Five Places to Celebrate International Rum Day in Melbourne

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It’s time to embrace your inner pirate as we celebrate on August 16 with a yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum. International Rum Day is an event Melbourne’s best bartenders are taking very seriously this year, with some of our top establishments creating cocktails just for the glorious occasion.

When it comes to go-to rum cocktail bases, Bacardi is undoubtedly the weapon of choice, and as you will discover from our list it is as versatile as it is delicious. We’re excited to raise a glass to the rum concoctions that will be lovingly crafted this weekend, here’s where to find them.

THE TOFF IN TOWN: THE CUBAN REMEDY

Siddle into a cosy booth at the Toff and enjoy their Cuban Remedy, Jonathon Minihan’s twist on a Trinidad Sour. Bacardi 8 is the base of the cocktail, providing a depth of flavour and a sherry finish, while Angostura Bitters brings a zing to the table and ginger adds a little spice. Lime juice ties it all together, and the creation is garnished with a lime twist. The perfect post-dinner cocktail for those not quite ready to call it a night.

1806: THE COLD RUM FLIP

1806 is all about the classic cocktails, and what better way to celebrate International Rum Day than by creating a drink that nods to both an excellent bartender and Facundo Bacardi. Jerry Thomas is responsible for creating the Cold Rum Flip, and 1806 venue manager Kevin Griffin pays homage to Bacardi by using the Carta Blanca and Oloroso sherry to pay homage to his connection to Spain. Griffin has also added charred spiced pineapple syrup that provides a rich sweetnes, as well as a barspoon of honey, a free range egg for some froth, and garnished with grated cinnamon.

BOILERMAKER HOUSE: FROM THE SOLERA

While Boilermaker house may be most well known for their whisky and craft beer selection, let it be known they have more cards up their sleeve. Their unique in-house solera system has been utilised in creating a cocktail that only gets better with time as it ages in their Tasmanian and American oak. Aberfeldy meets Bacardi 8, with Martini Rosso, chocolate malt orgate and two dashes of Jerry Thomas Decanter bitters thrown in for good measure. Not only is this drink divine, it’s also versatile, as it can be served “hot as a blazer or cold as an old-fashioned.”

PIXEL ALLEY: DONKEY KONG

Coming up with an arcade game-themed rum cocktail is surprisingly not as difficult as you might first imagine, considering old mate Donkey Kong spent most of his time hurling barrels left, right and centre. Bacardi Carta Oro is aged for two years and is smooth to drink with a hint of spice. To continue with the Donkey Kong theme, De Kuyper Banana Liqueur is combined with honey syrup, frozen banana and oat milk. Think of it like a boozy banana milkshake, only less heavy. Much like DK’s barrels, this beverage will explode with flavour.

COOKIE: THE BOATMAN'S CUT

When a cocktail can tell a story, it goes beyond your average sipping experience — it’s an event. The Boatman’s Cut is inspired by the struggle endured by the Bacardi family when forced to leave Cuba in 1960. Bacardi Superior meets Monin cinnamon syrup and blue curacao, with fruity flavours of pear puree, pineapple and lime juice adding an extra tropical element. Cookie’s bar manager Ariel explains that she would have liked to have served this to the fleeing family members during their journey across the sea to make their voyage more enjoyable. We’re happy to raise a glass to their legacy that lives on.

Top image: Dollar Photo Club.