We’re officially in the dog days of summer and there’s no better way to cool off than with an ice cold cocktail, specifically a rum based one since August is officially National Rum Month
Did you know –
- The temperate climates of the Caribbean, where more than 80% of rum distilled, cause this spirit to age faster than others aged in more moderate climates – i.e. KY bourbon. In spite of a lower age statement the result is to similar these older aged spirits.
- Expressions of rum can vary widely with everything from flavors perfect for cocktails to those that are best sipped neat or on the rocks, like Cruzan Single Barrel.
- The first distillation of rum took place in the 1620s when it was discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, could be fermented into alcohol.
- The Cruzan Distillery, located at Estate Diamond in St. Croix (USVI), dates back to 1760 and has been in continuous operation since Prohibition ended.
- In the late 17th century, the British Royal Navy discovered rum in the Caribbean and it quickly replaced the daily ration of brandy that they had received previously.
- Rations were mixed with lime juice to combat scurvy.
- Dark and full-bodied with a rich molasses flavor, navy style rums, are reminiscent of those enjoyed by sailors aboard naval ships for centuries.
Cruzan® Black Diamond Swizzle
Recipe by Jane Danger, NYC
Ingredients:
1 1/2 parts Cruzan® Black Strap Rum
1/2 part Bitter Red Liqueur
3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
2 Fresh Strawberries
Method:
Muddle two strawberries in the bottom of a Belgian beer glass with the red bitter liqueur and fill with cracked or crushed ice. Then, in a cocktail shaker combine fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Whip and shake with no ice. Pour lime juice and cane mixture over ice, and fill again as needed. Gently float Cruzan® Black Strap Rum on top. Garnish with berries and lime.
Cruzan® Tropical Storm
Recipe by Teddy Collins, Miami
Ingredients:
2 parts Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum
1 part Fresh Mango Juice
1 part Fresh Lemon Juice
2 dashes Angostura® Bitters
Method: In a cocktail shaker, combine Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum, fresh lemon juice and fresh mango juice. Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 8 seconds. Immediately strain into an ice filled tiki mug. Top with 2 dashes of bitters and sprinkle a pinch of crushed black peppercorn, to taste. Garnish with a fresh mint spring and tiki umbrella skewered with a maraschino cherry and fresh mango slice. Finish with a straw and enjoy!
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