Today, let's talk a bit about rum.
Rum is a popular spirit made from the fermentation of sugarcane juice, cane syrup, or molasses. Because there are no regulations regarding the ingredients or distillation of rum, rum producers are able to produce their rum a variety of ways and with just about any derivative of the sugarcane plant.
Light rums are generally aged a bit over a year in stainless steel or oak barrels, while dark rums are aged for at least three years, but generally more than five.
Did you know most rums are blended? Rums from different sills, different ages, and different purities are skillfully mixed together by the distiller to create the perfect blend. The perfect rum takes quite a bit of work.
Cachaça is sometimes considered a type of rum and sometimes thought to be a different liquor altogether. Either way, it's Brazil's version of rum, made from fermented sugarcane juice and the essential ingredient in the extremely popular Caipirinha.
The Daiquiri, the Piña Colada, the Mai Tai, and the Cube Libre are all popular rum drinks. But it's quite uncommon these days to walk into a crowded bar and be unable to spot someone sipping on a Mojito. And for good reason; it's a great drink. Created in Cuba, the Mojito first gained popularity in the US in the eighties and appears to be gaining ground as a favorite. It's classically made with fresh mint, fresh cut limes, rum, sugar, and club soda. Generally, the mint and limes are muddled and the entire concoction is served on the rocks, but many variations on the drink have been created by mixologists everywhere. One of my favorite is at Pop Burger in the Meat Packing District of Manhattan.
The Mojito at Pop Burger is made with both dark and light rum, muddled fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and served up in a chilled martini glass rimmed with sugar. It's a touch sweet, as the mojito generally is, with small specks of mint floating around throughout.
A few nights ago Alex made me a good one. This is her behind the bar with her delicious creation.
Who took a sip from my Mojito?
No comments:
Post a Comment