Liquor-articles 1851

Hot Buttered Rum is a drink that resonates with comfort and warmth, especially during the chill of winter. While the combination of hot water and rum may seem typical, the addition of butter brings a surprising richness that transforms it into a velvety experience.

For newcomers, the idea of including butter in a drink can be puzzling. However, this unconventional ingredient significantly enhances the overall flavor, similar to how milk or cream in coffee adds depth. Once stirred, the butter integrates into the mixture, but it’s perfectly acceptable if it floats on top for a while; just give it a stir when you’re ready to sip.

The origins of Hot Buttered Rum trace back to early American settlers who combined rum with warming spices, creating a hearty beverage meant to stave off the cold. This drink not only gives warmth but also comfort, making it a historical staple during long, dark winters.

Most recipes suggest creating a "compound butter" well in advance, which can be a cumbersome process. Luckily, you can craft a delightful version of Hot Buttered Rum with common ingredients found in your kitchen, combined in a single serving without any fuss.

Recipe for Hot Buttered Rum

• Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. aged rum
  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tsp. brown sugar
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Half-pinch of ground cloves
  • 6 oz. hot water

• Instructions:

  1. Pre-warm your mug by filling it with hot water for about 30 seconds before pouring it out.
  2. Add the butter, rum, brown sugar, and spices directly into the mug.
  3. Pour hot water over the mixture and stir well to combine.
  4. Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick or a touch of freshly grated nutmeg.

Additional Notes

• The rum should be aged for a rounder flavor. While variations using whiskey might work, rum typically complements the buttery richness better.
• The use of brown sugar enhances the drink’s depth, though other sugars can be experimented with.
• Feel free to add other flavors, such as honey liqueur or walnut liqueur, for a twist on the classic.

Hot Buttered Rum not only warms the body but also serves as a reminder of the simple joys throughout history, embodying comfort and indulgence in every sip. So next time the winter chill sets in, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and enjoy this velvety, spiced delight.

Leftovers is our exploration of the latest product ideas, blending creativity and uniqueness in the culinary world. While some concepts captivate our imagination, others leave us questioning their viability. Here are a few noteworthy highlights emerging from recent trends.

Salty and Sweet Fusion with Ritz

Ritz has joined the growing trend of combining sweet and salty flavors with the introduction of its new Drizzled Mini crackers. These innovative snacks feature the classic buttery flavor of Ritz, enhanced with drizzles of either fudge or caramel on both sides. This development aligns with findings from Global Growth Insights, indicating that nearly two-thirds of consumers favor snacks that blend these contrasting profiles.

Madeline Vincent from Mondelēz noted, "With innovations like Drizzled Minis, we’re building on that signature taste while engaging with the sweet-and-salty trend that many consumers love." The new crackers are designed for those seeking a more indulgent and portable snack option during their daily routines, catering to the rising demand for such treat-like formats.

In 2026, Ritz plans to continue innovating while remaining faithful to its foundational flavors. The brand has recently introduced adventurous offerings, including Ritz Hot Honey and Ritz Toasted Chips Sweet Habanero, as part of a broader strategy to enhance its status in the savory snack market.

Stoli Vodka’s Bold New Flavor

Stoli is set to launch its latest flavor: Halapeño Pepper Vodka, specifically crafted to enhance Bloody Mary cocktails. This product, produced in Louisiana, embodies the region’s vibrant food culture known for its spicy, robust flavors. Stoli aims to tap into the increasing consumer interest in spicy flavors as the cocktail scene evolves.

Marina Troyanovskaya, Stoli’s CMO, stated, "With the rising demand for spicy cocktails, STOLI Halapeño Pepper was developed to be the ultimate spicy vodka for a next-level Bloody Mary." This introduction marks Stoli’s return to innovation following recent challenges, with the brand looking to capitalize on consumer preferences for bold tastes.

Laird Superfood’s Renewed Focus

Laird Superfood is reformulating its liquid creamers to include organic ingredients, such as organic coconut milk and vanilla extract, along with its signature Lion’s Mane mushroom known for its health benefits. The launch coincides with new flavors of hydration powders, which incorporate nutrient-rich red marine algae to provide added health benefits.

The company’s recent moves signify a response to the increasing consumer demand for functional foods that complement healthier lifestyles. Laird’s sales have grown, illustrating a successful shift toward health-conscious product offerings that resonate well with today’s market trends.

These product introductions reflect a broader shift in consumer preferences towards innovative, health-driven, and flavorful options, highlighting the dynamic nature of the food and beverage industry.

It’s hard to believe Christmas is just around the corner. The approaching holiday season often comes with its fair share of stress, as individuals scramble to find last-minute gifts, plan family gatherings, and deal with the onslaught of holiday expectations. For many, a way to alleviate this tension is through the soothing sounds of classic Christmas music.

Country music has produced some timeless holiday tracks, like Dolly Parton’s "Hard Candy Christmas," Merle Haggard’s poignant "If We Make It Through December," and Tyler Childers’ lesser-known gem “Luke 2:8-10.” Yet, one standout in this genre is Robert Earl Keen’s "Merry Christmas from the Family," which has defined Christmas in Texas since its release on his 1994 album, Gringo Honeymoon.

Keen’s song presents a hilarious and somewhat chaotic portrayal of a dysfunctional family gathering during the holidays. Captured in vivid detail, the lyrics recount the antics of family members sharing awkward moments, including a drunken Christmas party and unexpected guests. It serves as a comedic commentary that many can relate to, echoing the beloved themes found in festive classics like Christmas Vacation.

This cherished track gained even broader recognition when Montgomery Gentry covered it in 2000, introducing it to a wider audience.

Recent fans of Keen’s work can discover a remarkable acoustic rendition by Cody Cannon, the frontman of Whiskey Myers. Released on the band’s YouTube channel, Cannon’s cover showcases his versatility, making it a delightful listen for anyone looking to embrace the holiday spirit through the lens of country music.

For those who appreciate both the original and its cover, this rendition offers a refreshing take on a classic, underscoring the timeless nature of Keen’s storytelling.

Watch Cody Cannon’s cover here.

Tanduay Distillers Inc., a prominent name in the Philippines’ liquor industry, has taken a significant step towards expanding its presence in Europe by entering into a distribution agreement with Bastard Spirits, a Danish boutique distributor. This partnership aims to increase Tanduay’s market share in Denmark by utilizing Bastard Spirits’ extensive customer network which includes specialty wine and spirits shops, online retailers, and various on-trade channels.

As consumer preferences shift, the brand is keen to tap into the rising interest in rum among younger Danish consumers, particularly as gin consumption is reportedly declining. Tanduay’s approach aligns with these trends, making their products particularly appealing to women and younger demographics who are increasingly embracing the rum category.

Bastard Spirits, established in 2021, operates within Denmark’s regulated alcohol market and is focused on premium spirits. Jesper Kjaer, an international sales manager at Bastard Spirits, noted that Tanduay’s offerings stood out for their diversity and pricing. He highlighted the potential of Tanduay’s 10-Year-Old Rum to engage a wide range of consumers, while the Overproof variant is expected to attract seasoned rum enthusiasts.

This strategic move marks another step in Tanduay’s goal to widen its international footprint, responding to growing global interest in rum and diversifying its audience within Europe.

Mai-Kai, the iconic Polynesian dining destination in Oakland Park, has expanded its offerings with the launch of its own rum, named Mai-Kai Old Style Special Rum Number 1. This new spirit can be purchased at the restaurant’s gift shop, bringing a unique twist to their already vibrant experience.

Pia Dahlquist, the restaurant’s public relations director, shares how this venture began after the previous rum they used, Dagger Rum from Jamaica, was discontinued. The Mai-Kai was known for its signature cocktails that utilized this rum, leading to a noticeable shift in flavor when they had to find a replacement. The team embarked on a multi-year quest to create a rum that would closely replicate the taste of its predecessor, and they finally succeeded with the new Mai-Kai Rum.

Available for $75 per liter or $400 for a case of six, the rum is a full-bodied 100 proof that makes for both excellent mixers and enjoyable shots. The tasting notes reveal a complex profile, featuring aromas of banana and toasted oak, with a finish reminiscent of fruit cake and brown butter.

This release follows a significant renovation worth over $20 million, aimed at revitalizing the Mai-Kai experience, complete with a redesigned venue, new stage shows, and updated menus. For more details, customers can contact the Mai-Kai at 954-563-3272 or visit maikairum.com.

For years, efforts to address climate change have largely centered around reducing fossil fuel use. However, as of 2025, innovative strategies that involve unconventional approaches to carbon capture are gaining attention. With global emissions at record levels in 2024 and average temperatures consistently exceeding critical thresholds, a new plan is essential.

Prominent climate scientists are now advocating for adopting carbon capture techniques, believing we will need to eliminate around a trillion tonnes of CO2 by the end of the century. Instead of purely focusing on reducing emissions, it’s become clear that capturing existing greenhouse gases is a crucial part of fighting climate change.

The standard methods of capturing CO2 have often included initiatives like tree planting, which may not capture enough carbon quickly enough for current needs. A 2024 report from Oxford’s Net Zero program has highlighted new methods that involve injecting captured CO2 into geological formations like volcanic rocks.

Here are some unconventional carbon capture ideas that could make a difference:

1. Injecting Volcanic Rocks

The Orca plant in Iceland, the world’s first large-scale facility employing direct air capture (DAC) technology, is actively sucking in CO2 from the atmosphere. When captured, this CO2 is mixed with water before being injected into volcanic rocks deep underground, where it can solidify and remain trapped permanently.

2. Abandoned Salt Mines

Engineers in China are eyeing old salt mines as potential sites for storing CO2 produced by heavy industrial emissions. These caverns, if repurposed correctly, could potentially contain significant amounts of CO2 and mitigate emissions from industries prolific in the region.

3. Whales, Dead or Alive

Whales could play an unexpected role in carbon capture. By storing substantial amounts of carbon over their 100+ year lifespans and contributing to marine ecosystems through their death, which supports deep-sea carbon storage, whales are being studied as a natural solution for capturing CO2.

4. Vodka and Tonic

In a surprising twist, some beverage producers are sourcing CO2 from power plant emissions for their drinks. This approach captures CO2 but raises concerns about its long-term fate, as carbon can quickly return to the atmosphere after consumption.

5. In the Walls

Efforts to incorporate CO2 into concrete production aim to create carbon-negative materials. By modifying how concrete is made, researchers are exploring ways to reduce emissions associated with traditional concrete while potentially utilizing captured CO2.

6. Painting Projects

Recent innovations in paint technology have introduced approaches that utilize microorganisms to absorb CO2 from the air. These "living paints" could potentially help reduce overall emissions if widely adopted in building projects.

These emerging solutions represent a crucial shift in our approach to climate change. As traditional methods have fallen short, incorporating these innovative techniques may be vital for addressing the ongoing crisis.

Hot Buttered Rum is a classic cocktail that brings warmth and comfort during the holiday season. Made with dark rum, hot water, and a spiced butter batter, it’s easy to create and offers a nostalgic touch. Niko Imbert, senior vice president at Bon Vivants in the Bahamas, highlights this drink as a festive way to slow down and savor the holidays, while Aaron Kim from NYC’s 53 calls it the “liquid equivalent of a cozy fireside blanket.”

The rum you choose plays a crucial role in the drink’s flavor profile. Bartenders from across the country shared their top picks for the best rums to enhance this holiday delight.

Rum Selections for Hot Buttered Rum

1. Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum

   • Selected by Aaron Kim, this rum combines the depth of dark aged rum with a subtle coconut flavor, enhancing the cocktail’s richness.

2. Smith & Cross Traditional Jamaican Rum

   • Alec Gropman favors this for its high proof and funky flavor, noting that it cuts through butter and spices for balance.

3. Coconut Cartel Rum

   • Niko Imbert prefers this for its coconut-forward profile, which adds a tropical touch to the traditional drink.

4. Chairman’s Reserve Original Rum

   • Kim recommends this Saint Lucia rum for its complex flavors of caramelized fruit and vanilla, perfect for a sophisticated Hot Buttered Rum.

5. Diplomático Reserva

   • Erin Green keeps this aged rum on hand for its harmonious notes of orange peel and toffee, which work well with the drink’s rich ingredients.

6. Ten to One Dark Rum

   • Luis Hernandez describes this Jamaican pot still rum as ideal, especially when paired with brown butter for added depth.

7. Planteray’s 20th Anniversary XO Rum

   • Imbert also enjoys this rum for the rich blend of flavors it contributes to the cocktail.

8. Bacardi Ocho

   • Hemant Pathak opts for this aged rum due to its mellow flavor, ensuring the cocktail maintains balance and doesn’t become too sweet.

9. Ron Zacapa 23 Centenario Rum

   • Aliz Meszesi favors rich, aged dark rums like Zacapa, which contribute warm, dessert-like notes to the drink.

Each of these rums brings a unique element, making Hot Buttered Rum a versatile cocktail for holiday gatherings. Whether entertaining family or friends, selecting the right rum can elevate this classic drink, providing warmth and celebration with every sip.

My Rum Rum Rudolph is an exciting twist on the classic Rum & Coke that brings festive flavor to your drink.

Ingredients

• 1 rosemary sprig
• 1 maraschino cherry
• Ice
• 4 oz. Coca-Cola
• 2 oz. white or dark rum
• 1 1/2 oz. tart cherry juice

Directions

1. Cut the rosemary sprig into two 2-inch pieces, stripping the leaves from the bottom half. Poke two holes in the maraschino cherry using a toothpick, then insert the rosemary sprigs into each hole. Finally, skew the toothpick through the cherry to secure it while avoiding the pit.

2. Fill a Collins glass with ice and add Coca-Cola, rum, and tart cherry juice. Stir gently to combine, then garnish with the prepared cherry.

This refreshing drink is a perfect holiday treat that is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

Still Austin Whiskey Co. has unveiled its latest creation, the Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey, designed for those who appreciate the rich pairing of bourbon with cigars. This limited-edition whiskey boasts a strength of 107.5 proof and is crafted from a unique blend of blue, red, and white corn.

With a maturation period of at least six years in charred American oak barrels, this bourbon stands out due to its meticulous selection of ingredients, overseen by Master Blender Nancy Fraley and Master Distiller John Schrepel. Unlike many cigar blends that are finished in distinct barrels such as cognac or sherry, the Tanager Cigar Blend emphasizes the quality of its whiskey and the local Texas terroir.

The tasting experience begins with an inviting nose filled with notes of manuka honey, toasted coconut, marzipan, herbal tea, and cherries. On the palate, drinkers will encounter flavors of dried cherries, butterscotch, and candied grapefruit, rounded off with spice and herbal accents in the finish.

Released on December 6, 2025, the Tanager Cigar Blend Bourbon Whiskey is priced at $150 for a 750ml bottle. It’s available for purchase directly from Still Austin’s distillery and select retailers across Texas. This whiskey is expected to be a delightful addition to holiday gatherings for those who enjoy fine spirits.

Nothing embodies the holiday spirit like eggnog, a rich, creamy cocktail infused with spices and often elevated with a splash of alcohol. For many, homemade eggnog surpasses store-bought varieties, but selecting the right alcohol can be daunting. Traditionally, whiskey, rum, brandy, and Cognac are popular choices, but bartenders suggest that a combination of spirits can lead to a more complex and flavorful drink.

Liz Kelley, the lead bartender at New Orleans’ Cure, creates an eggnog with bourbon and chicory liqueur. The bourbon adds depth while the chicory provides a unique twist. She emphasizes the importance of balancing flavors in eggnog and recommends experimenting with different spirit blends.

For those looking to craft the perfect eggnog this Christmas, here are eight bartender-recommended spirits:

1. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
   This whiskey is versatile and combines ages in ex-bourbon barrels and rum casks, producing notes of caramel and toffee that complement eggnog beautifully.

2. Boann Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Marsala Cask
   Aged in bourbon barrels and finished in Marsala casks, this whiskey introduces a blend of honey, vanilla, and subtle spice, making it ideal for rich eggnog.

3. Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
   Known for its depth, this rum is triple-aged, offering elegance and subtle flavors of cacao and spices that balance out the creaminess of eggnog.

4. Reposado Tequila
   While often overlooked, reposado tequila brings warm notes of vanilla and caramel, elevating the traditional eggnog flavor profile.

5. Gonzalez Byass Sherry Vermouth
   Adding sherry vermouth introduces a beautiful texture and spice, enhancing the flavors of whichever spirits are combined with it.

6. Macallan 12-Year Single Malt Scotch
   This Scotch has complex flavors of cinnamon and gingersnap, adding a malt backbone and rich taste to your eggnog.

7. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac
   This cognac enhances eggnog with its fruity, velvety qualities, bringing richness and brightness to the mix.

8. Valdespino Tio Diego Amontillado Sherry
   Adding this sherry provides nutty undertones and complements the spices typically found in eggnog, contributing to a well-rounded flavor experience.

With these expert suggestions, you can switch up your eggnog game this holiday season and impress your guests with a personalized twist on the classic drink.