Rum is a drink with a turbulent history and surprising origins. Once the favorite beverage of scoundrels and colonizers of all kinds, today it is enjoyed by connoisseurs who savor its specific taste, and by cocktail fans. It forms the base of many drinks, but some types can be served neat. Where does rum come from, what is worth knowing about it, what are its types, and how and with what should it be drunk?
An Ancient Drink
The history of rum is full of surprises. Scientists still dispute its origin. Although it is associated with Central America, its most probable homelands are India or China. It was there, 4,000 years BC, that sugarcane was discovered. It only appeared in Europe in the Middle Ages, brought by the Arabs. The Moors began to cultivate sugarcane on a large scale in Spain, and they produced rum from the molasses obtained.
When Christopher Columbus embarked on his adventurous journey in the 15th century, he took sugarcane seedlings with him. He reached the Caribbean Sea region – the climate there was ideal for the growth of these plants. Sugarcane plantations filled the region, and with them – probably on the island of Barbados – rum production began.
Rum became the favorite drink of colonizers and sailors. When Europeans began to settle America, for decades they imported hectoliters of this alcohol from the Caribbean, only to open the first distillery in what is now New York in the second half of the 17th century. However, they still ordered sugarcane, molasses, and the alcohol itself from the islanders. Such a desirable commodity became excellent spoils for… pirates. They also loved the taste of the sweet alcohol, and at the same time saw in it a chance to obtain ransom from distillery owners and intermediaries. Smugglers, pursued by British soldiers, were also interested in rum. This practice was one of the causes of the American Revolution, which ended with the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States.
In Europe, rum was also coveted. Unwilling to wait for constantly sinking or plundered deliveries from the West, Europeans took matters into their own hands, trying to produce rum from molasses… from sugar beets. As one might easily guess – the local "rum," also called "Stroh," did not resemble the original. However, it was only recently that the European Union banned the use of this name for alcohols distilled from plants other than sugarcane. The regulations precisely defined its strength, which also led to the disappearance of original, Caribbean rum with a strength higher than 40% from European stores!
Interesting Facts About Rum
Another mystery associated with rum is its name. It is said to come from the Latin name for sugarcane: Saccharum officinarum. Another theory suggests it comes from the glasses in which the Dutch drank it, called "rummers."
Rum was a very important part of the daily diet of British sailors. Initially, they drank beer, for which the British Isles are famous, but it often spoiled, causing various ailments. Rum itself, on the other hand, was too strong, and its overdose led to many unfortunate situations on ships. The daily "dose" was as much as half a liter twice a day! In 1740, Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy ordered rum to be diluted with water. This wise move meant that sailors consumed less alcohol, but also drank water, which was also a perishable commodity on ships. Additionally, the drink disinfected it. To improve the taste of what became known as grog, citrus juice was added to it. This reduced the incidence of scurvy, as sailors supplied themselves with a dose of vitamin C along with the alcohol. Interestingly, this practice on British ships only ended on July 31, 1970, when, after 230 years of grog-drinking tradition, the British Queen banned it. At that time, the daily dose of diluted rum per sailor was "only" 70 milliliters per day.
How is Rum Made?
There are no two identical rum production procedures – each distillery has its own recipe. Ultimately, it can have an alcohol content of 37.5 to even 80%. The basis of its production is molasses from sugarcane and yeast – baker's or wild. These are mixed with water and sugar, leading to fermentation.
Then the liquid is distilled and poured into wooden barrels. They can be oak, made of other types of wood, or stainless steel. Rum must age in them for at least a year. The more time passes, the darker its color – although this is not a sufficient indicator to determine the value of the spirit.
To obtain almost colorless alcohol, it is finally filtered. There are several types of it. How to drink rum and its individual types?
Types of Rum
Rum can be distinguished by color or by its country of origin. The shortest aged rum is white and silver. It is mild and very sweet. How is this type of rum drunk? It is not suitable for drinking neat. It will, however, be a great base for delicious cocktails.
Gold or amber rum will also work great in drinks. It is a bit more aromatic than white rum. You can also use it for cooking or add it to tea!
The noblest dark rum comes from Central America and the Caribbean. It is distinguished by an intense taste and aroma. How is this type of rum drunk? Best on its own, in a specially shaped, interesting glass, or like British sailors – with ice and lemon juice!
There is also flavored rum on the market. During production, orange and coconut flavors are added to it. This is how, for example, Malibu-style alcohol is created. How is this type of rum drunk? It is best added to a cocktail or baked goods.
During a trip to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and other places in this region of the world, it is worth asking for overproof rum in a store. It contains 40 to 80% alcohol and has an unusual taste that gives cocktails like Mojito or Cuba Libre an extraordinary aroma.
It is worth knowing that rums are also divided into styles related to the former colonies in the Western Hemisphere. These are French rums – made from sugarcane juice, with a fruity taste; English rums – long fermented and strong; and Spanish rums – light, sweet, and somewhat spicy. It is worth delving into the history of a given region of the world before traveling there, to know which rum to reach for in local stores!
How to Drink Rum?
The noblest types of rum can be drunk neat. You can also fill a glass with ice and squeeze lime, orange, or lemon juice into it. This way, you can for a moment experience the taste that accompanied sailors during weeks-long journeys to the other side of the world.
What to drink white, silver, flavored rum, and European Stroh with? There are many recipes for drinks using rum. In most cases, ice, citrus, mint, and… cane sugar are needed for their preparation. Rum pairs perfectly with sweet syrups, citrus liqueurs, and even sweeter vermouth.
Rum Glasses
There are special wine glasses for various types of wine, whiskey glasses, or vessels designed specifically for drinks and bearing their names. Meanwhile, rum has not yet gotten its own glass, in which only this drink is served.
For enjoying the taste of the best rums, long aged in barrels in Caribbean distilleries, stem glasses are perfect, as they will keep the drink at a low temperature for a long time. It can be served in glasses for tasting cognac and brandy or whiskey, such as the classic Pure whiskey tasting glass from the Krosno collection.
1. Harmony Glass 550 ml 2. Balance Glass 480 ml 3. Pure Tasting Glass 100 ml
Whiskey glasses allow you to enjoy the full aroma and color of dark rum from sunny regions of the world with ice and citrus juice. An excellent choice would be those featuring clear glass and a geometric shape from Krosno's Caro or Mixology collections.
1. Caro Glasses 2. Mixology Glasses
Rum Cocktails
It is worth learning recipes for the most interesting rum cocktails. Each of them has its own history related to the turbulent period of the colonization of the Americas, as well as the later war for US independence, the bright pages of American cooperation, and the dark ones of slavery and piracy. It is worth getting acquainted with them to understand how important rum was during those times!
To prepare EL PRESIDENTE, you will need:
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml vermouth
- 5 ml orange liqueur
- 5 ml grenadine syrup
- An orange slice cut in half
- A glass filled with ice
Pour all ingredients into a glass filled with ice. Stir with a long spoon. After the ingredients combine, strain them through a sieve into a stemmed glass and add orange slices.
To prepare MOJITO, you will need:
- 50 ml white rum
- Half a lime + a quarter for garnish
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- A few mint leaves
- 25 ml sparkling water
- Crushed ice
Scrub the lime, cut it into quarters, and place it in a tall glass. Cover with sugar and muddle thoroughly. Then add mint leaves and muddle again. Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add rum and more ice. Stir. Top with sparkling water. Garnish the glass with lime and mint leaves.
To prepare THE HURRICANE, you will need:
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml exotic fruit liqueur, e.g., passion fruit or pineapple
- 25 ml lemon juice
- An orange slice cut in half
- 20 ice cubes
Mix all ingredients in a shaker or a tall glass filled with ice. Prepare another glass filled with ice. Add orange slices to it. Pour the chilled, strained alcohol from the shaker into it.
To prepare CUBA LIBRE, you will need:
- 60 ml white rum
- 120 ml cola
- 10 ml lime juice
- 5 ice cubes
- A lime slice
Put ice cubes in a glass. Pour in the rum, then fill with cola. Finally, add squeezed lime juice and stir. Serve in a glass garnished with a lime slice.
To prepare BAHAMAS DAIQUIRI, you will need:
- 50 ml dark rum
- 25 ml Malibu
- 15 ml coffee liqueur
- 25 ml pineapple juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- A pineapple or lime slice for garnish
Mix all ingredients in a shaker or a tall glass filled with ice. Prepare another glass filled with ice. Pour the chilled, strained alcohol from the shaker into it. Garnish with fruit.