CHENNAI: The first distillation of rum took place in the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean in the 17th century. Plantation slaves first discovered that molasses, a by-product of the sugar refining process, can be fermented into alcohol. Later, distillation of these alcoholic by-products concentrated the alcohol and removed impurities, producing the first true rums. Tradition suggests that rum first originated on the island of Barbados.
Tiki culture in the US helped expand rum’s horizons with inventions such as the Mai Tai and Zombie. Other well-known cocktails containing rum include the Pina Colada, a drink made popular by Rupert Holmes’ song Escape (The Pina Colada Song), and the Mojito. Cold-weather drinks made with rum include the Rum Toddy and Hot Buttered Rum. In addition to these well-known cocktails, a number of local specialties like Bermuda’s Dark and Stormy (Gosling’s Black Seal rum with ginger beer) and the Painkiller from the British Virgin Islands use rum. Also, there is Ti Punch — short for petit punch or little punch. This is a very traditional drink in the French-speaking region of the Caribbean.
Rum may also be used as a base in the manufacture of liqueurs.
Spiced Rum is made by infusing rum with a combination of spices.
Another combination is Jagertee, a mixture of rum and black tea.
For me, Old Monk and Old Cask are among the best dark rums in the world and these are purely Indian creations.
As for you. Throwing a holiday party this season? These popular cocktails are sure to be a great hit with your friends.
Daiquiri
For that that perfect daiquiri, shake the rum, lime juice, and sugar or other sweetener. Strain & pour into a cocktail glass. Voila! Your drink is ready.
Mojito
A Mojito is traditionally made of five ingredients — white rum, sugar (traditionally sugar cane juice), lime, sparkling water and mint. Muddle the mint leaves and sugar in a high ball glass muddle, pour in the white rum and soda with crushed ice. Serve chilled with a mint sprig.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre is made of Cola, lime, and rum. This highball is often referred to as a Rum and Coke. Build all the ingredients in a high ball glass filled with ice and garnish with lime.
Shake, rattle & roll. And do not forget to send in your feedback to
expresso@expressbuzz.com