Yo mateys, let’s talk about rum! It’s one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the world, loved by pirates and partygoers all over the globe. But the million dollar question is – what’s the best way to drink rum?
Whether you’re having it straight up, with mixers or in a cocktail, there’s a lot of ways to enjoy this versatile spirit. But with so many options, it can be a little overwhelming, especially if you’re a new rum drinker. Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back! In this post, we’ll cover all the rum drinking basics, plus a few interesting and out-of-the-box ideas to take your experience to the next level.
The Basics
Before we dive into the best ways to drink rum, let’s cover a few basics. First and foremost, rum is distilled from sugarcane juice or molasses, depending on the style. There are two types of rum – light and dark. Light or white rum is typically unaged or aged for a shorter period and has a milder flavor profile. Dark rum tends to be full-bodied, aged for a longer period of time, and is often used in cocktails due to its rich and complex flavor.
Some rum brands are sweeter than others due to added caramel and/or molasses. It’s important to note that sweeter rum doesn’t necessarily mean lower quality, it just means different flavor profiles to suit different tastes.
Sipping Rum
Sipping on a good quality rum straight up can be an enjoyable and relaxing experience. If you have a quality rum that’s been aged for many years, sipping it slowly can bring out the complex flavors of the rum. You can enjoy it neat or with a small amount of room temperature water, this can bring out the aromas, flavor and the texture of the rum.
Try using a tulip or brandy glass if you have one, this will help focus the rum’s aromas and enhance its taste. Avoid drinking from short or rocks glasses as this doesn’t allow much room for the aromas to release.
Rum and Coke
One of the most popular ways to drink rum is in a rum and coke. It’s quick, easy, and a great way to add a little sweetness and flavor to your rum. To make it, simply mix a good quality rum with your choice of cola, add some ice, and stir gently. This is a great way to enjoy a lighter or slightly sweet rum.
However, if you want a more sophisticated drink, you could use a spiced rum. This will add a whole new dimension of flavor to your rum and coke, often enough to forgo adding any vanilla or caramel syrup. There are plenty of spiced rum varieties to choose from, just pick one that matches your taste and preferences.
Bacardi Mojito
Mojitos are refreshing and perfect during the hottest summer days. A classic mojito is a combination of lime, sugar, mint, and rum. But we’re going to kick it up a notch with a Bacardi Mojito!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bacardi Superior
- 1.5 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
- 10 mint leaves
- Soda water
- Cubed ice
To make the mojito, start with muddling the mint leaves in the base of a highball glass, add the lime juice and sugar syrup. Fill the glass with cubed ice, add the rum, top it off with soda water, and give it a quick stir. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and enjoy.
The Bumbu Daquiri
This spin on a classic daiquiri is made better with Bumbu Rum. Bumbu is a premium rum from Barbados that is known for its rich and complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bumbu Rum
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz Simple syrup
- Cubed ice
To make the Bumbu daiquiri, fill a shaker with cubed ice and add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Give it a good shake to achieve maximum chill and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lime wheel, and you’ve got yourself a rum lover’s delight.
The Hot Buttered Rum
If you’re looking for a cozy drink that’s perfect for cold days, try a Hot Buttered Rum. It’s sweet, creamy, and everything nice.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dark rum
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- A pinch of ground allspice
- Hot water
- Cinnamon stick (optional)
To make it, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice and stir until combined. Add the rum and stir until the mixture is smooth. Divide the mixture between two mugs and top off with hot water. Give it a good stir, garnish with a cinnamon stick and enjoy.
The Final Say
Ultimately, there is no one way to enjoy rum. It all comes down to personal preference and experimentation with different styles, mixers, and recipes. However, always bear in mind to drink responsibly and avoid binge drinking.
Whether it’s sipping it slowly or mixing it up in a cocktail, we hope this blog has given you the inspiration you need to enjoy the world of rum fully. So, grab your favorite bottle and give it a try, cheers to good times, good company, and good rum!
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