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Overview
This cocktail is a better antidote to your winter woes than you may think. In the spirit of Bacardi Rum Month, Sydney’s best bartenders are finding the warmer side to this tropical drink. At 150 years old, Bacardi lays claim to rum as we know it, with the modern production process developed by originator Don Facundo. His legacy transformed rum from the pirates’ pastime to the favourite speciality drink of the elite.
Bacardi remains family owned and operated, and with Rum Month, they aim to inspire top bartenders to add their own twist on tradition. June 10 is International Pina Colada Day, and although the cocktail may remind you of summer days gone by, these bars are taking the opportunity to bring you their winter spin on the Puerto Rican classic.
EARL'S JUKE JOINT
In the true spirit of a New Orleans bar, Earl’s is home to great music, a chill crowd and fun-loving bartenders mixing up a great cocktail list. Owner Wijesena (ex-Shady Pines) is bringing the piña colada back to its simple roots; the original was not envisioned as the rich concoction of creamed coconut we think of today, but rather made with fresh coconut water and pineapple juice. The Old San Juan cocktail, using Bacardi Carta Blanca, coconut-infused tequila, pineapple drinking vinegar and freshly squeezed lime, is a contemporary take on the Puerto Rican original.
407 King Street, Newtown
GRANDMA'S
Your home away from home has perhaps the most unusual spin on this popularised cocktail: the Peanut Butter Colada, made with Bacardi Oro (Gold) and all of the modern ingredients, except for a nice spoonful of crunchy peanut butter mixed in. It may sound strange, but the creaminess and saltiness perfectly complement the cocktail, which is actually a top seller. This type of reinvention is exactly the reason Bacardi promotes Rum Month, and is clearly a drink your granny approves of too.
275 Clarence Street, Sydney CBD
HELLO SAILOR
The nautical decor will make you wish you were sailing on your imaginary yacht this winter, and what better drink to reminisce with than this summertime classic. Created specifically for Rum Month and with the warmth of Bacardi 8-year in mind, Hello Sailor’s Black Tea and Gingerbread Piña Colada ($17) is a cold weather variation on their beloved traditional. The drink may look like summer, but it packs all of the wintery flavours to heat you up.
96 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst
HINKY DINKS
With the mantra “cocktails first, questions later”, and a firm belief that “there is a cocktail for everyone and for every occasion”, it is clear Hinky Dinks takes its drinks seriously. The 1950s-style bar's celebratory drink for Bacardi Rum Month is the fun Asante Sana Squash Banana, bartender Sam Barnett’s funky twist. Bacardi Oro’s toasted almond and sweet banana notes inspired this cocktail, a combination of Chartreuse, pineapple and coconut. Bold like Bacardi Oro itself, and crisp like the piña colada is intended to be, this drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
185 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst
Top image: Dollar Photo Club.