Elevate your cocktail experience with these JRF drink mixes

David Morrison, deputy master blender, Campari Group, is ready to illustrate interesting ways to elevate your cocktail experience at today’s Appleton Jamaica Rum Festival. His sessions will include the Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks, which offers a rich and sophisticated take on the classic Old Fashioned and the Brown Sugar Daiquiri, which features the Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve. Follow this guide to make your very own Old Fashioned and Brown Sugar Daiquiri Appleton cocktails.

OLD FASHIONED

INGREDIENTS

- 2oz Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Casks

- 0.5oz Simple syrup (or for an extra kick, use spiced brown sugar syrup)

- 2 dashes bitters

DIRECTIONS

1. Stir all ingredients over ice until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a rock glass over one large ice cube.

3. Express an orange twist over the drink, gently rub it around the rim of the glass, and place it into the drink.

This is a traditional rum drink, but senior blender, David Morrison, takes it to the next level by using a spiced brown sugar syrup in place of the simple syrup. This little tweak elevates the Old Fashioned to a whole new level by fusing the rich, molasses-like undertones of the rum, with a warm spiced sweetness. This is a classic cocktail that is usually made with bourbon, but you won’t even notice the bourbon if you use Appleton Estate 12YO Rare Casks instead. For those who enjoy cocktails, this rich, full-bodied rum elevates the classic drink to a new level of complexity and depth.

BROWN SUGAR DAIQUIRI

INGREDIENTS

2oz Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve

0.75oz Brown sugar syrup

0.5oz Fresh lime juice

DIRECTIONS

1. Shake all ingredients with ice until well-chilled.

2. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

3. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

The Brown Sugar Daiquiri, which features the well-balanced and silky Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve, is a wonderful take on the classic daiquiri. The vibrant lime juice and richness of the brown sugar syrup combine to create a classy and refreshing drink that works well for any occasion.