New Signature cocktails for National Rum Day

On Friday, August 16, persons far and wide will celebrate the beloved golden spirit we know as rum, raising a glass of their favourite rum cocktail in celebration of National Rum Day. With their reputation for producing the world’s most foremost rum, Appleton Estate, with its Signature Blend, is once again leading the festivities on the local front.

Spearheaded by J. Wray and Nephew Limited’s training arm, the JWN Academy visited 10 select bars across the island to help them each create a brand new Signature cocktail to be enjoyed during the National Rum Day Happy Hour.

With stocked bars at their disposal, replete with a wide range of spirits , fresh fruits, juices, sweeteners, garnishes and bitters, it can be a bit overwhelming for mixologists to design a new cocktail that will pass the taste test. But luckily, they were armed with one of the most versatile bases from which to create delightful cocktails. Boasting a combination of 15 types of rums of varying ages, Appleton Estate Signature Blend is perfectly balanced in flavour with complex citrus and fruity notes: subtle orange peel, dried apricot, fresh peach and a hint of molasses and woody notes. These characteristics of the blend make it every mixologist’s dream with almost endless possibilities of flavour combinations.

Following the principles of building an extraordinary cocktail, a clear ‘taste picture’ is a good first step. But, like cooking ‘by feel’, this skill is achieved through trial and error. Balance is also key to achieving a cocktail that could become a house specialty: equal parts of sweet and sour as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic components. Small touches can also make a world of difference, whether it be a drop of bitters or a twist of lime to elevate and unlock dormant flavours.

For National Rum Day 2019, let’s be on the lookout for the exciting Appleton Estate Signature Blend cocktails to come. We are certain that these creations will be memorable ones befitting of celebrating the world-renowned Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum and the island’s rich rum heritage.