Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• Rum, Relaxation & The Spirit of the Islands

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - The St. Lucia Rum Punch

• The History of Rum: From Pirates to Paradise

🌊 Rum, Relaxation & The Spirit of the Islands

Hey there, cocktail lovers! This week’s edition is coming to you from the beautiful island of St. Lucia, where the rum flows freely, the beaches are stunning, and the only thing stronger than the sun is the drinks.

This week, we’re diving into:
✔ A deep dive into the history of Caribbean rum 🏴‍☠️
✔ Three tropical rum cocktails that’ll transport you straight to the islands 🌺
✔ A rum-inspired mocktail for when you want the flavors without the buzz 🥥
✔ A fun Caribbean-inspired trivia question 🧠
✔ An inspiring quote about island life & enjoying the moment 🌞

So grab a glass, cue up some reggae, and let’s set sail on a rum-fueled adventure!

Trivia Question❓

What Caribbean island is home to the world’s oldest existing rum distillery, founded in 1703?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

🍹 3 Must-Try Caribbean Rum Cocktails

1. Our Drink of the Week - The St. Lucia Rum Punch (A True Island Classic)

Every Caribbean island has its own version of rum punch, but St. Lucian Rum Punch follows the classic rhyme:
"One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak!"

Ingredients:

• 1 oz fresh lime juice (sour)

• 2 oz simple syrup or grenadine (sweet)

• 3 oz St. Lucian dark rum (strong)

• 4 oz fresh pineapple or orange juice (weak)

• Dash of Angostura bitters

Instructions:

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

2. Strain into an ice-filled glass.

3. Garnish with an orange slice.

4. Sip & pretend you're on a beach. 🏝️

2. The Mango Mojito (Fruity & Refreshing)

This twist on a classic mojito swaps out sugar for sweet, juicy mango—the perfect balance of minty, tart, and tropical.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 1/2 oz honey or simple syrup

• 1/2 fresh mango, muddled

• 6 fresh mint leaves

• Club soda

• Lime wheel & mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle the mango, lime juice, and mint in a glass.

2. Add rum and honey, then fill with ice.

3. Top with club soda and stir gently.

4. Garnish with a lime wheel and a mint sprig. Take a sip & feel the island breeze!

3. The Coconut Sunset Daiquiri (Smooth, Creamy & Dangerous)

A silky, coconut-infused daiquiri that goes down way too easily. Perfect for watching the sun set over the ocean.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz coconut rum (or white rum + 1 oz coconut cream)

• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 1 oz passion fruit or pineapple juice

• Ice

Instructions:

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

2. Strain into a coupe glass.

3. Garnish with a toasted coconut rim or a pineapple wedge.

4. Sip & imagine your toes in the sand.

BONUS: Caribbean Mocktail – The Tropical Nojito 🌱

Want all the tropical flavors without the booze? Try this bright & refreshing mojito-inspired mocktail!

Ingredients:

• 3 oz fresh pineapple juice

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 oz coconut water

• 6 fresh mint leaves

• Club soda

• Pineapple & mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle mint and lime juice in a glass.

2. Add pineapple juice and coconut water, then fill with ice.

3. Top with club soda and stir.

4. Garnish with pineapple and mint. Sip & enjoy the island life!

🏝️ The History of Rum: From Pirates to Paradise

Rum is more than just a tropical party drink—it’s deeply rooted in Caribbean history, dating back to the 1600s when sugarcane plantations discovered that fermenting their molasses waste created a potent, delicious spirit. From there:

• Pirates & Naval Tradition: Rum became a staple for sailors and swashbucklers alike, with British naval officers famously getting a daily rum ration (called a "tot") until 1970.

• Island Identity: Each Caribbean island has its own unique rum style—Jamaican rums are bold and funky, Bajan rums are smooth and well-balanced, and St. Lucian rums (like Chairman’s Reserve) are rich and complex.

• Tiki Culture Boom: The 20th century brought rum to the world’s biggest cocktail menus, thanks to drinks like the Mai Tai, Daiquiri, and Piña Colada.

Today, rum is more diverse and exciting than ever, with premium aged varieties that rival fine whiskey and cognac. Moral of the story? There’s a rum for every occasion—and we’re mixing some up right now! 🍹