Jon Snow was right when he lamented that, “Winter is coming.”
While American politics have been the talk of Canadians far and wide, something has been brewing on our side of the border and with it brings over-packed streetcars, frozen extremities, and a concerning spike in our Netflix intake.
The thing we’re talking about, people, is winter.
And while not even the President-elect can distract us from our chilling reality, there are ways to ease our weather woes.
To survive the season, many of our financially-sound friends flee to the likes of Jamaica for warm beaches, but for those of us feeling the burn from holiday spending, turning our humble abodes into the ultimate staycation doesn’t have to seem less than.
In fact, with the right tools, all it takes to recreate the warming sensation of summer is the perfect drink. So, to help you combat this year’s arctic vortex we’re arming you with the ultimate winter rum guide – Appleton Estate style. Why? Crafting premium rum in the heart of Jamaica for more than 265 years, it only makes sense to celebrate with the quality spirit they’ve built their empire upon.
So if you’re looking to send your taste buds to the islands, kick off the winter with one of these foolproof rum cocktails.
The Appleton Estate Reserve Hot Butter Rum
Whether you’re binge-watching Gilmore Girls or Westworld, this hot butter rum is the perfect drink to keep you warm from one episode to the next.
To create the base, combine the following ingredients:
1 lb brown sugar
1/2 oz fresh extracted ginger juice
1/2 lb. butter
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp nutmeg
4 oz apple cider
1/2 tsp allspice
Blend the above ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil before removing from the heat. Then leave alone to cool and store in the fridge.
To serve, include the following in a glass mug, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
2 heaping tbsp of the above cocktail base
2 oz Appleton Estate Reserve
6 oz (approx) hot water
The Negriloni
If it’s a classic that you’re craving, the Negriloni pays tribute to the iconic bittersweet Negroni cocktail while adding a spicy Jamaican twist.
To make, stir ingredients in a mixing glass to chill. Then pour over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange zest.
1 oz – Appleton Estate Signature Blend
1 oz – Cinzano Rosso Vermouth
1 oz – Campari
Jamaican Mule
With the fiery feel of ginger beer, this variation of a Moscow Mule replaces vodka with a warmer amber rum, ideal for the winter months.
To make, squeeze the limes into a highball glass, pressing them with a muddler. Add ice and build remaining ingredients into the glass and stir.
1 part Appleton Estate Signature Blend
3 lime wedges
2 parts ginger beer
1 dash Angostura bitters (optional)
Joy’s Cocktail
If it’s a Netflix and Chill kinda holiday, this cocktail created by Appleton Estate’s Master Blender, Joy Spence (the first female Master Blender in the world), is sure to impress the leading lady in your life.
To prepare, squeeze the orange slice into a lowball glass and then drop it in the glass and muddle it. Add ice and build in remaining ingredients and stir.
1 part Appleton Estate Reserve Blend
3 parts Ginger ale
Slices of orange
5 drops Angostura bitters
Orange peel (garnish)
Estate on the Rocks
Finally, here’s a cocktail that’s perfect for when the cupboards are bare and venturing out into sub-zero temperatures is daunting. Warming you with a bouquet of deep oak, cocoa, delicate molasses, vibrant orange and subtle coffee, the only glimpse of winter you’ll get is when you have to refill the ice cube tray.
2oz – Appleton Estate 12 Year Old Rare Blend
Ice cubes
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