Rums for cocktails

The first rum-based cocktail

Rum-based cocktails first appeared around the 16th century in the Caribbean, in Cuba to be precise. According to legend, it was the pirates of Francis Drake's crew who "created" the first rum-based cocktail. They drank tafia (rum's ancestor) with mint leaves. This is how the ancestor of the Mojito was born, called the "Draque" in tribute to the ship's captain.

Rum-based cocktails were long neglected by colonists and the European upper classes due to the poor quality of the rum. In those days, rum was found mainly on ships, intended for slaves or other passengers for its alleged medicinal virtues, as well as for its ability to motivate work.

It wasn't until the mid-19th century that rum-based cocktails began to spread. Indeed, it was only then that the distillation of sugar cane began to be mastered thanks to new production techniques.

It was during Prohibition that bartenders on the Cuban islands began to make more and more blends for the wealthy Americans who frequented the islands' bars.

Tasting

When making cocktails, it's essential to choose a rum that complements the other ingredients without dominating the drink. Here are a few tips:

- Jamaican rum: essential for making Tikis. Its powerful aromatic profile and notes of tropical fruits and spices bring a depth of flavor that blends perfectly with exotic mixes.

- White rum: ideal for punches or fruit-based cocktails. Its light taste and fresh notes help to highlight the other ingredients in the cocktail. Perfect for drinks such as Daiquiris, Mojitos and Piña Coladas.

- Amber rum: This barrel-aged rum offers more complex notes of vanilla, caramel and sometimes oak. It's perfect for citrus-based cocktails like Mai Tai or Rum Sour.

- Old Rum: For lovers of more refined cocktails, Old Rum, aged for several years in oak barrels, is an excellent option. Perfect for Old Fashioned Rum.