Ask a Bartender: What are the Best Summer Rum Drinks?

Sunday, August 02, 2015

Pam Martin, GoLocalWorcester Ask A Bartender Columnist

Image Credit: Pinterest

Tis the season for rum. And we welcome it with open, albeit carb-conscious, arms. You may think of rum and immediately have flashbacks to the days before barhopping when you were desperately trying to enjoy a bottle of Parrot Bay without getting caught, or you may instantly crave a Dark & Stormy. Regardless of your reaction, it’s a good time to expand your horizons when it comes to this delicious ingredient, especially when you are concocting a post-beach beverage.

Not all rums have added sugar, which leaves plenty of wiggle room for you to add it how you see fit. Distilled from sugar cane and/or sugarcane byproducts, like molasses. It’s no wonder it makes for a great liquid dessert treat. Add fresh fruit, or fruit juice. Blend it, or drink it straight. Here are a few ways to get you reacquainted with this summer favorite.

Simplified Cherry Bomb – The original recipe calls for bitters, and mints, and a lot of other fuss. For quick and easy concocting mix dark rum, Myer’s works well, with fresh cherries, simple syrup, and a slice of lemon and lime. Muddle all of the fruit and simple syrup before adding rum and pouring over crushed ice. Just the right amount of sweet.

Captain’s Punch – A patio favorite at the Compass Tavern, mix light and dark Captain Morgan rums. Pair with a mix of pineapple and orange juices, with a splash of cranberry juice as you wish. Top is all off with a cherry and an orange slice before you kick back and watch the sun set.

Mango-nut Cocktail – Start with fresh mangos and a blender. Puree fresh mango cubes in a blender with golden rum. Stir in a splash of coconut water. Garnish with any remaining mango. Imagine sipping this out of a coconut along the beach, or in your own backyard.

Razz Storm – Dark & Stormy has a summer rival. Pop open a can of ginger beer for this refreshing drink. Muddle fresh raspberries together with a dash of agave nectar. Combine with light rum and the much-anticipated ginger beer. Squeeze a lime over it and call it a day. Great for patios, beaches, and even the bar top.

Goombay Smash – An all-start cast of rums makes this drunk pack a little punch. Use a splash or two of Don Q light, golden, and dark rums to start—yes, a splash or two of each. You aren’t done yet. Now go back and add in coconut rum, such as Malibu. Mix with fresh orange and pineapple juices. Best to go heavier on the orange juice pour, than on the pineapple. In between sips snack on a separate cup of pineapple chunks. This will certainly be the gold star of any summer day.

Pam Martin bartends at Compass Tavern at 90 Harding Street in Worcester every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.