Rum, the beloved spirit enjoyed in tropical cocktails, holds a rich history that originated in the West Indies. On National Rum Day, which falls on August 16th, we celebrate the oldest distilled spirit and pay homage to its roots. Dating back to 1650, records from Barbados mention the production and distillation of rum by African slaves brought to the Caribbean to work in sugarcane plantations. Initially referred to as “kill-devil” or “rumbullion,” the name was eventually shortened to rum by 1667.

What makes rum unique is that it was the first alcohol to be manufactured and distilled purely for pleasure rather than medicinal purposes. Since its early beginnings, rum has evolved into numerous styles produced in dozens of countries, enjoyed by people around the world. Whether sipped in a classic tropical cocktail or enjoyed neat over ice, rum continues to be a favorite among many.

One notable tropical cocktail that comes to mind when thinking of rum-based drinks is the Piña Colada. However, not everyone knows the story behind its creation. Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender at the iconic Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico, invented the Piña Colada in 1954. After months of experimentation, Marrero perfected the recipe, aiming to capture the true flavors of Puerto Rico. For 35 years, he served the drink at the hotel until it gained recognition as Puerto Rico’s national drink in 1978. To commemorate this historic achievement, Caribe Hilton has introduced a new piña colada menu, featuring creative twists like the Piña Colada Martini and the Patron Colada.

For those craving a taste of authenticity, the original Piña Colada recipe can still be enjoyed at its birthplace. Mix 2 oz. of rum, 1 oz. of coconut cream, 1 oz. of heavy cream, and 6 oz. of pineapple juice in a blender. Add crushed ice and blend for 15 seconds. Pour the mixture into a 12-oz. glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry.

In addition to the Piña Colada, Puerto Rico is home to another exceptional rum known as Ron del Barrilito. Crafted since 1880 using traditional methods, this premium rum stands as the oldest in Puerto Rico. Ron del Barrilito is distilled using sustainably harvested rainfall water and aged in vintage Spanish white oak sherry barrels, without any artificial coloring, sugars, or flavorings. Distillers at El Barrilito employ the ancient process of maceration, infusing a portion of the rum with natural dried fruits and spices before aging. This imparts a distinct flavor profile and aroma to the rum. From the versatile Two Stars rum perfect for cocktails, to the limited edition Five Stars rum aged for up to 35 years, Ron del Barrilito offers a range of expressions for rum enthusiasts.

Beyond Puerto Rico, rum has also left its mark on the cocktail scene worldwide. In Copenhagen, the high-end cocktail bar Curfew pays tribute to the legendary performer Josephine Baker with their signature cocktail, the Josephine Baker. This libation takes inspiration from her iconic costume, featuring a short skirt made of artificial bananas and a beaded necklace. The choice of Havana Rum as the main spirit holds significance, as Baker was invited to perform in Havana, Cuba, by Fidel Castro himself in 1966. Her record-breaking show cemented her connection to Cuba, making Havana Rum a fitting choice for this cocktail.

Curfew’s Josephine Baker combines Havana Club Selección de Maestros Rum with banana, parsnip, PX Sherry, anise seeds, orange, and cocoa bitters. These ingredients undergo a clarifying process in their Lab centrifuge, resulting in a strong and spirit-forward libation with a delightful touch of sweetness from the banana. The parsnip adds nuttiness to the flavor profile, while the anise seeds contribute hints of licorice.

On National Rum Day, let’s raise a glass to the rich history and diverse flavors of rum. Whether you prefer classic tropical cocktails, unique modern creations, or simply savoring it neat, rum is a spirit that continues to captivate and delight. Cheers to the enduring legacy of this historic beverage!

The combination of banana, parsnip, and anise is truly a match made in flavor heaven. When paired with Havana Rum and PX Sherry, these ingredients create a unique and harmonious cocktail that pays homage to an extraordinary artist and her iconic image. This cocktail not only offers a taste experience that reflects her spirit, but also transports you to the era she helped define.

Mount Gay, located in Barbados, is the world’s oldest running rum distillery, with a history dating back to 1703. Recent findings even suggest it may have started as early as 1654. With over 300 years of rum-making expertise, Mount Gay is not only the oldest commercial rum in the world but also one of Barbados’s most famous exports. They utilize a variety of casks to provide a depth of flavor that is unmatched.

As a celebration of summer, Mount Gay has partnered with Cocktail Courier to create a limited-edition Après the Day Cocktail Kit. This kit features all the ingredients necessary to mix up Barbados Peach Tea cocktails, including their renowned Mount Gay Eclipse rum. To enhance the experience, the kit also includes a customized City Bonfire and s’mores kit with a delectable Nutella twist that perfectly complements the tasting notes of Mount Gay Eclipses.

The Après the Day Cocktail Kit is available for a limited time only, until August 19. So be sure to grab yours and indulge in the flavors of Barbados Peach Tea, expertly crafted with Mount Gay Eclipse Rum.

While rum is often associated with tropical cocktails, Papa’s Pilar is a rum brand that aims to expand consumers’ palates and minds. Named after the legendary Ernest Hemingway and his beloved boat, Papa’s Pilar offers a range of expressions that cater to every taste. From the vibrant Papa’s Pilar Blonde Rum, which serves as a fantastic base for cocktails like daiquiris, to the robust Papa’s Pilar Rye Finished Rum, which is perfect for sipping neat or creating a unique twist on classic whiskey-forward cocktails like the Manhattan.

To create the 62nd St. Manhattan, inspired by Hemingway’s time living in the city, simply use Papa’s Pilar Rye Finished Rum as the star ingredient. This recent addition to their flagship portfolio adds a distinctive flavor profile to the cocktail, taking it to new heights.

Matthew Belanger, a bartender at the renowned Death & Co. bar in L.A., has crafted an extraordinary cocktail inspired by the flavors of summer melons. The Lone Wolf and Cub cocktail at Death & Co. bar in Los Angeles transports you to the season of sunshine and sweet melon delights. Belanger explains that he has always been a fan of melons, especially during the summer months, as they embody the essence of the season. However, working with fresh produce can be challenging due to its inconsistency. That’s where Aelred’s Melon Aperitif comes in handy. Made from French melon de cavaillon, this liqueur provides a consistent and delightful cantaloupe flavor with every bottle.

Belanger wanted to create a cocktail that showcased the affinity between aged Rhum Agricole and the flavors of melons. The result? A Mai Tai-adjacent cocktail with a twist. By replacing the curacao with Aelred’s Melon Aperitif and adding St. George Green Chile Vodka, Belanger achieved a unique balance of sweet and savory notes, creating a truly multidimensional cocktail.

To recreate the Lone Wolf and Cub cocktail at home, simply mix Rhum JM VO Agricole, St. George Green Chile Vodka, Aelred Cantaloupe Aperitif, lime juice, orgeat, and a dash of absinthe in a shaker. Pour the mixture into a Pilsner glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a slice of cantaloupe. The result? A refreshing and flavorful cocktail that will transport you to the vibrant days of summer.

So whether you’re indulging in the limited-edition Après the Day Cocktail Kit from Mount Gay, exploring the diverse expressions of Papa’s Pilar rum, or crafting the Lone Wolf and Cub cocktail at home, these unique flavor combinations and indulgent experiences are sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate. Cheers to the art of cocktail-making and the stories they tell!