09/07/2024
The Caribbean region gifted the world with RUM. The combination of sweet sugar cane and tropical climate resulted in a drink that is now loved all over the world. Let's take a closer look at the history of Caribbean rum, the customs associated with it and some interesting facts.
Shortly after sugarcane appeared in the Caribbean, drastic changes began, not only locally, but globally. So cane sugar turned the world upside down. In its wake, the slave trade flourished, but it also contributed to the outbreak of the American Revolution, and the distribution of rum became a mandatory daily routine in the British Navy. Rum was heavily involved in the boycott of the American liquor ban by the profitable rum runners, but Napoleon also invested a lot in promoting beet sugar in order to break the cane sugar market and thereby break the hegemony.
The golden age of pirates and sailors in the Caribbean dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when pirates like Henry Morgan, Blackbeard and Anne Bonny drank their own blended rums. These early rum makers added spices and fruit to rum to enrich its flavor during long sea voyages.
"a month without money is better than a day without rum" was the phrase uttered by Captain Jack Sparrow that year, giving credit to the respect for rum of the time.
In
1655, the British Royal Navy began giving sailors a drink called
"grog," which was a mixture of rum and water. This custom lasted until
July 31, 1970, so every year they celebrate the rum liberation day known
as Black Tot Day. On this day, the entire fleet bids farewell to the
old traditions with a last dose of rum
Rum is not just a drink, but an integral part of Caribbean culture. Rum is not only consumed in everyday life, but also revered as the centerpiece of special occasions, festivals and celebrations. These rum festivals are not only about celebrating the drink, but also about getting to know the local culture, music and gastronomy.
Barbados Food and Rum Festival
it is one of the most important rum festivals in the region, which annually attracts rum lovers and gastronomy fans. During the festival, you can taste not only local rums, but also the finest dishes of Caribbean cuisine.
Jamaica Rum Festival
It's a celebration of Jamaican rum and culture. Visitors can learn about the island's famous rums, such as Appleton Estate and Wray & Naphev.
Grenada Rum and Beer festival
celebrates the island's rum and beer culture in a unique way. The festival offers the opportunity to taste Grenada's famous rums such as Clark1sCourt and River Antonie rums.
The most expensive rum in the world: Appleton Estate 50 years old Jamaica Rum is one of the most expensive rums in the world. A bottle can cost thousands of dollars
Classification of rum: rums are divided into different categories, white, golden and dark rum. White rums are more likely to be ingredients for cocktails, while dark rums are better consumed on their own
Rum Houses: famous Caribbean rum houses include Bacardi, originally founded in Cuba, and Mount Gax, the oldest operating rum distillery in Barbados.
Let's look at some classic and popular rum-based cocktail recipes, with which you can conjure up the feeling of Caribbean life in your glass
Mojito: 50ml white rum, 1 tablespoon sugar, juice of ½ lime, fresh mint leaves, soda water and ice cubes
Pina Colada: 60 ml white rum, 90 ml pineapple juice, 30 ml coconut cream, ice cube, fresh pineapple slice and cherry for decoration
Daiquiri: 50 ml white rum, 25 ml lime juice, 15 ml sugar syrup and, of course, ice cubes
Mai Tai: 30 ml white rum, 30 ml dark rum, 15 ml Cointreau, 15 ml Orgeat, 10 ml fresh lime juice, ice cube, mint leaf for decoration
Cuba Libre: 50 ml white rum, 120 ml k cola, 10 ml lime juice, ice cube
The history of Caribbean rum is rich and colorful. Whether it's a hot summer day with a cooling cocktail in hand, or a cold winter evening with a glass of dark rum, this drink can always enchant you and transport you to the tropics for a moment.
Question 1: Which Caribbean island is famous for its Mount Gay rum?
a. Jamaica
b. Barbados
c. Cuba
Question 2: What raw material is rum made of?
a. Wheat
b. grape
c. sugar cane
Question 3: Which famous movie character's favorite drink is rum:
a. Indiana Jones
b. Jack Sparrow
c. James Bond
The correct answers are:
1. B) Barbados
2. C) Sugarcane
3. B) Jack Sparrow
Author: VCL Team
09/07/2024
