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On a chilly, wet winter’s day, a Daiquiri or a Mojito are looking pretty good, I have to say. I gained a deeper appreciation for these rum cocktails when we were in Cuba a few years ago (and realized why Hemingway was partial to a drop).
A by-product of sugar production, rum has its origins in the Caribbean in the 17th century. It forms the basis for many much-loved cocktails, including Piña Colada, Dark and Stormy, Mai Tai, and the classic New Orleans cocktail, Hurricane.
You can, of course, drink it neat too, especially when it’s the calibre of some of the spirits in this post. Although every day is a good day to enjoy a fine rum, August 16 is National Rum Day on the National Day Calendar (an American thing but increasingly embraced in Oz). Here are some ways you can join the party.
Order A Box Bar
This custom cocktail kit is a delicious collaboration between Diplomático rum and Box Bar. Diplomático is a family-owned Venezuelan brand of superbly crafted rums, including a particularly fine one called Reserva Exclusiva (the label says it all). Box Bar is a digital bar that was set up during the Covid lockdowns by an (actual) bar in Sydney, The Fox Hole. The online business was such a smash hit that it’s now a permanent thing.
The kit they’ve created for National Rum Day contains the ingredients, garnishes and instructions for three cocktails, Sidecar, Highball and Old Fashioned (the latter traditionally made with whiskey but now often made with rum).
With this box, they’re literally bringing the bar to you – with an online masterclass walking you through how to mix them, today and again on the next two Saturdays, August 20 and August 27.
The cocktails are dead easy, it’s a lot of fun and you’ll get to experience the exceptional Diplomático rums. Cost of the kit is $65 plus shipping. Order at www.boxbar.com.au
Support Local With A Fine New Aussie Rum
Australia has a dark history when it comes to rum, but the present is most definitely bright, especially when you’ve got producers like Brix on the scene. The Brix distillery in Sydney’s Surry Hills was established in 2017 with a vision of combining amazing ingredients to create a unique Australian rum.
It began by importing products from Barbados while its own rum was slowly maturing. After four years of long and patient work led by distiller Shane Casey, Brix has now launched its first aged rum. There are only 580 bottles of the Select Cask Series – Stout Barrel Release, so you’ll have to be quick if you want to see what all the fuss is about.
It’s a super-smooth, rounded rum with enticing aromas of peach, apricot, honey, almonds, rose and vanilla. On the palate, there are notes of coffee, chocolate and crème brulee, along with a smidgin of umami. Best to enjoy this one neat or on the rocks to savour the delicate flavours.
Look for the Select Cask Series – Stout Barrel Release in select bottle shops and bars as well as online and on-site at the distillery ($149 per bottle, ABV 45.2%). Sales of premium rum are on the rise in Australia, and it’s great to see new players like this on the scene. It’s a wonderful opportunity to support local.
Visit www.brixdistillers.com
Be Transported To A Tropical Paradise
Oh to be lounging in the Caribbean right now! Mega rum producer, Bacardí, has launched two delicious new flavours, Coconut and Raspberry, making home cocktail-mixing efforts fun and easy. They are the perfect base for classic rum cocktails such as Piña Colada, Mojito and Daiquiri, or you can simply enjoy them with soda or another mixer of your choice.
Bacardí Coconut has an intense, creamy coconut flavour with a refreshing coconut water aroma, while Bacardí Raspberry has citrus and raspberry notes with an intriguing sweet/tart finish. With an ABV of 32%, the spirits have all natural flavours and are available for $49 per 700mL bottle at Dan Murphy’s and major retailers.
If you’d like to try the new flavours in cocktails in your area, Sydney’s Rosie Campbell’s is serving a Raspberry Colada and Coconut Jalapeno Daiquiri, The Keel is offering a Coconut Daiquiri, and Jacoby’s Tiki Bar is serving The Big Kahuna (made with Bacardí Coconut and caramelised banana liqueur – yum!)
In Queensland, head to The Star Gold Coast for a delectable Coconut Daiquiri and Frozen Raspberry Daiquiri or Friday’s Riverside for a Bacardí Splice. In Victoria, the Rum Diary Bar Fitzroy is whipping up a delicious Coconut Piña Colada.
Visit www.bacardi.com
Say cheers to National Rum Day with these super simple cocktail recipes:
A coconut daiquiri by the beach on a warm day sounds idyllic!