Rum History, a Rum Cocktail Recipe & Pirates 4
Rum is unique among liquor choices for its flavor, composition and legendary history. It is a spirit of tropical origins and has been at the heart of many tales involving bootlegging, the Royal Navy and piracy.
The liquor is made by distilling fermented sugarcane juice or a sugarcane byproduct like molasses, and although the first fermented sugar drinks likely originated in China or India, actual rum is thought to have originated in the Caribbean in the 17th century.
Although a relative newcomer among spirits, its place in the canon of cocktails is fortified by its incredible historical significance, not to mention its sweet and snappy flavor. In 1687, the British Royal Navy authorized a measure of rum as a daily ration on its ships, and the drink was actually used as currency among island nations.
This was during the age of piracy throughout the Caribbean and rum – as currency and as a drink – was very popular both with naval authorities and the rogues who would rob them (and anyone else) for their stash.
If Captain Jack Sparrow weren’t so busy chasing after the Fountain of Youth, as he in his latest swashbuckler, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, he would definitely be engaged in a little rum-running.
In fact, Johnny Depp’s mincing gait and slurred homage to Keith Richards (who returns in the film as Sparrow’s father) suggest he’s already a big fan of Bumbo – the traditional rum drink of seafaring scallywags.
The following is our take on a pirate cocktail, in honor of Captain Jack and his bumbling crew (with a healthy twist to it).
Makes: 8 servings
Limes, cut into pieces (keep one piece aside): 4
Water: 2 cups
Honey: 1/2 cup
Rum: 1/2 to 1 cup
Mint leaves: 1/4 cup, mulled (save a few sprigs for garnish)
Ice cubes
Blend lime pieces, 2 cups water and honey for 30 seconds or until limes are chopped. Strain into a large pitcher. Mix in 2 cups additional water and chill for 1 to 6 hours.
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides – premiers May 20, 2011. Stars Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow, Penélope Cruz as Angelica, Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa, Ian McShane as Blackbeard, and an appearance by Keith Richards as Captain Teague. Directed by Rob Marshall.
Of course, I should remind everyone that our blog entries are for your information only and are not intended as medical advice. Because everyone is different, you should work with your medical professional to determine what’s best for you. If you’re going to drink, do it legally and responsibly; don’t be stupid =).
