3 Delicious Rum Cocktail Recipes

August 16 is National Rum Day and we’re heading (in our travel dreams) to a few sunny islands — Jamaica and Bermuda — to celebrate. And what’s more rum than a classic Daiquiri or Swizzle to take the heat off?

Jamaica

Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum was first distilled in 1749, and uses only Jamaican limestone-filtered water in the process. Located in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, the estate is set in the limestone hill formations that give the rum its signature sweet notes. Joy Spence became the first female Master Blender for Appleton Estate (and the whole spirits industry) in 1997 and she is still Master Blender to this day.

 

Earlier this year, Appleton celebrated its newly designed bottle with the launch of its 8 Year Old Reserve blend. It’s also the spirit of choice for Spence and her signature cocktail (for which she’s given us the recipe below), so you know it’s got to be good. This new blend, used in the two recipes below, mingles aromas of spicy fruit and oak as well as hints of honey and vanilla.

Estate Daiquiri

 

• 1.5 oz 8-year-old reserve
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• ½ oz. simple syrup (cane syrup preferred)
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Shake all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice until the shaker is “frosted”. Strain into a coupe glass (with no ice) and garnish with orange peel.

Joy’s Cocktail 

 

This is a cocktail created and enjoyed by Master Blender Joy Spence herself.

• 1 part 8-year-old reserve rum 
• 3 parts Ginger Ale
• Slice of orange
• 5 drops Angostura Bitters 
• Orange Peel (for garnish)  

Squeeze the orange slice into a Highball glass and then drop it in the glass and muddle it. Add ice and build in remaining ingredients and stir.

Bermuda

Bermuda is one of the islands currently inviting Canadians to visit (Barbados is another), and to stay awhile. Its new “Work From Bermuda” Certificate Programme allows travellers 18+ to move to the island for a year while working remotely, including the flexibility to travel back and forth and to bring the family along as well. Keep in mind, though, the current rules of 14-day quarantine upon return to Canada still apply.

 

The island has been successful at controlling the virus and testing per capita, reopening to visitors in July with responsible health-and-safety measures in place.

We, however, are opting for our own work from home plan with a Bermuda-inspired cocktail, direct from the island, capping off our day. The rum swizzle is said to have been created by the barkeeps at the Swizzle Inn in Bermuda’s historic town of St. George.

The Swizzle Inn’s Rum Swizzle 

 

The perfect “make in advance” cocktail to keep the fun going all day long. There’s no right way to make a rum swizzle, just ask any Bermudian. Often referred to as “Bermuda’s national drink,” the rum-based cocktail has been a staple across the island since the 1930s and typically contains a blend of different citrus juices, spices and bitters.

But because no two renditions are the same, locals often find it difficult to come to a consensus over whose blend is best. We suggest using Goslings Rum, which has been distilled in Bermuda since 1806.

Serves 6

• 4 ounces Goslings Black Seal Rum
• 4 ounces Goslings Gold Seal Rum
• 3 ounces Triple sec
• 5 ounces pineapple juice
• 5 0unces orange juice
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 2 ounces Bermuda falernum or sugar syrup
• 6 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Mix all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously until a frothing head appears. Strain into stemmed cocktail glasses.

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