National Rum Day Toasts to the Flavors of the Holidays

When you think of rum, you think of heat, ocean waves and island vibes. I also think about hot toddies and winter break. This famous spirit can be celebrated in any season. A fancy cocktail with a paper umbrella is all you need, especially in the summer.

And with the arrival of National Ram He Day on August 16, many will be enjoying the liquid-like sunshine. Holiday calendar. com, it is 'steeped in romanticism' and has a strong history dating back centuries to the time of explorer Marco Polo. It can be traced back thousands of years to the Malay people. , produced the elixir then known as Brun. Research shows that rum was first distilled in the 17th century on various sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean.

"Rum has been at the heart of Caribbean culture since the 17th century," said Joyspence, master blender of the famed Appleton-his estate. This is Jamaica's oldest estate and continuous production distillery (the company has begun to perfect complex rums). - made over 267 years ago). Spence, the spirits industry's first female master blender, said in a previous interview, "Its traditional production methods can be traced back to sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean, where farmers fermented molasses into alcohol.

Jamaica's lush climate, fertile terrain and mountain springs make it the perfect place to grow sugar cane. , note that the island is "a place where the methods of rum production are artfully refined." ," she added.

Research shows Jamaica is one of the world's greatest rum destinations. The island is home to Worthy Park Estate, Hampden Estate and Jamaica's National Rams Joining Appleton in the Spirit of the World, he is considered a heavy hitter on the Rum Arena stage.

Of course, there is much more to Jamaica than rum.

"Jamaica's Its unparalleled cuisine has made a name for itself, influencing culinary creators around the world with its vibrant flavors that represent the spirit of the island," saidRegional Director,Jamaica Tourism Board. Angela Bennett says in a recent interview.

"Jamaica's signature flavors come from local ingredients such as pineapple, mint, and lime. And of course, Jamaican rum is so versatile." It's the perfect ingredient for all kinds of cocktails," says bartender Rajiv Johnson ofSandals, Montego Bay (which is celebrating its 40th anniversary), in a recent email.

Executive chef and award-winning cookbook author Noel Cunningham (considered one of Jamaica's culinary authorities) says, "The rich, aromatic flavors of Jamaican cuisine." The high flavor is a good indication of the land it came from,” he adds.

Top 5 Foods and Drinks to Help Celebrate National Rum Day:

– Chef Noel Cunningham}

Rum Cocktail

Mango Mojito

Classic cocktails with a tropical twist. Recipe courtesy of Chef Noel Cunningham

1/2 cup mango puree (from fresh mango or mango nectar)

6 mint leaves added for garnish

1 tablespoon. Brown Sugar

2 oz White Rum

1/2 oz. } In a choline glass, combine the sugar and mint with a wooden or bar spoon, bruising the mint leaves to release the oil. (Don't crush the leaves.)

Fill a glass with ice, add mango puree or nectar, lime juice, white rum, and club soda. Garnish with mint or lime slices.

Honey Flora Cocktail

Loving Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen (chubbysjamaican.com) in downtown Toronto is known for its healthy riffs on traditional Caribbean cuisine. 

1 1/2 oz of your favorite rum

1 1/2 oz. Spiced Honey Syrup (recipe below)

1 oz. Grapefruit Juice

1/2 oz. Lime Juice

2 Onstin (Jamaican sparkling grapefruit drink; similar soft drinks can be used)

Fresh Mint, Dried Grapefruit Sliced, fresh nutmeg, garnish

Spicy Honey Syrup

1 tbsp Nutmeg

1/4 tsp. Allspice

8 oz. For Liquid Honey

Spiced Honey Syrup: Spices in 1 1/2 cups hot water he steeps for 5 minutes. Strain the spices and mix the hot water with 1 cup of honey. Stir until completely dissolved. Weigh out what you need and refrigerate the rest for future use.

Honey Flora Cocktail: Place all ingredients in a shaker with ice and blend. Shake, strain, and pour into a round glass. Garnish with fresh hearts, grapefruit slices and grated nutmeg.

Dirty Banana Cocktail

A Montego Bay tropical flavors courtesy of Rajiv Johnson, bartender at Sandals.

1 1/2 oz. Dark Rum

1 oz Creme de Cacao Dark

2 oz Milk

1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and sugar)

Banana 1

Add ice and all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into tall glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges.

Mai Tai

A blend of light rum and dark his rum, the Mai Tai cocktail is one of the most iconic tiki cocktails. is one of  rondiplomatico. com

Recipe provided for 1 oz. Light and dark rum of your choice

1/2 oz orange liqueur

1/2 tbsp lime juice

2 tbsp pineapple juice

For garnish of fresh mint and pineapple leaves

Add all ingredients to a shaker and dilute slightly with crushed ice. Shake and serve over ice.