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Rum is a versatile spirit often misunderstood, typically associated with sugary fruit punches. However, some rums rival the finest Scotch or bourbon. Renowned Master Blender Joy Spence from Appleton Estate recommends five exceptional rum cocktails that showcase the spirit’s full range and complexity, with modern twists from UK bartender Nathan Larkin.

5. Daiquiri

A classic Daiquiri is celebrated for its simplicity and balance of lime and sugar. Joy Spence highlights its historical connection to rum, originating from Cuba.

Recipe:

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

Key to a great Daiquiri is a proper shake. Use a cobbler shaker for better aeration.

4. Mai Tai

The Mai Tai takes its name from the Tahitian phrase meaning “Out of this world.” This cocktail should highlight rum rather than be masked by excessive fruit juices.

Recipe:

• 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

Nathan’s version emphasizes balance and complexity without overpowering additives like pineapple juice.

3. Old Fashioned

Traditionally a bourbon drink, the Old Fashioned surprisingly excels with rum, especially when sweetened with brown sugar.

Recipe:

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

Larkin uses dandelion flowers and roots to enhance the flavor profile, demonstrating the drink’s versatility with varied bitters.

2. Stormy Valley

Inspired by the Dark and Stormy, the Stormy Valley utilizes ginger cordial and carbonated water, allowing for nuanced flavors.

Recipe:

• 50ml Aged Rum
• 10ml Clarified lime juice
• 20ml Ginger cordial
• 70ml Carbonated water
• Lapsang bitters to top

Prepared in batches, this cocktail showcases precision and balance, elevating a classic to a new level.

1. Rum Punch

With roots dating back to the 17th century, the Rum Punch is a historical cocktail often riddled with excess fruit juices.

Recipe:

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

Nathan’s take on the Rum Punch maintains balance and freshness, demonstrating that high-quality ingredients and techniques can transform a classic drink.

These five cocktails illustrate rum’s adaptability and encourage experimentation. Next time you’re choosing a cocktail, consider trying one of these refreshing options that reveal the spirit’s true potential.

According to Russia’s Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation, liquor production saw a significant decrease of 16% in the first half of 2025, a surprising trend given that Russians are reportedly consuming more alcohol than they did in 2024.

Traditionally, vodka is an integral part of Russian culture, used in various social occasions from weddings to funerals. The historical roots of this iconic beverage trace back to its name, derived from the Russian word voda, meaning water.

Despite vodka’s cultural significance, the country is producing less of it. The production fell to 31.38 million decaliters in 2025 from 33.40 million decaliters in 2024. Interestingly, there has been an uptick in consumption of other spirits, including rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila.

Multiple factors contribute to this decline in vodka production. Rising alcohol prices and the ban on Russian alcohol exports to the EU and the US, especially following the Ukraine war, have severely impacted revenues for vodka manufacturers. A report indicated that vodka exports were merely worth $34.6 million in 2024, a stark drop from $168.3 million in 2021.

The increase in minimum pricing for vodka, with the cost of a half-litre bottle going up from $2.99 to $3.49, further exacerbates the issue. Kazakhstan remains the primary market for Russian vodka, accounting for more than 92% of its imports, while China accounts for a mere $1.5 million.

Despite expectations for sales increases in markets like China and Turkey, the trajectory has not met the predictions as vodka faces tougher competition, including from Polish spirit exports now leading the market.

In summary, while Russians are drinking more, the combination of geopolitical issues, market dynamics, and rising prices is leading to a curious paradox in the vodka industry: less production amid higher consumption.

Production of vodka in Russia has significantly declined, despite an increase in overall alcohol consumption. According to the Federal Service for Alcohol Market Regulation, spirits manufacturing fell by over 16 percent in the first half of 2025, with vodka production specifically down by 10.9 percent year-on-year. This dropped from 33.40 million decaliters in 2024 to 31.38 million in 2025.

Alcohol consumption in Russia has risen, with citizens drinking more than at any point in the last eight years, highlighting a shift in preferences toward beverages like rum, whiskey, brandy, and tequila, as noted by Russian financial auditing firm Finexpertisa. In 2024, per capita consumption of these liquors grew by 10.2 percent, overtaking vodka consumption in some regions. Despite this, vodka remains the drink of choice nationwide, constituting 60 percent of annual sales.

The decrease in vodka production is largely attributed to rising prices of alcohol and a ban on alcoholic beverage exports to the EU, U.S., and other nations, a consequence of Western sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This ban has significantly hampered revenue for Russian vodka producers, affecting their overall market stability.

As June comes to a close, New Zealand is gearing up for its annual Rum Month in July, a time to celebrate the spirit with limited-edition cocktails designed to warm the soul during the winter chill. Appleton Estate has partnered with some of the top bars in the country, creating exclusive rum cocktails that you won’t find elsewhere.

From the cozy vibes of underground speakeasies to vibrant neighborhood bars, here are the must-try rum cocktails across the North and South Islands.

North Island Highlights

Sardine, Auckland

Sardine, the drink-savvy sister bar to White and Wong’s, features six rum cocktails for just $20 each, offering a variety to suit every palate.

The Grange, Takapuna

Known for its Grange Signature cocktail, this bar combines Appleton Estate rum with Campari, passionfruit, fresh lime, and egg white for a vibrant and bittersweet experience.

Deadshot, Ponsonby

This bar presents a new Aperitivo Menu, with the Blackbeard’s Fix cocktail mixing Appleton Signature rum with black tea and lemon for a refreshing take.

Bar Mea, Auckland CBD

Bar Mea introduces the Tropical Hummingbird, combining Appleton Estate 8yo rum with Aperol, passionfruit, and a mango foam, available Thursday to Sunday.

Park Hyatt, Auckland CBD

Captain’s Bar offers a refined experience with a bespoke rum flight featuring three Appleton Estate expressions, complemented by flavor-packed pairings.

Panacea, Auckland CBD

This unique bar serves a cocktail called Universally Speaking, featuring Appleton Estate Rum mixed with mango, lychee, and ume sake.

Albert’s Post, Mount Albert

Enjoy the Pineapple Ginger Rumbada, a blend of Appleton Estate Rum served in a hollowed-out pineapple, bringing tropical vibes to Mount Albert.

Nightcar, Auckland CBD

A more intimate setting, Nightcar serves a trio of Appleton Estate cocktails, perfect for pairing with their modern Chinese menu.

The Corner, Remuera

This local favorite presents a bold Old Fashioned, offering a refined twist on a classic cocktail.

Picnicka, Tauranga

Known for island-inspired cocktails, Picnicka serves the Black River Joy, Nassau Sour, and Three Push, One Steer, each packed with depth and creativity.

South Island Highlights

SODA, Queenstown

SODA’s Sunset Sip combines Appleton Estate Signature Rum with Amaro, Graham’s Port, and cinnamon, creating a rich, warming cocktail.

Habana Rum Bar, Queenstown

Tucked away in the laneways, Habana’s Rum Reverie blends Appleton Estate rum with tropical flavors, echoing classic tiki cocktails.

Little Blackwood, Queenstown

Famed for its nightlife, Little Blackwood serves a reimagined Mai Tai using the ultra-rare Appleton Estate 17YO, showcasing a housemade pistachio orgeat.

O.G.B. Christchurch

Offering a mix of vintage vibes and live music, OGB features the Vin Brûlé Tai—a spicy rum blend with mulled wine syrup, alongside two other standout cocktails.

Austin Club, Christchurch

This hidden gem presents the Hokey Pokey Mai Tai, mixing Appleton Estate Rum with a nostalgic Kiwi twist for a unique take on a classic.

Bloody Mary’s, Christchurch

At Bloody Mary’s, enjoy two unique cocktails featuring Appleton Estate 12-Year rum—the savory Butcher’s Pour and the spicy Irie.

For detailed information on participating venues and their unique offerings this Rum Month, visit Appleton Estate.

LQR House Inc. has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with Montauk Distilling Co. to promote its cinnamon-flavored rum. This collaboration aims to enhance brand visibility and boost ecommerce sales through a tailored three-month promotional campaign.

The initiative will utilize LQR House’s marketing expertise, which includes proprietary digital tools, targeted advertising strategies, and an extensive network of influencers. Sean Dollinger, CEO of LQR House, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Montauk Cinnamon Rum’s unique flavor and strong consumer appeal. He emphasized their commitment to delivering specialized marketing services that help emerging and craft spirits brands connect with their target customers.

With this agreement, LQR House continues its mission to support quality beverage brands through data-driven marketing strategies. The campaign will be executed via CWSpirits.com, LQR House’s alcohol marketplace, which specializes in providing a diverse selection of premium spirits.

LQR House is committed to reshaping the online alcohol purchasing experience, demonstrating measurable success in sales through its strategic marketing efforts. This partnership represents an important step for both companies in capturing consumer interest in innovative spirits.

For more information on LQR House and their initiatives, you can visit CWSpirits.com.

In Key West, a place once frequented by Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s, the legacy of the legendary writer continues to thrive, particularly through a beloved cocktail: the Hemingway daiquiri. Known for his adventurous spirit, Hemingway often engaged in boxing, fishing, and clandestine drinking during Prohibition, traits that exemplified his dynamic lifestyle, reflected in his literary contributions like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "To Have and Have Not."

Hemingway’s influence is celebrated today in various ways, including his former home, the Hemingway Rum Company producing Papa’s Pilar Rum, and the annual Hemingway Days festival, which features a look-alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s, a bar he often frequented. The Hemingway daiquiri, originally crafted at El Floridita in Havana, Cuba, has since become a staple at Bar 1, located at the Key West Cooking School.

The Hemingway daiquiri is distinctively characterized by its bold flavor, made from white rum, citrus juices, and maraschino liqueur, intentionally avoiding the sweetness of a traditional daiquiri—reflecting Hemingway’s personal taste preference. Alongside this iconic drink, Bar 1 also offers other rum-based specialties like the Rum Runner and Key West Sunset.

In anticipation of National Daiquiri Day on July 19, visitors are encouraged to raise a glass at Bar 1, celebrating Hemingway’s memory with the cocktail that pays homage to his life and legacy in Key West. To craft your own Hemingway daiquiri at home, combine white rum, fresh lime and grapefruit juices, maraschino liqueur, and ice in a shaker, shaking until chilled and straining into a glass devoid of ice.

For an even bolder flavor, consider using an aged rum instead of a light rum to enhance the complexity of the drink.

Indian social media is abuzz with comparisons between Brad Pitt’s latest film "F1" and the 2007 Bollywood movie "Ta Ra Rum Pum," starring Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji. The excitement surrounding "F1," which explores the world of Formula One racing, has led many Indian netizens to reminisce about "Ta Ra Rum Pum," a film that follows the journey of an aspiring professional car racer who faces hardships.

Director Siddharth Anand, who helmed "Ta Ra Rum Pum," contributed to the ongoing conversation by tweeting about his own film, expressing fondness for it. Social media commentary has ranged from playful to nostalgic, with users praising "Ta Ra Rum Pum" and arguing for its supremacy in the racing genre. As comparisons emerge, users highlight memorable lines and themes, humorously defending the Bollywood film against the global allure of "F1."

While "F1" portrays a fallen driver brought back to racing by a struggling team, "Ta Ra Rum Pum" tells a story of resilience following a tragic accident. Interestingly, the two films differ significantly in plot and execution, but the cultural impact of "Ta Ra Rum Pum" continues to resonate strongly with fans, making it a beloved classic in Bollywood racing cinema.

Related Links:

• Akshay Kumar & Saif Ali Khan to reunite for a new thriller
• Kareena Kapoor on sons witnessing Saif Ali Khan’s incident

I-10 East was shut down on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge just past Whiskey Bay due to a crash, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD). The incident occurred before 4 p.m., forcing vehicles to use the right shoulder to navigate around the blockage. By around 5:15 p.m., all lanes were reopened.

DOTD officials noted significant traffic backups and advised drivers to seek alternate routes, especially since many were traveling back after the Fourth of July holiday. It is currently unclear if there were any injuries from the crash, and the cause is still under investigation.

The City of Prescott has recently shared a list of frequently asked questions about the proposed Plaza Hotel on Whiskey Row, which is set for a review by the City Council on Tuesday, July 8. The Q&A was posted on the city’s Facebook page on July 1.

The council meeting will be held at 3 p.m. at Prescott City Hall, located at 201 N. Montezuma Street, in the first-floor council chambers. Developer Jim Griset initially proposed the hotel project in August 2023, but the Prescott Preservation Commission denied his request to demolish the existing buildings at 136, 138, and 140 S. Montezuma Street, which would make way for a new four-story boutique hotel.

For further details, visit the city’s official Facebook page or the relevant news article.

The 2025 International Whiskey Competition recently awarded the title of the world’s best whiskey to Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Single Cask Strength Single Malt Whisky, crafted in Taiwan. This whiskey outperformed all other competitors globally, achieving an impressive score of 97.04.

Judges assessed various whiskey entries, including bourbons and Scotches, in a rigorous double-blind taste test, where they knew neither the names nor the origins of the submissions. Max Solano, the competition director, highlighted that each whiskey is evaluated solely on its own merits.

The International Whiskey Competition stands apart by limiting its awards to gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category. This approach encourages distillers to submit only their finest products, ensuring high-quality results across the board. Solano noted a notable trend in submissions this year, with increased emphasis on experimental distilling, innovative barrel treatments, and contributions from previously underrepresented regions.

The intricate flavor profile of Kavalan’s award-winning whiskey impressed the judges. Adam Edmondson, the Master of Whiskey for the competition, described the whiskey’s nose as bursting with notes of mango, apricot, and grilled pineapple, complemented by layers of almonds, dried figs, and oak spice. The palate is characterized by rich plum, brandied cherries, and dark chocolate, leading to a finish marked by coffee, sandalwood, and dried citrus.

In addition to winning Whiskey of the Year, Kavalan Distillery was recognized as "Distillery of the Year," and its head of R&D, Zerose Yang, was named "Master Distiller of the Year." The distillery had multiple whiskeys ranking in the top tier of rated entries, including the Solist Manzanilla Sherry and Solist Palo Cortado, which scored 95.78 and 95.68, respectively. Solano emphasized that Kavalan’s achievements illustrate the potential of modern Taiwanese whiskey, merging traditional techniques with innovative approaches.

For more information, visit the International Whiskey Competition and explore the Kavalan Distillery.