The world of rum cocktails is often misunderstood, overshadowed by sugary concoctions; however, the versatility of rum shines in various refined cocktails. Joy Spence, the Master Blender at Appleton Estate and the first woman to hold this title, shares her five favorite rum cocktails, enhanced by modern twists from Nathan Larkin, co-owner of Speak in Code bar in Manchester.

1. Daiquiri

The classic Daiquiri is a staple of rum cocktails, known for its simplicity and perfect balance of lime and sugar. Here’s the modern take from Speak in Code:

• Ingredients:
  • 50ml White Rum
  • 25ml Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 15ml 1:1 sugar syrup
  • 3 drops saline solution (20% non-iodised salt in filtered water)

The key lies in mastering the shake to achieve a silky texture.

2. Mai Tai

Originally meaning “the very best” in Tahitian, a proper Mai Tai should be a balanced reflection of its rum origins, avoiding the common pitfalls of excessive fruitiness. Speak in Code’s version includes:

• Ingredients:
  • 25ml White Rum
  • 10ml Aged Rum
  • 15ml Dry Curacao
  • 5ml Angostura Di Amaro
  • 5ml Overproof Rum
  • 25ml Lime Juice
  • 20ml Smoked Vanilla & Halva Orgeat
  • Grated nutmeg for garnish

This tender balance showcases the rum without overly masking it with sugary additives.

3. Old Fashioned

A surprising contender for a rum-based drink, the Old Fashioned is traditionally a bourbon cocktail. Speak in Code enhances this with dandelion elements:

• Ingredients:
  • 60ml Aged Rum
  • 10ml Dandelion Demerara
  • Dandelion Bitters

The dandelion adds an intriguing layer of flavor, exemplifying how rum accommodates greater experimentation.

4. Stormy Valley

A new interpretation of the Dark and Stormy, this cocktail reflects the essence of Appleton Estate’s Jamaican roots:

• Ingredients:
  • 50ml Aged rum
  • 10ml clarified lime
  • 20ml Ginger cordial
  • 70ml carbonated water
  • Lapsang bitters on top

This variant uses homemade ginger cordial for depth without the overwhelming presence of standard ginger beer.

5. Rum Punch

Dating back to the 17th century, this rum punch pays homage to its origins while elevating the classic recipe:

• Ingredients:
  • 35ml White Rum
  • 10ml Peach wine
  • 5ml Peach blossom distillate
  • 10ml Lime juice
  • 20ml Lacto fermented peach & oats
  • 30ml Pimento spiced pineapple

Larkin’s twist on this classic results in a cocktail that emphasizes balance, highlighting rum’s unique abilities without overwhelming it with sweetness.

These five cocktails illustrate the true spirit of rum’s versatility, demonstrating that with the right ingredients and techniques, this misunderstood spirit can shine in sophisticated ways.