Rolling Stones fans? It’s all right now.
In fact, it’s a gas. Or rather a liquid.
One of the world’s greatest and most influential rock bands is introducing its first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane Rum, a premium blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic named after the opening lyric of their iconic 1968 song, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” And it’s being bottled in Florida.
“Take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane,” the band says at crossfirehurricane.com. “This aged, blended rum is our tribute to the islands that have inspired us for decades. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or in the cocktail of your choosing.
“But never in silence.”
The rum, part of a partnership with Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures, will be bottled and packed at The Point Distillery in New Port Richey, according to a release from the Pasco Economic Development Council.
The announcement came in November, just before the rock royalty band announced a new U.S. tour for 2024 (they’ll be in Orlando on June 3, here’s how to get tickets) and released its first new album since 2005, “Hackney Diamonds,” which debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart. That makes the seemingly immortal band the first act with a top 10 album in every decade since the 1960s.
What’s kept the band jumpin’ — and relevant — for over 60 years as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, the late Charlie Watts, and past members like Brian Jones and Bill Wyman blended blues, rock, and rhythm and blues into a signature sound and changed the landscape of rock and roll?
“I want a real fine car, fly Miami too,” Jagger sang on the song “Luxury.” “All the rum I want to drink it, all the whiskey too.”
“The Stones’ love affair with rum began in the ’70s while recording their album ‘Goats Head Soup’ in Kingston, Jamaica,” according to a statement from Universal Music Group. “The Caribbean’s boisterous energy and music took hold of the group over the decades and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards often locate themselves on the islands when the band is off the road, it says.”
“To us, the Caribbean is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a part of our story,” the band said on the rum’s website.
Along with their legendary musical genius and Mick Jagger’s charismatic, frenetic front-man performances, the band has become the embodiment of rock and roll excess and rebellion. Their site does advise caution, however.
“Always remember to Rock and Roll responsibly,” it says.
It’s described as “a thoughtfully blended rum perfectly aged in carefully selected oak barrels,” according to the release. “The liquid boasts flavors of caramelized bananas followed by a gentle hint of tropical fruit.”
The 700-ml, 40% ABV bottle can be pre-ordered now at crossfirehurricane.com or ReserveBar.com for $37 and should begin shipping early in December. Crossfire Hurricane should start showing up on store shelves in select states in early 2024, according to Beverage Industry.
Of course, they do. On the crossfirehurricane.com site, the band suggests:
Two Licks: 2 oz of Crossfire Hurricane Rum into an ice-filled old fashioned glass, garnish with two black cherries on a cocktail pick.
Gold and Stormy: 1.5 oz of Crossfire Hurricane Rum in an ice-filled Collins glass, with lime juice and ginger beer stirred in, then a dash of Angostura Bitters and garnish with a black cherry and lime wheel on a cocktail pick.
Crossfire Mojito: Crossfire Hurricane Rum, simple syrup and lime poured over pressed mint leaves, topped with beer and crushed ice, garnished with a mint bouquet.
Crossfire Espresso Martini: Crossfire Hurricane Rum, espresso, agave syrup and ice, shaken, strained into a chilled coupe, garnished with a fine dusting of espresso and swirled with a straw “to make a hurricane.”
USA TODAY’s Melissa Ruggieri contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Rolling Stones rum Crossfire Hurricane Rum bottled in Pasco Florida
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