Cocktail Corner: Celebrate National Rum Day

A refreshing Pina Colada is the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day on Aug. 16. Photo and recipe courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

A refreshing Pina Colada is the perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day on Aug. 16. Photo courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

I’ll take any excuse to celebrate with cocktails, and National Rum Day is a pretty darn good one. This annual holiday takes place on August 16, celebrating the sweet flavor and tropical spice tanginess of all things rum-related. Rum is the quintessential summer spirit, and these cocktail recipes, courtesy of Flor de Caña, are a great way to embrace and enjoy the last bit of summer. This family-owned company is celebrating 125 years of production of award-winning Nicaraguan rum. Try them out and let us know what you think.

Macau

 1 ½ oz Flor de Caña 7 Year Rum

1 oz guava juice

1 oz orange juice

½ oz lemon juice

1/3 oz simple sugar

Method: Garnish with 1 orange slice and 1 cherry with stem

Macau, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Macau, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Pina Colada

2.5 parts Flor de Caña 7 Rum

3 parts pineapple juice

1 part coconut cream

Method: Combine the FDC 7, pineapple juice and coconut cream in a blender. Add cup of crushed ice and blend on high until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

 

Old Fashioned

2 parts Flor de Caña 7 Rum

1/4 part brown sugar syrup

3 or 4 dashes coffee bitters

2 large orange zests

Method: Add all ingredients to your mixing glass. Stir with ice. Strain into a prepared Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with orange peel.

Mojito, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Mojito, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Ultimate Mojito

2 parts Flor de Caña 7

1/2 part lime juice

1/3 part superfine sugar

3 leaves mint

Champagne

Method: Muddle lime juice with sugar in a Collins glass. Add mint leaves and muddle again. Fill glass 2/3 full with crushed ice and add rum. Top off with a champagne float. Garnish with sprig of mint.  

Manhattan, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Manhattan, courtesy Flor De Cana rum.

Manhattan

 2 parts Flor de Caña 7 rum

1 part sweet vermouth

1/6 parts maraschino liqueur

1 dash orange bitters

Method Add all ingredients to mixing glass filled with ice. Stir vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

 Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on August 12, 2016.

 

Cocktail Corner: Stocking Stuffers

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Make your Christmas morning memorable by celebrating the art of celebrating with these fun, cocktail-themed stocking stuffers.

Wine Twirls

These pretty little “wine twirls” make sure your white wine stays chill right where it counts—in the glass. Just put them in the freezer ahead of time, then pop one into your glass and twirl, swirl and sip away to your heart’s content.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

These pretty pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are perfect for adding subtle saltiness to your favorite tequila. Not only that, they come from Salt Cave Santa Barbara, also known as North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave right here at 740 State St., with a second location to purchase merchandise at 32 W. Anapamu St.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Whiskey Stones

Your favorite whiskey drinker will savor the scotch even more when he/she adds these chilled whiskey stones to their next dram. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US, these cubes also come in cute, themed icons such as fishing, Paris, skull & crossbones and more.

Bubi Bottles

These versatile Bubi Bottles are portable, scrunchable and BPA free … need I say more! Not only will they hold your adult beverages, in a pinch they can be used as an ice pack or a hot pack, making them great gifts for everyone on your list.

 

 

Cocktails Galore Drink Coasters

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

A collage of drink names artfully displayed—the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Martini, Mojito, Mai Tai, Gin and Tonic, Pina Colada, Screwdriver and more —will set the cocktail mood at your next bash. Set of four coasters from the local After 5 Catalog comes with its own stand made from durable hardboard.

Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier

The most portable way to transport your vino without the weight of a breakable bottle, this Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier is outfitted with an easy screw cap and a peekaboo window. What better gift than portable way to let you keep the party going wherever your adventures take you.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”