Rum is one of the most popular spirits in the world and has been widely consumed since the 17th century.
You might be familiar with pop culture characters such as Jack Sparrow from Pirates Of The Caribbean having a particular fondness for the Caribbean beverage, but there are many ways to enjoy the drink that didnât develop until long after the pirate era.
The goal of any drink is to discover the best way to enjoy it. When it comes to rum, there are various options that cater to a whole host of different wants and needs.
Without further ado, letâs take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy a glass of rum.
Simple Combinations
Before we get into cocktails, itâs best to talk about some more straightforward ways to enjoy rum.
Whilst rum has numerous properties that allow it to play an important part in complicated mixtures, itâs also versatile enough to be part of a very simple and understated drink such as rum and cola.
Rum and cola are very popular and with good reason. You can use whichever rum you prefer, whether dark, spiced, white, or aged. Some prefer this beverage with ice, others believe this inevitably waters down the flavour and prefer to keep it more âpureâ.
Another widely consumed rum mixer is Ginger Beer. Ginger beer is considered very complimentary to the naturally occurring flavours of a good rum.
If youâre looking to expand the flavour even more, you can add lime or a simple syrup. This concoction also forms the basis of the Dark N Stormy cocktail.
Both of these drinks are so popular they can be purchased pre-made in cans and bottles in some shops, but most rum purists would recommend that you make your own.
Cocktails
When it comes to cocktails, there are numerous ways in which you can use rum. For a start, rum is one of the main ingredients used in Tiki cocktails, which are widely consumed.
Tiki cocktails have been around for the best part of the last century and are a mainstay in any reputable cocktail bar. Usually served long, Tiki cocktails often consist of rum, fruit juice and syrup, giving the consumer a taste so sweet you could be forgiven for forgetting it has alcohol in.
Itâs important to note that the art of making cocktails is a fine one. As was mentioned previously, there are simple combinations such as the Dark N Stormy, but there are also classics like the Zombie.
The Zombie cocktail ranks high on every cocktail drinkers list of recommendations. It uses both dark and light rum, pineapple juice, lime and a small amount of grenadine.
Mix it all together and youâve got yourself a blend straight from heaven. Needless to say, it packs a punch.
Itâs also fine to get experimental with your cocktails. You can replace a spirit such as whiskey with a nice aged Jamaican rum, or a French Caribbean rum.
The quality might not always be incredible, but youâre bound to stumble upon some great recipes if you let your creative side flourish in the art of cocktail making.
Just remember to be careful and keep those portions sensible, otherwise you may feel like a zombie when you wake up the next day (due to drinking too many zombies).
Drink It Straight
Drinking rum straight isnât for everyone, but there are those who love it so much that they rarely have it any other way. When drank straight, rum is a beverage to be savoured.
Sip away at it and take in its finer details. This way, you can appreciate the work that went into the process of creating it.
Adding ice or a little water can make the experience more enjoyable, but this is all based on preference.
Types Of Rum
The three main types of rum are white, dark, and spiced. Generally speaking, white rum is best enjoyed in a cocktail such as a Pina Colada or a Mojito, but can also be enjoyed neat.
Dark rum is considered by many to be best when consumed straight, but again, it is a versatile beverage and features in numerous cocktails. Spiced rum works in all of the ways listed above, and goes particularly well with cola.
Just Enjoy It!
The most important thing of all is to recognise what you enjoy the most and pursue that. If youâre not the sort of person who drinks spirits straight, then donât feel as though you have to do this to truly enjoy rum.
Just make sure you have a good time, and leave a comment letting us know how you enjoy your rum!