National Rum Day tropical cocktail recipes

Photo: Rums of Puerto RIco

Whether escaping to Hawaii, Caribbean, Tahiti or Fiji. Rum is the spirit of choice. Associated with the tropics, flowers, sun and sand, this sugarcane derived spirit we so adore originated in the West Indies in the early 17th century. Persevering through history rums are produced all over the Caribbean and are categorized by style, barrel aging and proof. Typically in Spanish speaking regions like Puerto Rico, Cuba and BVI, light bodied dry Rum is produced. Medium bodied rums are produced in French speaking regions. Full bodied, pungent, darker Rums are typically produced in English speaking regions such as Jamaica, Saint Kitts, and Bermuda. Familiar Rums include: Bacardi, Ron de Castillo, Captain Morgan, Don Q, Cruzan, Tommy Bahama, Wray and Nephew and Boca Chica. Below are some recipes for tropical inspired drinks you can create at home for your next summer event.

Photo: Nina Choi

So grab your shaker, some hurricane glasses and your favorite Rum. Let's make some cocktails! The Mai Tai has an interesting story, invented by Trader Vic and named after a Hawaiian saying, "Mai Tai Roa Ae!" (meaning "Out of this world! The Best!") 

TRADER VICS ORIGINAL MAI TAI

2 oz 17 year old Jamaican Rum
1/2 oz Orgeat (Almond syrup)
1/2 oz Orange Curacao
1/4 oz Rock Candy syrup (simple syrup)
Juice of 1 lime
Sprig of mint

Shake all ingredients in shaker and pour in tall
glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime wedge and mint sprig.
 

Photo: Howard Plucket

PATIO DADDY-O PLANTER'S PUNCH
Courtesy of Coastal Living
 

1 1/2 cups cracked ice
4 oz chilled pineapple juice
2 oz chilled orange juice
2 oz chilled fresh lime juice
2 oz dark rum
Grenadine

Fill cocktail shaker with ice, add juices and rum. Shake vigorously to blend. Pour mixture into tall glass and top with splash of grenadine. Garnish with toothpick skewered fruit of pineapple wedges, orange slices, lime slices, mint and cherry.

Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco provides guests with a taste of the past, an indulgence in the present and a glimpse of the future in a spirit that embodies the history of it's roots. From the Revolution to Prohibition, from bribery, piracy and human adversity, rum is a true success story. Smuggler's Cove offers both rare and vintage rums from across the globe and prides itself in it's own handcrafted specialty rum which is a 100% California produced spirit from the distillers at St George Spirits. Smuggler's Cove is open daily from 5 p.m. Located at 650 Gough St, San Francisco.

For a tropical atmosphere The Tonga Room inside the Fairmont is a fun and festive environment to sip some of their whimsical island inspired drinks. Noted as one of San Francisco's BEST is the Tonga Mai Tai, made with dark rum, triple sec and fruit juices and served in a coconut cup. Another local favorite is the Pineapple Royal, served in a fresh pineapple it is a troical concoction of rum, brandy and fresh pineapple juice. Adding to the ambience is an occasional rain shower! Open Wed-Sun from 5:00 until closing. Located at 950 Mason St, San Francisco.