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This drinks cabinet essential has a colourful history
The first distillation of rum took place in the 1620s when Caribbean sugarcane plantation slaves discovered that molasses, a by-product of sugar refining, could be fermented into alcohol. It wasn't always made as well as it is today, and for years it was saddled with a naughty reputation for being as awful-tasting as it was awfully intoxicating. The fact that rum once went by the names Nelson's blood, demon water, pirate's drink, navy neaters, Barbados water, grog, kill-devil or rumbullion says a lot! It is also said that rum was one of the first mass-market products manufactured in America.
Most of the world's rum production still occurs in the Caribbean and Latin America, although it's now produced widely around the world, from Australia to the United Kingdom.
Whether in daiquiri, hurricane, or mojito form, the warming qualities of this quintessentially versatile spirit are produced in various categories. Light rums like Bacardi are commonly used in cocktails, whereas 'golden' and 'dark' rums were typically consumed neat, over ice, or used for cooking. However, they are now commonly consumed with mixers. Premium rums are also available, made to be consumed either straight or iced. Below are some popular and effortless rum cocktails that can be thrown together in a matter of minutes . . .
The classic Daiquiri: Place the rum, lime juice and sugar spirit into a cocktail shaker and shake well to combine. Pour into a Martini glass and serve garnished with a wedge of lime.
Basic Hurricane: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the rum, orange juice, lime juice, passion fruit syrup and grenadine syrup. Shake for 30 seconds and strain into a tall glass. Garnish with the orange wheel and serve.
Classic Mojito: Muddle the lime juice, sugar and mint leaves in a small jug, crushing the mint as you go – you can use the end of a rolling pin for this. Pour into a tall glass, add the rum a handful of crushed ice.
When we think about rum, pirates come to mind. While it’s true that it’s the namesake for well-known brands like Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry, the market for more premium boutique style rums is ever expanding. I've picked out four from our range that are worthy of note:
Diplomatico Exclusiva Reserva, £41.50: From Venezuela and chestnut brown in colour, Reserva Exclusiva is evocative of chocolate espresso coffee and orange peel. It has a slightly dry, sweet, nutty finish with a lingering note of curry spice. Perfect on the rocks!
The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, £23.50: Kraken Rum is aged in oak barrels for between 12 and 24 months before being blended with over eleven spices, including vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and clove. This rum, paired with ginger beer and a wedge of lime, is just divine!
Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12 Year Old Jamaican Rum, £39.00: Appleton Estate 12Year Rum is a blend of several rums aged between 12 and 18 years in American oak barrels after being distilled using small-batch copper pot stills. This rum has a complex taste with deep woody flavours, fruity, cocoa notes with hints of molasses. The finish is an intense combination of rich vanilla, subtle coffee with a hint of toasted oak and almond. This rum makes a great alternative to that winter time single malt.
Mount Gay Extra Old (XO), £39.00: Established in 1703 at the world's oldest rum distillery, Extra Old is a masterful blend of the finest, double-distilled, aged spirits with a combined maturity of 17 years. It boasts rich, mellow aromas and perfectly balanced sweet fruity notes. A light, burnt-wood character on the finish is complemented by subtle sugar cane and crème brûlée notes. Sip and savour straight up!
So whether it's for a high seas voyage or to warm up at home as the nights draw in, rum is unquestionably an essential for the drinks cabinet.
Jason Mules
Waitrose