Rum on New Year's Eve

I like rum. It's not too strong and it mixes well with many things. It can lend itself easily to a tropical presentation while at the same time traditional and even basic presentations work well with it. As a shot it is okay. The flavor is never bad in my opinion. Most people seem to have a good time when drinking rum in comparison to other dark liquors that seem to make some people angry and belligerent.

Rum goes well with iced teas. Rum mixes just fine with most typical sodas such as Coke, Pepsi and root beers or just plain store brand store cola. A fun type of soda to mix with rum is to use the natural sodas at Whole Foods and other healthy food stores. These sodas sometimes have an unexpected kick and unique refreshing flavor because they are natural. This is very appealing and gives your party drink a unique quality not found elsewhere. For rum, I would only use the dark colored natural colas or the berry colas like raspberry and cherry.

A recipe I like for rum on the holidays is Chocolate Rum. Mix coconut milk, coconut rum with, Crème de Cacao, and Amaretto. Serve garnished with raw chocolate shavings. This presentation is so nice and festive. Many people comment on it and borrow the recipe for their own events. This is something that definitely looks winter-like and warm without you having to go through with heating the beverage and other tedious steps.

Midori mixes well with papaya juice and coconut rum. This is a more tropical tasting type of drink. You can add a little grenadine and a cherry if the mood strikes you, but the drink is fine on it's own. I call it Hot Tonight.

Though rum yields itself to fun flirty drinks like the Hot Tonight; it also goes well in a basic sour mix. Mix some Cointreau, gingerale, fresh lime juice and fresh lemon juice with white rum. You can also add a little sour mix if it is too strong. I call this the Cool Daddy.

There is a type of rum that most people don't know about that is perfect for many holiday blends. Tasting it will probably inspire you to create some of your own recipes. The rum is Bacardi Big Apple rum. This rum is yummy and nothing says the Holiday's to many people like the smell, taste or essence of warm apples. Mix the Bacardi Big Apple Rum with a carbonated apple beverage. If you can't find a carbonated apple beverage use white grape juice from your grocery store. Serve with a lime wedge and dust with cinnamon. I call this one simply, Holiday Party. Enjoy, and have a Happy New Year!