“Discovering The World’s Most Aromatic Spirit: A Guide To Rum.”.
Rum, in all its gooey, sweet, smooth glory, is the world’s most popular spirit. From spiced rums that tantalizingly tickle your taste buds to white rums that offer a tempting balance between sweet and dry, no spirit has captured the imagination of its drinker like rum has. It’s a spirit that people around the world enjoy differently and with a variety of rum cocktails.
In this guide, we’ll explore the unique flavor profiles of rum and discover how to best enjoy this iconic beverage. From understanding the different categories of rum available on the market to simple yet delicious rum cocktail recipes, this is your guide to the world’s most aromatic spirit!
A Brief History of Rum
Rum, or “rhum” as the French would call it, is said to have originated in the Caribbean as early as the sawmills of the 17th century. Its name is derived from the Englishmen’s name for “rhum”, which is a spirit made from the leftover molasses from the plantation’s sugar cane fields.
The first use of rum in Europe was said to be in the 1650s by the British navy who used it in their daily rations. The Royal Navy implemented the use of rum on all of their ships because it was thought to increase the strength of their sailors.
Types of Rum
Throughout the centuries, rum has evolved and is now produced in a variety of styles. Generally, rum is separated into five categories: white, golden, dark, spiced, and flavored. Below we’ll take a closer look at each kind of rum.
White Rum
White rum is generally made from sugarcane juice or molasses and then distilled until clear. It can be quite dry, or lightly sweetened and is commonly used in cocktails such as the mojito or daiquiri due to its subtle characteristics.
Golden Rum
Golden rums are typically made with a combination of both molasses and sugarcane juice, aging it in oak barrels for a longer amount of time than white rum. As a result, they tend to have a strong flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Dark Rum
Dark rums are made by fermenting molasses for longer and ages in oak barrels, creating a rich and complex flavor. Dark rums are usually produced on the island of Jamaica, and their flavor profile is heavily influenced by their location.
Spiced Rum
Spiced rums are made by adding spices and flavors to dark rum. Generally, spices used in spiced rum are cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, although different manufacturers may use different flavoring agents in their recipes.
Flavored Rum
Flavored rums are made by infusing your favorite fruits, herbs, and liqueurs into a base of either white or golden rum. The result is a light and fruity spirit that’s perfect for a range of cocktail recipes.
How to Serve Rum
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of rum available, let’s look at the best ways to serve and enjoy this smooth spirit.
On the Rocks
If you simply want to taste the rum’s flavor profile without any mixing, then the best way to do this is to serve it “on the rocks”. This is simply pouring over a few cubes of ice and sipping it as is.
Straight or Neat
Another way to enjoy your rum is to serve it neat or straight, much like whiskey and brandy. Simply pour your rum into a short glass, add in a few drops of water if desired and sip away.
Mixed
One of the most popular ways to enjoy rum is by mixing it with other flavors and ingredients. This makes for an easy and delicious way to enjoy your rum whether for an evening cocktail or a delicious twist on an old classic.
Ready to Try a Rum Cocktail?
Now that you know all about the different styles of rum and how to enjoy them, it’s time to get in the kitchen and mix up a delicious rum cocktail. Here are a few recipes we recommend you start with:
Mojito
This classic Cuban cocktail is the perfect balance of fresh and herby, thanks to the addition of mint and white rum. To create, muddle 8-10 leaves of mint with 2 lime quarters, 2 oz. white rum, 1 tsp sugar, and soda water in a tall glass. Then, fill the glass with plenty of crushed ice, stir and garnish with a lime and a sprig of mint.
Rummy Rickey
A twist on the classic gin rickey, this drink is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! To make, juice 2 limes into a highball glass and add 2 oz. of dark or golden rum, a teaspoon of sugar, and top with soda and crushed ice. You can garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy.
Coconut Daiquiri
This sweet, creamy take on the classic daiquiri uses coconut rum to give it a tropical kick. To make, combine 2 oz. coconut rum, 2 tsp of lime juice, and 2 tsp of simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously, strain into a chilled glass and enjoy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your rum knowledge, we hope this guide has given you the confidence in exploring and enjoying the world’s most aromatic spirit – rum. From its origins as a sailor’s ration to the highly evolved flavors, we hope this guide has given you all the basics needed to start your very own rum journey. Cheers!