National Rum Day?

This might not be a surprise to some as it was to me to find out there is a National Rum Day. It is celebrated on August 16th annually.

Rum was discovered in the early 1600s on the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean islands. Very soon it gathered popularity and became a huge hit among the pirates. The American colonials and the Navy men made it their signature drink. The first distillery to brew rum was set up on Staten Island in 1664. Modern day rum is made by distilling molasses and sugarcane byproducts. Rum is classified as a strong alcoholic beverage.

Jamaica is known world worldwide for Appleton Rum manufactured by Appleton Estate since 1749. They age their rum for 12 years, 21 Years and 30 years. Rum is used in drinks and dishes to give them a spook. Who can imagine Granny’s Christmas cake without the rum and not to mention the sorrel.

Here are a few cocktails you might want to try to celebrate.

Mercury Rising

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Appleton Estate Reserve
• .75 cup Fresh lime juice
• .5 cup Coconut cream
• .5 cup Passion fruit syrup
• .25 cup Allspice Dram
• .75 cup Brut Champagne

Preparation:

Combine ingredients in a punch bowl with a coconut water ice chunk. Garnish with cut orange peels and gold flakes.

Rum Martini

Ingredients:

    1 part Appleton rum

    1 part Sangsters rum cream

    1 part Drambuie

    1 fresh squeezed clementine orange

    Ice ( crushed or whole )

Directions

     Mix all ingredients together with ice and shake well. Strain drink and garnish with clementine   slices, cinamon stick and top with nutmeg.

    Rim the glass with the orange, and dip in sugar. Peel the rind for garnish as well.

    A delicious Christmas Martini :)