Don’t brush it rum-der the rug!
Rum’s early history runs parallel with the Americas and arguably, few other liquors have had a bigger impact on the New World.
While some form of rum has been distilled since the third Century BCE, it wasn’t until the 1600s colonisers began growing sugarcane in the Caribbean, that rum’s popularity exploded.
Initially called ‘ kill devil’ due to its high alcohol content and less than savoury taste, rum has steadily become more sophisticated and enjoyable with the evolution of the distilling process.
Come Wednesday, August 16, rum lovers the country over will be celebrating with a Bundy and Coke as we salute National Rum Day. Here are five venues where girls just want to have rum:
Bringing new life and passion to the distillery while still honouring its rich history, Milton Rum on Collingwood Street in Albion offers a range of craft spirits designed to excite and inspire a new age of rum drinkers. The original distillery was one of Australia’s largest rum producers for its time and was washed away in flood waters in 1890 – it never reopened and no rum was produced for more than 100 years.
While you can’t drop in on Wednesday for a wee drop (the distillery door is only open on Friday nights), you can order a bottle of signature Spiced Cane Spirit online to enjoy any time.
Connect with guests, locals and visitors as you raise a glass to the past at The Daintree Bar on Avenue of Palms in Port Douglas. Nestled in the heart of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, this spacious bar and tapas venue celebrates the memory of the first cane cutters arriving in the region more than 100 years ago, long before tourism arrived.
Delight in the flavours of rum and spirits made from local sugar cane as you enjoy Daintree’s renowned tasting paddles and sensational cocktails on Wednesday; you can also book in for a Masterclass with one of the passionate Far North Queensland master distillers.
Drink where the locals drink at Sydney spirit and cocktail bar, Grain by Four Seasons Hotel on George Street in the heart of the city. Grain Bar celebrates the fine craft of drinking in a neighbourhood vibe - showcasing passion, produce and people in moody surrounds of subtle lighting, a glowing aqua bar and embossed walls, setting the scene for lingering over cocktails and share plates.
Let the mixologists concoct an El Presidente cocktail – Diplomatico Ambassador Rum, Carpano Antica Formula, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao and Grenadine or a Sheets in Between made with Mount Gary Black Barrel Rum.
Hearty meals, breathtaking views of rolling countryside and comfortable accommodation make Neerim South Hotel on Main Neerim Road a must-stop on a journey to Gippsland. Formerly the Kings Arms Hotel, this venue warms the soul with a central fireplace, rustic décor, updated bar and affordable dining.
Drop in on Wednesday for a pub special meal of a pork cutlet with sweet potato mash and steamed vegetables before stopping into the bottle store to grab a bottle of rum to celebrate at home.
Find an intimate, warm-lit space to chill out with a cocktail, fine fare and live entertainment at Wakefield’s Bar & Wine on Wakefield Gardens in Ainslie. Nestled around the corner and upstairs from Edgar’s Inn, this stylish bar exudes rustic charm with exposed brick, dark timber and moody lighting.
Cosy up with a Dark and Stormy cocktail with Goslings dark rum, lime and ginger beer or a classic Mai Tai with Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, dry Curacao, ginger beer, lime and orgeat.
For more bars near you, click here.
