After briefly getting lost in a swamp of terrible, syrupy-sweet drinks in the 80s and 90s, rum regained respect during the craft cocktail renaissance. Today you can find delicious rum drinks at any serious cocktail bar, and there’s no better time than the holidays to treat yourself to one. A little celebratory, a little retro, a lot of fun, rum is just the spirit we need to make ours bright after another long pandemic year. These holiday rum cocktails are a holiday treat whether at home or out on the town.
Holiday Rum Cocktail AT HOME | “Airmail”
Marry a classic Cuban daiquiri to a French 75 and you arrive at the Airmail, a 1930s-era cocktail christened after a mail delivery marvel. The balanced, bubbly cocktail has the celebratory feel that champagne lends anything it touches, and it’s easy to whiz together with pantry staples.
1 ½ oz. Appleton Estate Signature Blend rum
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
¾ oz. honey syrup*
1 ½ oz. Brut champagne
Combine all ingredients except the champagne in a shaker. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass and top with champagne. Garnish with a lime twist or a postage stamp, for kicks.
*To make honey syrup, combine ½ cup honey and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until honey dissolves. Remove from heat, let cool, and refrigerate until ready to use.
AT THE BAR | “I Bet You Think This Drink Is About You”
Once you’ve ordered this holiday rum cocktail and tasted it, good luck not ordering it next time. An EXILE favorite, the “Bet You” as the bartenders affectionately shorten it is everything they say it is: juicy, tropical, a little tart. It is also irresistible and fun—a quick ticket to a far-away place.
Evan Williams Black, Plantation 3-Stars rum, house tonic, lime cordial, pineapple gomme, Peychaud’s bitters, house hoppy-lemon bitters, $9. EXILE, 9 Anderson St, Ste B, exilegvl.com
Photography by Jivan Davé
