The Simple Trick For Better Rum Cocktails

What different rums bring to your cocktails

When mixing various styles of rum for cocktails, you'll often encounter the choice between light and dark rum. These terms generally reflect the aging process of the rum. The primary distinction is that dark rum is typically aged (check the label for specifics), sometimes for a decade or longer. When aged in barrels, usually made of oak, it acquires a deeper color and absorbs flavors from the wood. Dark rum is the kind you might add to coffee.

Generally, dark rums boast more robust flavor profiles, but Robyn Smith cautions against categorizing all dark or light rums together. "We shouldn't classify rums solely by their color, as that doesn't truly represent their flavor profiles." Several factors influence a rum's taste, with the type of sugar used in its production being particularly significant. All these elements should be taken into account when blending rums for cocktails.

If you're eager to start experimenting with rum combinations, Smith suggests trying a classic Mai Tai cocktail. While the original Mai Tai was crafted using only Wray & Nephew 17-year Jamaican rum (which is no longer available, although a new version was released in May 2023), she mentions that Martinique rum was later incorporated into the recipe. Both Jamaican and Martinique rums are dark, but Martinique tends to be a bit milder. However, you’re not limited to this pairing. As Smith emphasizes, "Each bar has its own unique rum blends for a Mai Tai." You'll need to experiment to discover your perfect mix.