GOURMAND Q&A
Rum BOSS
AVM: How does Coconut Cartel represent Miami? Zig: A good majority of us Miamians are firstgeneration Latinos. Our parents and grandparents brought Latin food, culture, language, music, and more, helping create what Miami is today. Coconut Cartel is a celebration of that multigenerational Latin influence, evident in both design and taste. Inside, embark on a journey to Central America, with influences, aromas, and flavors representing El Salvador and Guatemala. Then return to Miami with Cartel’s party-inducing effect and a slick label reflecting Miami’s unique beauty. What makes Coconut Cartel different from other rums? The magic is in the combination of old-school mastery, fresh ingredients, and innovative 92
COURTESY OF COCONUT CARTEL
Miami’s most buzzed-about rum, Coconut Cartel Special, is the creation of entrepreneur Danielle (Dani) Zig, who was named one of Forbes’ 30 under 30 in 2021. The single-origin Guatemalan dark rum is aged in American white oak barrels for up to 12 years, infused with fresh coconut water from El Salvador, and distributed out of Miami. An incredibly smooth taste and spirited backstory have propelled Coconut Cartel into local stardom as a go-to spirit for mixologists at top hotels such as Soho House plus trendy restaurants like Jattö in Wynwood (hello, banana-kissed Cartel Negroni). Here, Zig shares the inspiration behind her popular rum and how she enjoys it best. (coconutcartel.com) —P.R.
Founded by Danielle Zig, Coconut Cartel Special is 40 percent ABV and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or within a cocktail.
techniques. We found that by including fresh coconut water in our proofing method we could naturally infuse our traditional rum blend with flavors and textures, making it incredibly smooth, easy to sip, clean, and fresh. What are some of your favorite creations you’ve seen that use Coconut Cartel? The cake masters at Miami online bakery Fela Sweets make a ridiculous coconut rum cake with Coconut Cartel. I also love the cocktail recipes
using Cartel at the 1 Hotel South Beach and Whisk Gourmet in South Miami. Do you still get excited when you see Cartel in restaurants and bars? Absolutely. It’s always an out-of-body experience, especially when we catch a bottle in another city or country. It makes me feel right at home. How do you personally take your Coconut Cartel? At home, I make the best rum old-fashioned using Cartel, homemade banana syrup, and chocolate and cardamom bitters. This recipe uses flavors inspired by the agriculture around our farms in Central America. Sometimes, I’ll even top it off with frothy oat milk to create a grown-up chocolate milk of sorts. On the other hand, if I’m just trying to keep it simple, I’ll opt for Cartel on the rocks or with a splash of Dr. Pepper (yep that’s right, Dr. Pepper.) What’s next for the business? The Cartel is on the move. Can’t spill the beans yet, so follow us @coconutccartel to keep up!
AVENTURA MAGAZINE
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1/7/22 10:17 AM
