Today is National Rum Day and I couldn’t be happier. I adore rum, so complex and interesting is this liquor. I have to credit a couple of people for helping get me on the rum bandwagon - Wayne Curtis, rum authority and author of “And a Bottle of Rum,” and the genius gang of dedicated rummies at Old New Orleans Rum. These folks are my new BFFs and Old New Orleans Rum is a beautiful spirit, smooth and aromatic with subtle flavors of caramel and vanilla. I also had the pleasure of sipping on a Blueberry Mojito at local hang, St. Joe’s. The cocktail (see pic above) is composed of crushed blueberries, freshly torn leaves of mint and simple syrup, muddled together then topped with a good pour of light rum, a jot of lime juice and a fizzy splash of club soda. This drink goes down a shade too easily, especially in this soul-crushing heat. Mojitos are delicious made classically with lime and mint, but are also excellent for creative expression with fresh watermelon, pineapple or mango, mashed with mint. Happy, happy National Rum Day.

Filed Under: Wine & Libations