Overview
As we move into spring, the days become longer, the warmth begins to return to the evenings, and we dare to bare arms. And so, "Let us toast to animal pleasures, to escapism, to rain on the roof and instant coffee, to unemployment insurance and library cards, to absinthe and good-hearted landlords, to music and warm bodies and contraceptives... and to the 'good life', whatever it is and wherever it happens to be." So says Hunter S. Thompson, the author of The Rum Diary, after which this Fitzroy watering hole is named. In the spirit typical of Thompson's writing — fast paced, first person, participatory and energetic — The Rum Diary pays a delightfully appropriate homage to its namesake's author, seven nights a week.
Walking through the wooden doors (pull, don't push) you'll clock the shelves behind the bar, which are absolutely heaving with rum. One hundred and seventy different varieties of rum, to be precise. The guys behind the bar will doubtless be muddling, shaking or concocting a delicious something or other, so take a seat and peruse their cocktail list while you try to decide whether you want rum, rum, or rum. Or perhaps something with rum. If you don't want rum, of course they do have a veritable plethora of other varieties to choose from, so don't fret.
The team at the Rum Diary, headed up by owner Hamish Goonetilleke, "create excitement around rum, bringing together the best people, atmosphere and experience in which to share it". So share we shall. And in the spirit of inclusiveness, The Rum Diary have cordially opened their specs book and given you five of their best cocktails for you to try at home. Of course, if the idea of creating all of this yourself is too much for you to bear, just head in and have the experts make it for you.
Guatemala Soup
First up: The Guatemala Soup. Perfect for sipping while you're contemplating the mysteries of life, arguing with a mate about Carsei Lannister's fundamental character flaws, or when you just want to enjoy the affable atmosphere.
30ml Zacapa 23
10ml Amaro Montenegro
10ml Pedro Ximénez
1 dash Cacao Blanc
2 dashes of old time aromatic bitters
10ml water
Top with sour cherry foam. Stir down in a rocks glass and garnish with orange zest.
Hibiscus Knickerbocker
The devilishly tasty Hibiscus Knickerbocker is a rum-heavy bevvy with just a hint of hibiscus, which really drives home the deliciousness of the Angostura. Angostura is rich, mellow smooth rum with chocolate, spice and vanilla flavours. Highly recommended for when you want to look suave.
60ml Angostura 5 year old
25ml lime juice
20ml hibiscus syrup
4 dashes Angostura bitters
Shake and strain into a martini glass with lime twist.
Foxy Bingo
The perfect spring beverage, the Foxy Bingo will be the one you choose when you want to sit on the outside tables and watch the world go by on Brunswick Street. Lightly sparkling and just slightly bitter, it's the drink you drink when you don't want to think. Fabulous, darling.
45ml Plantation 3 Star White Rum
15ml Aperol
25ml lime juice
20ml Pommery Rose
2 dashes peach bitters
Build in champagne flute and top with sparkling.
Dark 'n' Stormy
Okay. Showstopper time. The Dark 'n' Stormy is the tart friend you wish you had by your side when you were trying to get the courage to quit your job. You just know that this drink is going to sass you — plus it has the added benefit of making you feel virtuous, 'cos it's got ginger in it, and ginger is good for you, okay? Ginger is an anti-nausea aid as well, so maybe you won't have a hangover tomorrow. Maybe.
45ml Gosling's Black Seal Rum
1 dash Angostura aromatic bitters
1 glug lemon juice
Top with homemade ginger beer and coriander. Build in glass and garnish with lime wheel.
Rum Negroni
The classic Negroni, rummified. Delightful and definitely a sipping drink, the mellow vanilla of the rums mixed with the Campari and Aperol has the power to make you feel like you could be somewhere canal-side in Venice if you squint a fair bit (and if you could just stop your friend from talking about Dancing With The Stars).
10ml Angostura 5 year old
10ml Plantation Original Dark Rum
20ml Antica Formula
10ml Campari
10ml Aperol
Stir down in rocks glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Well, that’s it: five of the best from the Rum Diary to add to your spring cocktail arsenal. But remember, it's always easier for someone to make it for you, and then all you have to do is raise hand to mouth. Ugh, isn’t life HARD sometimes?
The Rum Diary, 334 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, (03) 9939 0616, rumdiarybar.com.au
Negroni image thanks to Geoff Peters, Dark 'n' Stormy image thanks to michelle.schrank.