Category: Rum

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Mai Tai Swizzle (Re-Revisited)

I took another run at the Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Swizzle. Last time I said that I thought there was too much citrus, but I might think differently if the lighter Cuban style rum was replaced by a heavier Demerara rum. 

So that’s basically what I did. I replaced the blend of Dark Jamaican and Gold Cuban rums with my Ultimate Mai Tai rum blend which includes Jamaican and Demerara rums. This time the heavier rum balanced out the citrus, though I still think going a little heavier on the Falernum would be a plus.

Mai Tai Swizzle (Don the Beachcomber)
¾ oz Lime Juice
1 oz Grapefruit Juice
½ oz Cointreau
¼ oz Falernum
2½ oz Ultimate Mai Tai Rum Blend
6 Drops Pernod
1 Dash Angostura Bitters
Shake with crushed ice

Ultimate Mai Tai Rum Blend is equal parts Appleton 12, Smith & Cross, Plantation Xaymaca, and Plantation OFTD.

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Top Shelf Mai Tai with Hampden Great House

This new expression from Jamaica’s Hampden Estate is a long-aged rum said to be in the style preferred historically at the estate. Bottled at cask strength at 59% ABV and featuring the high ester count that Hampden is famous for, this is a rum that is so full of flavor that it might be difficult to sip neat. I found that just a small ice cube smoothed out some of the rough edges.

Some would say that an expensive rum like this should be never used in a cocktail, but as someone who enjoys Mai Tais with bold, flavorful rums I can’t think of a better choice for a rum to employ in this rum-forward cocktail. And if it ain’t cheap, well, I’m worth it!

Indeed, this rum shines in a Mai Tai! Thick and rich flavors are still present but are done in a way that’s so much more approachable. One of the best Mai Tais I’ve ever made at home.

It’s possible you might be able to recreate a similar taste profile using a combination of less-expensive Jamaican rums, such as Appleton 12 along with Hampden’s Rum Fire. But I feel no guilt going straight to the top shelf.

Hampden Great House is becoming available in the United State this month. Check your local or online craft liquor store. Get it now, before it’s gone.

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Mai Tai Makes Rum Better

That’s the lesson tonight. I’m sampling rums from the Forbidden Island Kill Devil rum list. I loved Dos Maderas 5+5 but wanted to try it in a Mai Tai. But my cocktail was an extra large version since the lime gave so much juice. So I added a little Martinique Rhum that I didn’t love when served neat, but put together in combination with Dos Maderas it turned into a great Mai Tai.

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Fuck Trump Cocktail

The cocktail from @8armatl in Atlanta is called Fuck Trump. It’s the only cocktail on their menu today. I am pleased to make it at home here in California.

Bourbon, Orange Liqueur, Lime, Bitters

I look forward to visiting 8ARM sometime soon. Georgia, we will be pleased to come spend our tourist dollars in your state.

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Hot Buttered Rum

Closing out the Holidays with this winter favorite, a to-go cocktail from Forbidden Island.

Hot alcoholic drinks aren’t really my cup of tea 😉 so I made mine with lukewarm water rather than piping hot. The Forbidden Island rum batter and dark rum is quite delicious.