Cuba Libre vs Rum and Coke

What is the difference between a Cuba Libre and a Rum and Coke? The Cuba Libre is not only a political statement, but it’s also a popular rum cocktail that is believed to have been concocted in Cuba. “Cuba Libre” translated simply means “Free Cuba.” The exact origins of this drink are unclear. Read More...

The Daiquiri, A Classic Cocktail

When most people think of Daiquiris, they picture warm beaches, vacation and a blender. The Daiquiri is considered a rum version of a classic sour cocktail that traditionally doesn’t require any sort of blending. There are many different versions of how the classic Daiquiri came to be. For example, according to Gary Regan in his book, “The Joy of Mixology”, the Daiquiri was invented in 1898 by a couple of Americans who were working in Cuba after the Spanish-American war who designed to drink to be a cure or a type of medicine to protect themselves against Malaria. Read More...

What is Proof?

Proof is the measurement of how much alcohol is contained in a spirit. In the United States, proof is measured in terms of alcohol by volume (ABV) and is determined by doubling the percentage of the alcohol contained in the bottle. For example, if a spirit is 40% alcohol, than it is 80-proof.

So what is the purpose of proof and how did it come to be? Read More...

Fun Facts About Rum

You think you know all there is to know about rum? Well, you have no idea!! For example:

Did you know that rum was responsible for the American Revolution?

Did you know that rum was the equivalent to gold and used as currency in New England at the end of the 17th century?

Did you know that Bacardi has helped influence the architecture style in the Miami area?

Did you know that Jamaican rum is inspired by and uses a similar aging process to scotch whiskey?

Did you know that rum was rationed daily to British Royal Navy seamen for more than 300 years?

Did you know that rum has been gaining mainstream popularity thanks to flavored rums?

Did you know that July 19th is National Daiquiri Day?

Does expensive light rum make a better tasting mojito than it’s inexpensive counterpart?

To learn about these fun facts, check out my Examiner article HERE.

Bartending 101: What is cachaça?

Cachaça (ka-shah-sa) is considered to be the national spirit of Brazil, sharing a similar popularity as vodka does here in the United States. According to Leblon which is a Brazilian distillery that makes cachaça and is popular here in the United States, the national spirit of Brazil happens to be the third most consumed spirit in the world, following right behind vodka and soju/shochu (an Asian distillate made mainly from rice). Read More...

The History of Bacardi

Did you know that Bacardi is the largest private spirits company in the world? Bacardi isn’t just rum for mojitos either. Besides having a light rum, gold rum, high proof rum and all of the flavored rums in it’s line, Bacardi also owns Martini and Rossi (dry vermouth and sweet vermouth), Dewars scotch, Bombay Sapphire, Cazadorres tequila, Grey Goose vodka, Drambuie, Disaronno amaretto, B & B and Benedictine liqueurs. Since it’s humble beginnings in 1862, Bacardi has become not only a household brand name rum, but it has also become a multi-national corporation. Bacardi is a powerhouse in the spirits world. Read More...

Thirsty? Where to Get Rum Drinks

Will someone please take me to the Tonga Room? It's not closed and I want to go. I hear they have a slammin happy hour. And I hear it's like a tropical paradise in there complete with drinks that have little umbrellas in them. I can't escape to the beach right now, but this place sounds like a great alternative.

Of course, those of you who have had the pleasure of trying my "Big Sexy" shooter know that I can make a pretty mean rum drink myself. I usually save this one for those customers who want something strong and sweet, but just really don't know what they want. It wins them over every time and keeps them coming back for more.

Thirsty? Want a tasty drink with rum? Don't have the components in place for a home bar? Want to leave the cocktail making to the professionals? No problem. In my recent "Best Of" article, I highlight where one could get a tasty rum beverage all over the country in cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Fort Worth, Detroit, Dallas and, of course, San Francisco. Read More...

Rum Drinks: At Home, On the Rocks

It's Rum Month over at Examiner.com and they made me the hub for all of the rum bar stories. Part of my duty for being a hub this month is to pick out a few of the stories written about rum and spread the love. This time around, I did a "best of" of all of the rum drink recipes that one could make at home. There were so many tasty looking drink recipes. This collaboration took me awhile, but it was fun. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty thirsty now.

"Everyone seems to have their favorite rum drink recipe for drinks such as mojitos, daiquiris, mai tais, zombies, various rum punches, etc. In celebration of Rum Month on Examiner.com, Examiners are writing about their favorite rum recipes that are easily made at home, without the supervision of a professional bartender. The best part about making these drinks at home is that you don’t have to worry about leaving your credit card at the bar, you don’t have to leave a tip and there is need for a designated driver. Regardless of whether you are drinking at the bar or at home, please enjoy in moderation." Read More...

Busting Bar Myths: Origins of the Mai Tai

The Mai Tai was not invented in either Hawaii or Tahiti. The drink was originated in Oakland, California. Drink recipe creator, Victor Jules “Trader Vic” Bergeron came up with the original recipe for a Mai Tai in 1944 while working as a bartender in the service bar of his Oakland restaurant, Trader Vic’s. Read More...

PS: I have included an instructional video on how to make the original Mai Tai in the article thanks to EverydayDrinkers.tv

The "Best Of" Articles: Rum 101

July is Rum Month on Examiner.com. All month long, Examiners are encouraged to write about the spirit that originated from the Caribbean. Before reading about all the fabulous drink and food recipes, history of the spirit and the different brands, one should know the rum basics such as what rum is, how its made, where it comes from and what all the different types of rum there are. The following are some of the “best of” articles that discuss rum basics: Read More...

Rum: What? Where? History?

Whenever I think of rum, I immediately think of the trip I took with my family to Belize. In the warm tropical climate, there never seemed to be a shortage of rum and rum inspired cocktails. Everywhere we went on the island, it seemed like our “Jungle Juice” (rum mixed with a variety of fruit juices) was right there with us. Caribbean Islands are popularly associated with the origins of rum. The reason why rum comes from the Caribbean is because sugar cane thrives in the tropical and subtropical environments. Sugar cane is the main ingredient used in making rum. Read More...