Introducing Rum
Rum is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage ranging from 40-60 percent ABV (alcohol by volume). It is made from molasses, a byproduct of the sugar-making industry, or directly from sugar cane juice. Rum has been a popular drink over centuries, and is often used in mixed drinks and cocktails.There are a variety of different types of rum ranging from light to dark, spiced and flavored.
Mix and Match Rum
There are plenty of different types of rum that you can use to mix up rare and unusual cocktails. Here are some suggestions:
Light Rum
Light rum has a milder flavor when compared to dark rums and is often used as a blend in many popular rum cocktails. It is commonly used for drinks such as Daiquiris and Pina Coladas, as well as more complex drinks such as Mojitos and Mai Tais.
Dark Rum
Dark rum, often referred to as “black rum”, is aged in charred oak casks, giving it a distinctive flavor. It has a rich and slightly smoky flavor and is often used in more savory cocktails such as the Dark and Stormy.
Spiced Rum
As its name implies, spiced rum has spices added to it, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it a distinct flavor. It is often used in the notorious Caribbean favorite, the rum punch, as well as other recipes such as the rum swizzle or the French 76.
Golden or Amber Rum
Golden or amber rum is a blend between light and dark rums and is aged for a longer period of time, giving it a fuller flavor. It is often used in tiki drinks such as planter’s punch, and can also be used in classic cocktail recipes such as the Cuban mojito.
Unique Rum Cocktails
Now that you know the different types of rum and where to use them, let’s explore some unusual and delicious rum drinks.
Rum Fizz
The rum fizz is a riff on the classic gin fizz and is an easy to make classic cocktail. It is made with 2 ounces of dark rum, 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup. Shake the ingredients with some ice and strain it into a glass over fresh ice, and then top it off with a splash of soda water.
Caribbean Surprise
The Caribbean Surprise is a unique mix of white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, orange juice, and grated nutmeg. Shake the ingredients with some ice and strain it into a glass over fresh ice. To make it a bit sweeter, you can add a dash of simple syrup and garnish it with a spring of fresh mint.
Surfer on Acid
Surfer on Acid may sound like a strange name for a drink, but it’s actually one of the most intriguing and delicious cocktails you can make with rum. It combines white rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and triple sec, with a healthy dose of bitters and a generous splash of absinthe. Shake all of the ingredients with some ice and strain it into a glass over fresh ice.
Zombie
The zombie is another classic tiki drink that packs quite a punch. It’s made with dark rum, white rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit syrup, grenadine, and angostura bitters, and it’s topped off with a splash of soda water and a few drops of absinthe. Shake all of the ingredients with some ice and strain it into a glass over fresh ice and garnish it with a sprig of fresh mint.
Conclusion
Rum is a versatile spirit that can be used to mix up a variety of classic and unusual cocktails. From the rum fizz to the zombie, there are plenty of recipes to explore with this tasty spirit. With the right ingredients, you can make some truly unique rum drinks that will definitely impress your friends and family. So, go ahead and give some of these recipes a try!
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