent a lot of time around her father’s businesses, but it wasn’t until later in life that she decided to join the industry herself.
She first studied International Relations at Stanford University, worked for Chobani Yogurt in New York, and later invested in private equity. Eventually, Alexandra returned to spirits, driven by the same entrepreneurial spirit that had shaped her father’s success.
The Birth of Kasama Rum
In 2021, Alexandra founded Kasama Rum, a brand inspired by her Filipino heritage. The name Kasama, which means “together” in Filipino, reflects the spirit of community and celebration that is central to Filipino culture.
Alexandra wanted to create a rum that feels fresh and modern, different from the usual pirate-themed brands. Dorda (2021, as cited in Koppe, 2021) explains, “I didn’t feel like any of the existing rum brands were speaking to me.
They were often focused on really tired nautical tropes like pirates, sailors, and sea monsters.”
A Flavor Profile That Stands Out
Kasama Rum is known for its smooth and light flavor. Made with high-quality Filipino sugarcane, the rum undergoes a process of pressing, fermenting, and distilling before being aged in American oak barrels.
This method gives Kasama its golden color and a clean taste with notes of pineapple, vanilla, and a hint of sea salt.
Unlike many other rums that can be heavy and overly sweet, Kasama is crafted to be light and easy to sip, making it a refreshing choice for both casual drinkers and rum enthusiasts.
Bringing Filipino Culture to the Bottle
The design of Kasama Rum reflects Alexandra’s Filipino heritage. The bottles feature hand-drawn illustrations of native Filipino plants like santan and sampaguita, along with the word “mabuhay”, a Filipino greeting meaning “welcome.”
This design helps set the brand apart while celebrating the culture Alexandra is proud of.
Expanding Beyond Rum: A Lifestyle Brand with Global Ambitions
Kasama isn’t just about rum anymore—it’s a whole vibe. After three years of making waves in the spirits industry, the brand has leveled up, expanding into accessories and lifestyle products that bring its tropical, maximalist energy into everyday life.
From stylish homeware to statement pieces crafted with island soul, Kasama’s new offerings are made in collaboration with small, female-owned businesses using authentic Filipino materials like abacá (a banana leaf fiber) and natural pearls from Palawan.
Each item reflects the vibrant and carefree island spirit that defines Kasama, ensuring that every product embodies the warmth and hospitality the brand represents.
While these new ventures establish Kasama as more than just a rum company, its founder, Alexandra, has even bigger plans. Currently available only in the U.S., she envisions taking the brand global while staying true to its Filipino roots.
“Lean into whatever makes you, you, and whatever really lights you up,” Dorda (2024, as cited in Regalbuto, 2024) says, encouraging others to follow their passions—just as she has with Kasama’s evolution.
Kasama Rum: A Sip of the Tropics, A Whole New Vibe
With Kasama Rum, Alexandra isn’t just shaking up the spirits industry—she’s making it a whole lot more fun. Ditching the tired pirate vibes, she’s bringing a fresh, sun-drenched energy that feels like a never-ending island holiday.
Every sip of Kasama is a little taste of the tropics, every bottle a tribute to her Filipino roots.
And now, as she expands beyond rum, she’s proving that Kasama isn’t just a drink—it’s a whole mood.
Whether you’re sipping, celebrating, or styling with a piece of the islands, Alexandra is making sure the world feels the warmth, joy, and undeniable coolness of the Philippines. And honestly? We’re here for it.
