Rum, “the alcohol of pirates”, is very famous and is available in many different taste palates. The drink is known for its unique flavour, production techniques and history. Today, our article is about Rum, what alcohol is Rum and all about Rum.
It is a very ancient beverage that dates back to the early 17th century. We know the first Rum from the Caribbean. In early times, alcohols were made with fermented beverages using sugarcane. Rum was first made in the Caribbean where molasses was the byproduct of sugar and it was distilled to produce Rum.
With the Caribbean, Rum reached the shores of America, Europe and other countries. At first, it was used as a currency for barter trade. Later, it became the demanded beverage and people started enjoying it for its taste.
What Alcohol is Rum?
To produce Rum, the basic ingredients are Sugar cane byproducts. It is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from molasses or sugar cane juice. Usually, oak barrels are used to age this alcohol which is why we see it more often in movies and series where they store Rum in barrels in the ship. Depending on the age, it can have variant colours and taste palates. Oak barrels also add to its aroma and taste profile.
Rum is high in alcohol. It contains 40% to 50% ABV (alcohol by volume). Many Rums can have an alcohol content volume of up to 75%.
How To Produce Rum?
Rum production is a very interesting process. You add yeast in the fermented sugar cane juice and it converts sugars into alcohols. What type of yeast you use will highly impact the flavour of the drink.
Then the fermented liquid is heated to separate alcohol from water and other contents. This is distillation. Distillation is a whole “dexter-looking” process. Usually, you use Pot stills and column stills for distillation.
After Distillation, Rum is aged in Oak barrels. You can age it from months to years and fine ageing means finer taste. while ageing, Rum absorbs the woody earthy flavour from barrels and it contributes to the taste. The climate and overall conditions of ageing also highly impact the flavour of rum which is why Rum is available in so many flavours and colours.
After ageing, Rum is blended in blenders. Many Rum producers also add spices or flavours during the blending process.
Types of Rum Alcohol
There are quite a few famous types of Rum. They are
- White Rum is also known as Silver Rum. It is white because it is clear and mild in flavour. Usually, you use light Rum in cocktails as a neutral spirit. As evident from the name, Light Rum goes through a short period of ageing.
- Golden Rum goes through longer ageing and has a golden hue. It is rich in flavour and more versatile in flavour. You can use it in cocktails and enjoy it as a separate beverage too.
- Dark Rum is aged for longer periods which results in darker colours and more complex flavours than golden and light rum. Dark Rum is a base for many strong cocktails. It also has notes of caramel, vanilla, and spices.
- Spiced Rum has a flavour of different spices. The most common flavours include caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves. Spiced rum is popular in cocktails and can add a unique twist to traditional recipes.
- Overproof Rum is a very strong alcohol. Its alcohol content is usually above 50%. In cocktails, it has a flaming effect and a very strong flavour. One must use Rum with caution due to its high alcohol content.
How To Use Rum?
Rum is a base ingredient in many cocktails. Some common cocktails include:
- Mojito which is a refreshing blend of light rum, lime juice, mint, sugar and soda water.
- Daiquiri is a simple yet elegant mix of light rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- You can make a very famous tropical drink Pina Colada with light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
- Rum punch is another fruity and festive drink combining various fruit juices and rum.
- You can use Rum in cooking and baking to add complex and rich flavours. Different marinades, sauces and desserts taste better with Rum.
Common Recipes Of Cocktails Including Rum Alcohol
You can use rum in many cocktails and they taste better with variant types of Rum. Some classic popular rum cocktail recipes are
Classic Daiquiri
Classic Daiquiri highlights the clean and crisp flavour of light rum.
- 2 ounces light rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 3/4 ounce simple syrup
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Mojito
A refreshing cocktail perfect for hot summer days, the Mojito combines the flavours of mint and lime with light rum.
- 2 ounces light rum
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves
- Soda water
- Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. Fill the glass with ice and add rum. Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is a tropical delight that uses rum, coconut, and pineapple. To make this drink
- 2 ounces light rum
- 1 ounce coconut cream
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 6 ounces fresh pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into a chilled glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.
Mai Tai
A quintessential tiki drink, the Mai Tai features a blend of light and dark rums with citrus and almond flavours. To make Mai tai you will need,
- 1 ounce light rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 1/2 ounce orange curaçao
- 1/2 ounce orgeat syrup
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for parties and gatherings, combining various fruit juices with rum.
- 1 1/2 ounces light rum
- 1 1/2 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- Dash of Angostura bitters
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a large glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
