Guess what? August 16th is International Rum Day!
And we've got the lowdown on how to find a cool cocktail creation to combat the sweltering summer heat in New York City.
Rum isn't just a fun spirit to give any drink a tropical kick. It's also an important part of Caribbean and Latin American culture, as well as being a main component in the famous days of the Royal Navy versus pirates. Arrrgh!
So grab your mateys and get ready to raise a glass in honor of rum!
1. Cienfuegos (95 Avenue A)
Take a trip down Avenue A to this colorful Latin-inspired hideaway, Cienfuegos. Although they have tantalizing dishes that will rock your taste buds, they specialize in creative rum cocktails that are anything but run of the mill.
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Take a drop of their Liquid Sunshine, made with Goslings Black Rum, lemon, Cherry Heering, Plantation 3-Star and black pepper. If you want something a bit more elaborate, the Isle of Manhattan Fizz, with Chairman's Reserve Silver Rum, coconut, pineapple and orange flower water has your name on it.
2. Delilah (155 Rivington Street)
Down on the now hip Lower East Side sits a chic and intimate speakeasy that boasts both delectable food and stellar cocktails. But they do love their rum down here and are offering three specialty rum-based cocktails at half price in celebration of International Rum Day!
There's The Ramones, a mix of Bacardi, basil, brown sugar, cinnamon, clove, lime and peychaud’s bitters, or the Lady Delilah, with Rhum JM, saffron coconut milk, cinnamon, clove, lime juice, amaro ramazzotti. The Old Cuban tops Santa Teresa rum with mint and prosecco for a fresh, bubbly sip.
3. The Rum House (228 W 47th Street)
Tucked away inside the grandiose Hotel Edison in Midtown West, The Rum House adds a touch of class to their selection of rum cocktails. As a swanky, candlelit, wood-paneled piano bar, their drinks offer a tad more of the Royal Navy and less of the scalawags they were constantly chasing.
With over 50 different types of rum from all over the world, the sky is the limit for the type of libation you can crate. Tell the bartender what your tastes are or what kind of cocktail you're in the mood for and they'll skillfully craft up a custom creation for you right there before your eyes. Cheers!
4. Otto's Shrunken Head (538 E 14th Street)
Otto's Shrunken Head down in the Village plays the tiki bar gimmick hard, but well. The interior design is shamelessly gaudy and combines strong rum-based drinks with typical tiki decor and live musical performances. Where else would you go to party like a pirate?
Because drinks are served in wildly decorative cups, guests must pay a $5 deposit they will get back if and when the cup is returned. The signature drink is the Shrunken Head, but other notable mixtures include the Scurvy Dog, Stormy Skull and Patty’s Poison, all loaded with lots of rum and fruity flavors.
5. e's BAR (511 Amsterdam Avenue)
We're movin' on up! Sitting on the picturesque Amsterdam Avenue on the Upper West Side is e's Bar, a powerhouse when it comes to both food and drinks with a chill, laid back atmosphere the Upper West neighborhood has come to be known for.
For International Rum Day, they're pushing their fiery specialty Rumming with the Devil, a smooth mix of Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum, pineapple, grapefruit, cherry and ginger beer. Just to celebrate the holiday, they're offering it up for just $10 for the day. Get it while you can!
6. Mother's Ruin (18 Spring Street)
If you're a fan of boozy Bloody Mary's, then Mother's Ruin has a cocktail for you to try! This downtown dive is a great watering hole that feels like your local bar, but still offers a serious cocktail program with over-the-top drinks that carry a serious kick.
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Up your Rum Day game with a Bloody Jerry, made with Sailor Jerry rum and their signature Bloody Mary mix, topped with everything from waffle fries to pickles. This crazy rendition of the weekend brunch favorite is one you won’t ever feel embarrassed to order.
7. Cuba Restaurant and Rum Bar (222 Thompson Street)
You're sure to be “Havana great time” at this high-energy Village eatery with classic Cuban fare and delectable drinks, all surrounded by funky Latin digs with a live conga band on certain days. You can even get a custom cigar rolled just for you from the "cigar-rolling man" to accompany your concoction.
When it comes to their rum drinks, they aren't messing around. Their legendary Sparkling Mojito, with mint-lime syrup, Bacardi Rum and sparkling wine, proves that life really is the bubbles. Or opt for the Te Cubano with Bacardi 8 yr Rum, St. Germain, lemon, sugar cane for some serious vacation vibes.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]