Fall Rum Cocktails

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                               FALL RUM COCKTAILS

Here in Ohio it certainly doesn’t feel like fall yet, but it is definitely right around the corner!   

I think there is a misconception, too many people think that rum is best used in sweet, Tiki style cocktails, but I do not agree.   This is what makes rum, in my opinion, the most versatile and complex spirit category out there. If you think about the aromas associated with cool crisp autumn weather your mind goes right to baking spices….. cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and allspice.   

Other smells and flavors like orange rind, maple and molasses always make me think of this time of year too, and thanks to all of my household candles, it is how my house will smell until after Christmas. If you read the descriptive words surrounding the flavor profile of most aged rums, they are consistent with what our brains associate with FALL:  baking spices, vanilla, ginger, citrus and banana.  

That being said, as much as I love a light refreshing Mojito, or an elaborately garnished Tiki drink in the summer, I think RUM works even better in these latter parts of the year cocktails. I also believe that this style of rum cocktail is where the spirit really shines as the star of the drink, instead of being masked by sugary, juice forward ones. 

I have included a few of my favorites below…… and as soon as it isn’t 80+ degrees outside I will write about my favorite HOT Rum cocktails!

                                  Nutty Rum Manhattan

  • 2 oz. Appleton Estates Reserve
  • 1 oz. Cocchi Torino Vermouth
  • 2 dashes Fee Brother’s Black Walnut Bitters

Stir these ingredients over ice until chilled, then strain into a coupe glass.   Garnish with a cherry and a side of roasted walnuts. 

                                            Fall Sazerac

  • 2 oz.    Dimplomatico Reserve
  • .25 oz. Allspice Dram
  • .25 oz. Demerara Syrup

Stir these ingredients over ice until chilled, then strain into a rocks glass that has been rinsed with Absinthe.  (Just rinse, and then discard the Absinthe). Zest an orange peel over the top and drop in and do not add ice!

                                  Pineapple Rum Punch

  • 1.5 oz. Plantation Pineapple
  •  .5 oz. Smith and Cross
  • .5 oz. Velvet Falernum
  • 1.5 oz. Apple Cider

Build these ingredients over ice, and stir well.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a slice of fresh red apple. 

Cris