August 2025 101

Rum, often regarded as a quintessential spirit, played a significant role in America’s history, notably influencing the drive for independence long before bourbon became the poster child of American spirits. Long before the Boston Tea Party in 1773, colonists protested British tax regulations on molasses, a key ingredient in rum production.

After the American Revolution, rum’s popularity diminished as whiskey took center stage, but it experienced a resurgence during the mid-20th century alongside the tiki bar culture. Today, rum is enjoying a revival once more, with Bacardi rum recognized as the most popular spirit in the U.S. as of late 2021. The pandemic fueled this resurgence, offering consumers a tropical escape through rum’s diverse flavor profiles.

With its varying degrees of sweetness, depth, and alcohol by volume (ABV), rum serves as the foundation for a wide range of cocktails. For anyone keen on exploring rum or deepening their appreciation, a selection of classic rum cocktails showcases the spirit’s versatility.

Classic Rum Cocktails:

• Daiquiri: A timeless favorite made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake these ingredients with ice, strain into a coupe glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.

• Piña Colada: This blend of white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice can be made from fresh ingredients for a more authentic taste. Blend together and serve over ice, garnished with a pineapple wedge.

• Mai Tai: Created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in 1944, this signature cocktail features white rum, orange curaçao, freshly squeezed lime, and orgeat syrup, topped with dark rum.

• Zombie: Originating from tiki culture, this cocktail combines four types of rum with tropical fruit juices. It’s best known for its rich boozy kick.

• Blue Hawaii: A vibrant cocktail of white rum, vodka, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice, shaken or blended for a refreshing drink.

• Rum Punch: Traditionally made with a mix of rum, citrus, sugar, and spice, it’s a perfect party drink.

• Hot Buttered Rum: A cozy choice made by combining spiced rum with a hot mixture of butter, brown sugar, and spices.

• Bahama Mama: A tropical delight featuring rum, coffee liqueur, and pineapple juice, garnished with fruit for extra flair.

These cocktails not only highlight rum’s ability to adapt to various flavors but also embody its historical significance and ongoing revival in contemporary drinking culture. Whether it’s a daiquiri, a mai tai, or something more adventurous like a zombie, the options are plentiful and delicious.

As summer transitions to fall, many New Yorkers are swapping out their Nutcrackers for the classic Honey Deuce cocktail, a staple of the U.S. Open. For those who can’t snag a ticket to the event, numerous bars throughout the city are offering their own renditions of this beloved drink.

The signature Honey Deuce — priced at $23 in special cups at the U.S. Open — has garnered a massive following. Last year alone, the tournament sold over 550,000 Honey Deuce cocktails, generating more than $12 million in sales. Recently, local bars have begun to craft their unique twists on this tennis-themed beverage.

Recipe for a ‘Homey Deuce’

If you’d rather create your own version at home, here’s a simple recipe courtesy of Grey Goose:

• 1 ¼ oz vodka
• 3 oz lemonade
• ½ oz raspberry liqueur
• 3 honeydew melon balls

Instructions: Fill a chilled highball glass with ice cubes. Add vodka, followed by lemonade and raspberry liqueur. Stir the mixture and garnish with a skewer of frozen honeydew melon balls, which resemble tennis balls.

Our calculations suggest that making a ‘Homey Deuce’ will cost approximately $3.50 to $4 per drink, a significant 83% less than ordering one at the stadium.

Grey Goose, the official sponsor, describes the cocktail as a blend of vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon balls. The term "deuce" in tennis signifies a tie at 40 points.

While mini versions may have been available at Grand Central Station, lucky patrons can still find similar concoctions at various bars citywide. For instance, Ray’s Bar in Greenpoint serves their take at $16. Meanwhile, a new bar named Nobody’s Perfect in Hell’s Kitchen markets the drink for $10 during happy hour—much cheaper than the stadium price.

Jack Howard, a US Open regular, has accumulated a collection of commemorative cups and expresses interest in trying the cocktail crafted by skilled mixologists instead of the hurried service at the venue.

In addition to local bars, several upscale venues are featuring their versions. Notably, Keith McNally’s Balthazar offers the cocktail until the tournament’s conclusion, while various hotel bars like Portrait Bar in The Fifth Avenue Hotel and La Marchande at The Wall Street Hotel have their own twists. La Marchande’s “Matchpoint” cocktail includes gooseberry, cantaloupe, lime, and Cocchi Americano.

For those who prefer a beach atmosphere, the Rockaway Hotel has its take on the Honey Deuce. For an extravagant experience, the Baccarat Hotel offers a “Crystal Courtside Dining” experience for $225 per person, inclusive of two cocktails.

Alternatively, LGBT-friendly spots like Singers in Brooklyn and Cubbyhole in the West Village offer their take on the cocktail, allowing patrons to enjoy the games while sipping their drinks.

For a full experience or to create your own version at home, see the recipe provided.

Sabrina Carpenter has made waves recently as she partners with the renowned whiskey brand, Johnnie Walker. This collaboration comes on the heels of her latest album, "Man’s Best Friend," launched on August 29, 2025.

Through this partnership, Carpenter introduces a range of unique cocktails crafted by her, aimed at energizing fans of legal drinking age. The collaboration will showcase exclusive content, reflecting the playful spirit of her new musical direction. Notably, this global campaign features visuals shot by video director JJ Stratford and photographer Bryce Anderson, set to debut during the concluding part of her "Sweet ‘n Short" tour starting in October 2025.

Fans attending select shows will be treated to Carpenter’s signature drinks, including a Manhattan and a whisky sour, designed to complement her performances. Stratford remarked on Carpenter’s evolution, highlighting her transition into a more confident phase while maintaining her inherent charm.

This partnership is distinctive as it marks the first time Johnnie Walker is collaborating in such a way, aiming to redefine the experience of enjoying whisky. John Williams, Global Head of Whiskeys at Diageo, expressed enthusiasm regarding Carpenter’s addition to the Johnnie Walker family, noting her connection with a younger audience and the influence music has on personal journeys.

Carpenter noted this collaboration is a celebration of boldness and purpose as she explores new horizons in her career. Johnnie Walker, a brand celebrated in over 160 countries, remains the most popular Scotch whisky globally, with nearly 19 million cases sold per year.

Alongside the partnership, Carpenter’s new album is also receiving significant acclaim, with fans praising every track. The project, produced by Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, features the lead single "Manchild," which achieved the top spot on Billboard Hot 100 and made waves internationally.

For further details on the collaboration and Carpenter’s new album, check out the following links:

• Sabrina Carpenter’s new album
• Chinese animated film tops box office

The origins of whiskey have often been debated, with Scotland, Ireland, and other European regions each laying claim to this beloved spirit. Regardless of its birthplace, whiskey has grown immensely popular around the globe, each culture embracing its smoky, aged qualities in unique ways.

Different countries have developed their own customs for enjoying whiskey, each showcasing distinctive styles and mixers. For instance, in Scotland, whiskey is traditionally enjoyed neat, free from ice or mixers, allowing drinkers to appreciate its raw flavors. The practice emphasizes an appreciation for the spirit in its most natural state, sometimes with just a drop of water to enhance flavor.

In Ireland, the addition of water is common, as it helps unlock the spirit’s rich flavors by increasing the presence of guaiacol, an aromatic oil derived from the wood barrels used during aging. This approach continues to highlight the essence of whiskey while offering a different tasting experience.

Conversely, in Spain, whiskey is typically enjoyed late at night, aligning with the country’s late-night culture. Spaniards often drink whiskey between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., extending whiskey enjoyment into the early hours as part of their vibrant nightlife.

Japanese drinking customs elevate whiskey into a social experience. A drink called mizuwari combines whiskey with ample water and ice, making it a refreshing cocktail ideal for social gatherings. The Japanese also popularized the ice ball, which adds an aesthetic and functional element to the drink.

In India, it’s common to mix whiskey with tonic water, a reflection of local preferences and the widespread availability of tonic in the region. This combination allows for a sweet yet complex profile that resonates with Indian tastes.

Whiskey drinking habits in France reflect the country’s serious approach to beverages, where whiskey consumption per capita surpasses even that of traditional drinks like Champagne. In this land of culinary marvels, whiskey aficionados indulge in it abundantly, appreciating its robust flavors.

The Italians enjoy whiskey as a digestif after meals, a practice rooted in the historical merging of Scottish influence and local traditions. For them, whiskey provides warmth and aids digestion after rich culinary experiences.

Brazilian drinkers add coconut water to whiskey, enhancing the spirit with tropical flavors and electrolytes that manage the effects of alcohol. This refreshing mix showcases Brazil’s vibrant cocktail culture.

In Mexico, the spirit known as Pox is gaining popularity, representing a unique local distillate that offers a different take on whiskey-like beverages. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, high inflation has made imported whiskey extremely expensive, shifting preferences towards rum.

Chinese drinkers have embraced whiskey mixed with green tea, creating a refreshing cocktail that respects both beverage traditions. This pairing has become increasingly popular in cocktail bars in Hong Kong.

Finally, London has pushed the boundaries of whiskey consumption with inventive cocktails like the Bacon and Egg Martini, illustrating the city’s penchant for culinary experimentation.

Across the globe, whiskey is more than just a drink; it embodies local culture, tradition, and innovation, making each sip a unique experience reflecting diverse customs and practices.