C OV E R S TO R Y
RUMblings of Revolution W
Rum, a drink that was given as ration to sailors in the earlier days, was known as the Devil’s drink as it warmed you up, trickling down your throat. The concept that rum was a drink of pirates and the navy, has played against the thee popularity of the spirit. Because of India’s history with the British, the country made a darker, navy style rum, which was consumed during the winter. This was in contrast to other countries – from Barbados to Philippines and Mexico – where it was imbibed in hot climate. It was up to international rum brands to elevate the experience of the spirit. Today, bartenders and mixologists are of the opinion that rum is not only proving popular with the customers – ladies as well as gents – but is also becoming popular for blending cocktails. Ashok Malkani examines several aspects about the popularity of this tipple with the customers as a drink as well as in concocting enjoyable and appealing cocktails.
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Hammer Food & Beverage Business Review
hen one speaks of alcoholic drink, the tipple that comes to the minds of most people is Whisky. And for cocktails, vodka or gin are often believed to be the best choices! However a drink that has been popular over centuries is Rum. Originated in the West Indies, rums are first mentioned in records from Barbados in about 1650. Rum has become one of the most popular drinks all over the globe. Washington-based bar legend, Todd Thrasher, who has created a molasses-based rum that would be low on sugar but fragrant with cardamom, lemongrass, spearmint, lemon verbena and more, describes rum and the cocktails that he serves as “Vacation in a glass.” He avers, “The rum category as a whole benefits from the feeling of escapism. And after a year of this pandemic, just about everyone needs a vacation, or at least a good cocktail.” And most bartenders are of the view that rum is the most flexible and food friendly spirit. Bar managers and mixologists across cities in India are predicting the dawn of rum, signalling the end of gin’s days in hipster glory. The popularity of rum in India has continued down the ages. Most Indians remember their first cocktail, during their college days, comprising of rum and coke. Ms. Pushpanjali Banerji, Brand Director, Kyndal Group, says, “Rum has been cherished in India for a long time. It is a staple in a household bar collection as it caters to every mood. Traditionally, rum’s popularity can be credited to the military and CSD canteens. Rum has a variety of distinguishing characteristics, and that is why it ranges from dark to light, sweet to spicy, overproof, aged and more. Rum can be enjoyed as a light drink or with more body and depth, making
Oct-Nov ’21
