Home is where the rum is with David and Randeen
Published:Thursday | March 5, 2020 | 12:00 AMKrysta Anderson /Gleaner Writer
The dynamic duo who teased their way into our hearts a few weeks ago were back for the main event at Jamaica Rum Festival 2020. Appleton Estate Senior Blender David Morrison hosted a spirited ruminar alongside the trusted award-winning bartender Randeen Thomas.
Together, they presented ‘Home is Where the Rum Is’, which included four versatile mixes using the Appleton Estate Reserve Blend. David performed as the orator for the event’s storytelling and Randeen went the more festive route, pouring, mixing and shaking his way to happiness. And the attentive audience?
They were given the opportunity to not only watch, but also taste these home remedies for themselves. David’s introduction included a bit of history with Appleton before delving into how to incorporate the magic in celebrating different occasions. First up was Virtuous, a cocktail that speaks to the virtuous woman. It employed the use of vanilla extract, granulated sugar, Appleton Estate Reserve Blend, of course, a pinch of nutmeg, and cinnamon stick as a garnish.
If that wasn’t wonderful enough, that mix celebrating the sweet bodice of a virtuous woman made way for yet another, the date night - Heated Moment. Ginger for spice, honey for sweetness, fresh lemon juice, apple juice and thyme for garnish were the mix’s key components.
“The thyme will impact the drink’s smell and taste,” David declared.
Third stop was movie night. Jumanji added a nice twist with the use of bell peppers - time to get spicy. Balanced with fresh lime juice, granulated sugar and red cranberry juice, the Appleton Estate Reserve Blend got cosy in the midst of this mix. Then, just when we thought we were getting to that sweet spot, the team threw everyone for a loop, putting his audience in the friend zone with the backyard barbecue drink, Mango jerk daiquiri. The secret is the mango infused jerk sauce, fresh lime, granulated sugar, and the most important ingredient, the rum, which was then garnished with mango (or mint).
Just when they thought the show was over, the guests were invited to get involved. With a basket filled with goodies, their mission, should they choose to accept it, was to use at least four of the ingredients within the basket to create their very own drink. Each table went to work, went through the taste test, then presented their mix - every drink has a story. In this ruminar, spicy nova placed second, but it was flaming phoenix who emerged as the mixing winners.