A well-crafted tropical cocktail transports you to paradise, embodying relaxation and enjoyment. These drinks trace their origins to the 20th century, specifically to the creation of Don the Beachcomber in 1934. Founded by Donn Beach in Hollywood, this bar combined Polynesian decor with inventive rum-based cocktails, quickly capturing the interest of the elite. His approach inspired contemporaries like Trader Vic, establishing a rich tropical mixology tradition.

Beyond their beachy aesthetics, the best tropical cocktails boast rich histories and meticulous crafting. Renowned bartenders today, such as Martin Cate and Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, continue to evolve these storied recipes, making tropical cocktails more delicious and popular than ever.

Here are some iconic tropical cocktails you should know:

1. Original 1944 Mai Tai

A cherished classic from Trader Vic’s, the Mai Tai features aged rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and orgeat syrup. This drink highlights the rum’s flavor and is garnished with mint and lime.

Get the Recipe

2. Jungle Bird

This cocktail blends Jamaican rum with Campari, pineapple juice, lime, and simple syrup, merging tropical sweetness with citrus bitterness.

Get the Recipe

3. Fog Cutter

Featuring light rum, gin, Cognac, and a mixture of fresh juices and orgeat syrup, this drink is both refreshing and complex.

Get Recipe

4. Daiquirí Clásico

A simple yet perfect blend of rum, lime, and sugar, showcasing the balance and skill in cocktail making.

Get the Recipe

5. Kingston Club

This modern cocktail combines Fernet-Branca, Drambuie, pineapple juice, and lime, topped with soda water for a refreshing twist.

Get the Recipe

6. Corn ‘n Oil

A flavorful mix of aged rum, falernum, lime juice, and bitters from Barbados, producing a comforting yet vibrant drink.

Get the Recipe

7. Suffering Bastard

Originally intended to revive weary soldiers, this drink features a base of gin and brandy, enhanced with ginger beer and lime.

Get the Recipe

8. Queen’s Park Swizzle

Combining rum, lime, sugar, mint, and bitters, this Trinidadian drink promises a refreshing escape.

Get the Recipe

9. Three Dots and a Dash

This cocktail, named after the Morse code for "victory," mixes various rums with falernum, honey syrup, and juices, garnished with cherries.

Get the Recipe

10. Jet Pilot

A powerful blend of rums with citrus and falernum, bringing mid-century cocktail culture back to life.

Get the Recipe

11. Navy Grog

Combining various rums with citrus and honey, this cocktail balances sweetness with a refreshing finish.

Get the Recipe

12. Piña Colada

This well-known drink features pineapple, coconut, and rum, evoking the essence of the Caribbean.

Get the Recipe

13. Saturn

Combining gin with tropical flavors, this frozen delight offers a refreshing alternative within the genre.

Get the Recipe

14. Blue Hawaii

A vibrant blend of vodka, rum, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice, accompanied by the iconic mini umbrella.

Get the Recipe

15. Painkiller

Mixing rum with pineapple and orange juices and creamy coconut, this cocktail captures summertime bliss.

Get the Recipe

16. Hotel Nacional Cocktail

This 1930s Cuban classic weaves rum, apricot liqueur, and pineapple into a delightful combination.

Get the Recipe

Embark on a journey through these storied beverages, each representing a unique blend of tradition and creativity in tropical cocktail crafting.

August 16 marks National Rum Day, and to celebrate, Maranda Maddox at Gaylord Opryland demonstrated how to craft a classic Hemingway daiquiri. This cocktail, known for its refreshing taste, pays homage to the renowned author Ernest Hemingway, who was known to enjoy a good drink.

For Rum Day enthusiasts, this is an opportunity not only to savor the delightful flavors of the Hemingway daiquiri but also to explore various recipes and cocktails featuring rum. If you have a unique recipe to share, reaching out to the blog or community may be an exciting way to both contribute and discover new favorites.

For more details on this celebration and the recipes featured, you can visit NewsChannel 5.

When you think of Nashville, whiskey and beer likely come to mind as the go-to beverages. However, the recent emergence of local rum options is changing the landscape, with Trovador rum leading the way. This Nashville-crafted rum, inspired by the Cuban-American heritage of Raul Malo, the frontman of The Mavericks, has brought a refreshing spirit to the city’s drink offerings.

What is Rum?

Rum is a distilled liquor made from sugarcane byproducts such as molasses or juice. The drink originated in the Caribbean during the 17th century and is produced in various grades, covering dark, amber, and light variations. While dark rums are best enjoyed straight or on the rocks, light rums typically shine in cocktails.

The Origins of the Name ‘Rum’

The precise etymology of "rum" is uncertain, with several amusing theories. Some suggest the word may derive from "rumbustion," a 17th-century term for uproar. Others point to "rummer," a Dutch term for drinking glasses. Regardless of its origins, rum gained popularity quickly, with both colonial and pirate associations leading to its notoriety.

Nelson’s Blood

An entertaining piece of rum history is the nickname “Nelson’s Blood,” tied to British Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. After his death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, some sailors believed his body was stored in a cask of rum, leading to stories of sailors drinking from the cask, further entwining rum with naval folklore.

Trovador Rum: Nashville’s Newest Spirit

Trovador Rum is a unique addition to Nashville’s beverage scene. Its production is inspired by the cultural legacies of Raul Malo, making it a drink infused with musical heritage. Trovador offers a clean and crisp spirit perfect for cocktails like the traditional daiquiri or enjoyed simply over ice.

Finding Rum in Nashville

Local establishments are embracing this new spirit. For instance, Woodland Wine Merchant carries a variety of rums, ensuring you find the perfect option for your cocktails. For mixed drinks in a vibrant atmosphere, check out the Rum Room at Riddim N’ Spice, where the ambiance matches the bright flavors of rum.

For those looking to try Trovador, top spots include:

• Martha My Dear: Famous for the “Monica, Mi Compa” cocktail with Trovador Rum.
• Maiz de la Vida: Known for their refreshing Frojito.
• Folk: Offers the Thai Tai, blending Trovador with unique flavors.

Nashville’s cocktail scene is expanding, and with Trovador leading the charge for local rum, there’s no better time to explore this delightful spirit. Cheers!

For the recent Victory Day parade in May, Moscow showcased wines from southern Russia and Crimea, the Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014. The selection of these wines was purposeful, as President Vladimir Putin stressed that “only Russian wines” were served during the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian wine production has surged by 25%, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Although wine contributes modestly to the Russian economy, this increase plays a significant role in Putin’s broader strategy to promote economic self-sufficiency, aiming to counteract the effects of Western sanctions and to revitalize a struggling economy.

Currently, wine production is at its highest in a decade, with over a third of it originating from the Krasnodar region along the Black Sea. Domestic consumption has risen as well, reaching 8.1 million hectolitres, equivalent to more than 1 billion bottles in 2024.

In stark contrast, vodka production—the drink most synonymous with Russia—has witnessed a decline, dropping by 26.3% to 7.6 million hectolitres last year. This represents the lowest vodka output in nearly a decade, although it still equates to about seven bottles annually for every Russian, including children.

However, the booming sales of domestic wines present a double-edged sword for Moscow. This growth is partly driven by sanctions that have restricted the availability of many Western wines from supermarket shelves and restaurant menus in Russia. In response, last year, the Russian government raised tariffs on wines from countries deemed “unfriendly,” including the US and major European wine producers, doubling the duties to 25%.

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is known for its vibrant party scene, prominently featuring iconic cocktails and mixed drinks that are synonymous with local celebrations. Tourists flock to New Orleans to soak in the nightlife of the French Quarter, while residents enjoy festive drinks during tailgating, hurricane parties, and Mardi Gras festivities.

To promote local businesses, Louisiana has introduced the Louisiana Libations Trail pass, a fun initiative allowing people aged 21 and older to explore local distilleries, breweries, and wineries while earning prizes.

Louisiana’s distilleries produce a variety of spirits, utilizing local ingredients like sugarcane, corn, and various botanicals. Here’s a list of notable distilleries producing liquors across the state:

• 1827 Spirits – Located in Vidalia, offering rum and moonshine.
• Atelier Vie – Based in New Orleans, specializing in single malt, rum, brandy, rice whiskey, gin, and vodka.
• Bayou Rum Distillery – Situated in Lacassine, focusing on rum production.
• Distillerie Acadian – Found in New Iberia, known for gin, vodka, and whiskey.
• NOLA Distillery – Based in New Orleans, produces bourbon and vodka.
• Oxbow Rum Distillery – Located in Baton Rouge, offering rum.
• Sugarfield Spirits Co. – Based in Gonzales, known for rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka.

These distilleries exemplify Louisiana’s dedication to crafting unique spirits that showcase local flavors and culture, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the state’s rich distilling heritage.

Louisiana is well-known for its vibrant party culture, especially in New Orleans, where iconic cocktails and mixed drinks are a staple of the nightlife. Tourists flock to the French Quarter to experience this festive atmosphere, while locals enjoy their share of drinks during tailgating events, hurricane parties, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

To enhance visitor experiences, the state offers a Louisiana Libations Trail pass, enabling adults 21 and over to explore local distilleries, breweries, and wineries while earning prizes throughout their journey.

Louisiana is home to a variety of spirits crafted from local ingredients like sugarcane, corn, and unique botanicals. Here’s a list of distilleries in the state producing an array of liquors:

• 1827 Spirits – Based in Vidalia, producing rum and moonshine.
• Atelier Vie – Based in New Orleans, offering single malt, rum, brandy, rice whiskey, gin, and vodka.
• Bayou Rum Distillery – Located in Lacassine, specializing in rum.
• Bayou Terrebonne Distilleries – Based in Houma, producing whiskey, bourbon, and rum.
• Distillerie Acadian – Located in New Iberia, offering gin, vodka, and whiskey.
• Galvez Rum – Based in Jackson, specializing in rum.
• Laissez Versez – Located in Baton Rouge, producing whiskey.
• Lula Restaurant Distillery – Based in New Orleans, specializing in vodka, rum, and gin.
• NOËL Family Distillery – Located in Donaldsonville, offering rum, tequila, and vodka.
• NOLA Distillery – Based in New Orleans, specializing in bourbon and vodka.
• Old Alker Distillery – Located in New Orleans, producing bourbon, vodka, gin, and rum.
• Oxbow Rum Distillery – Based in Baton Rouge, specializing in rum.
• River Basin Distillery – Located in New Orleans, producing rye whiskey.
• Roulaison Distilling Co. – Based in New Orleans, specializing in rum.
• Seven Three Distilling Co. – Based in New Orleans, offering gin, rum, bourbon, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka.
• Sugarfield Spirits Co. – Based in Gonzales, specializing in rum, bourbon, gin, and vodka.
• What If Distillery – Located in Baton Rouge, producing vodka, gin, brandy, and whiskey.
• Wildcat Brothers Distilling – Based in Lafayette, specializing in rum.
• Yellowfin Distillery – Located in Sulphur, producing rum and vodka.

Supporting local businesses not only enhances the experience but also contributes to the state’s economy, enriching Louisiana’s cultural and social fabric through its diverse offerings of spirits.

Whiskey stones have surged in popularity as a means to chill beverages without the dilution characteristic of ice. These reusable cubes are available in various materials, shapes, and sizes, ideal not only for whiskey but also for other drinks.

What to Know Before Buying Whiskey Stones

Materials

When choosing whiskey stones, the material significantly influences their effectiveness and safety:

• Soapstone: This nonporous stone does not absorb flavors or odors and is gentle on glassware.
• Granite: Known for its density, granite provides prolonged cooling but poses a risk of scratching glass due to its hardness.
• Stainless Steel: Typically filled with a nontoxic gel for efficient cooling, stainless steel stones chill drinks quickly but can impart a metallic taste.

Shape

Whiskey stones usually feature rounded shapes to prevent glass damage, but novelty options are also available in different designs, adding a fun element to drinks and making for great gifts.

Usage

For optimal performance, whiskey stones should be frozen for at least four hours before use. After freezing, add the stones to your drink and allow a few minutes for cooling. Remember to clean them after use and return them to the freezer.

Choosing Quality Whiskey Stones

• Storage: Quality stones often come with a container to protect them from freezer burn. Look for pouches made from non-absorbent materials.
• Set Size: Depending on size, whiskey stone sets vary, from smaller stones that allow multiple uses to larger stones meant for single servings.
• Engraving: Many sets offer options for engraving, making them personal gifts for occasions like weddings or birthdays.

Price Range

Expect to pay between $10 and $35 for a set of whiskey stones, depending on material and design.

FAQ

Are whiskey stones dishwasher-safe?

• Granite and stainless steel stones can typically be cleaned in a dishwasher, while soapstone should be washed by hand.

How long do whiskey stones last?

• They can last for years with proper care.

Can whiskey stones be microwaved?

• Soapstone and granite stones are safe for microwave use, unlike stainless steel.

Recommended Whiskey Stones

1. Rabbit Jumbo Chilling Stones

   • Description: Large stones that can chill an entire drink with one piece.
   • Considerations: Care should be taken to avoid breaking glass if dropped.

2. Kollea Reusable Ice Cube Whiskey Stones

   • Description: Includes eight stainless steel stones and tongs.
   • Highlights: Nontoxic interior enhances chilling; rounded edges protect glassware.

3. Lazer Girlz Personalized Whiskey Stones

   • Description: Small soapstone stones that can be custom engraved.
   • Highlights: Attractive and unique, perfect for gifts; hand-wash only.

These options ensure you find the right whiskey stones that meet your needs for durability, performance, and style.