Cocktail Hour: Forward to the Past

[dropcap2]S[/dropcap2]ummertime is the time for rum. That eau de vie distilled from sugar cane hits just the spot on a hot summer day. Perhaps because its origins are from such tropical places, the drinks we make with it also transport us to a sandy beach filled with palm trees or a tranquil hammock asleep with a book. So, in honor of this fabulous spirit, I present you with a cocktail to try at home.

This is a little twist on the Cuba Libre whose murky origins are still a bit unclear. Many say it was invented in the early 1900s when American Soliders brought Coca-Cola to Cuba, or it had something to do with the Spanish American War, but really it’s just a good old fashioned rum and Coke.

I like this cocktail because it adds a little sophistication to the traditional bar drink by the addition of the amaro, a traditional Italian bitter liqueur.

Forward to the Past

1.5 oz Sailor Jerry Rum
.25 oz amaro
.25 oz lime juice
.50 oz homemade cola syrup
Top with soda water

In mixing glass add rum, amaro, lime juice, cola syrup.
Add ice. Shake.
Pour into highball glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with lime wedge.

Enjoy and let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.