“Ho, Ho, Ho and a bottle of rum.” Today is National Rum Day and we’ve got put together a list of our favorite rum drinks in South Florida.
Rum has a rich history in the U.S. – far surpassing the pirates and their eulogies of this delightful spirit. In fact, rum makes up about 9.4% of total spirits in the U.S. market. In 2018 21.6 million 9-liter cases of rum were consumed in the U.S., according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
Sugar cane is the primary ingredient used to make rum. The origins of sugarcane can be directly attributed to Christopher Columbus and his generous introduction of the plant to the Americas. African slaves were forced to harvest the crop and noticed the juice would ferment. As they began to drink it, a sudden change in mood amongst the consumers is what led to this root spirit being dubbed ‘Kill Devil.’
As this drink became more popular, pirates began looting ships and became interested in having rum for their long trips from the Caribbean and Europe. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that rum was distilled properly and brought from Europe to America. The 20th century brought about mixology which leads to mixing rum with sodas and fruits and eventually the American lust for the spirit.
In other words, Captain Jack Sparrow’s favorite spirit is truly a favorite in the beautiful USA. South Florida is no exception to the love of rum. Broward and Palm Beach counties have a historical relationship with alcohol. From the 1920’s Prohibition rum-runners to tipsy spring breakers – South Florida is definitely known for its copious consumption of rum over the last century. It’s no coincidence that Palm Beach County is a huge producer of sugarcane.
Here are some local spots for you to indulge in the best rum inspired drinks in South Florida.
Death or Glory Bar
116 NE 6th Avenue, Delray Beach | 561-808-8814
Death or Glory Bar is located in the historic Falcon House of Delray Beach. Built in 1925, this long-standing monument has nearly 100 years of history hidden within its walls. Everything about this new American, globally influenced bar is right up our alley.
“Death or Glory is passion: for our cocktails, our food, our home, and our community.” The canopied outside bar hosts an infamous rum-focused menu and pays homage to the 1920 Florida rum runners, and tips its hat to the whimsical Tiki theme. From Stiggin’s Fancy (blended pineapple rum, pineapple, lime, and mint), classic pina coladas with fresh fruits, to Communal Bowls for Sharing your favorite rum drink – this gorgeous bar has plenty of rum drinks to choose from.
Deck 84
840 East Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach | 561-665-8484
Deck 84 is tucked away under the Intracoastal Waterway drawbridge, on Atlantic Avenue, in Delray Beach. This chic waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to close out the ‘end of summer’ and National Rum Day in South Florida.
Deck 84 is known for a few key rum-filled drinks from their popular Deck Punch (Bacardi Pineapple Fusion Rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, dark rum floater), The Original Rum Runner (Bacardi Silver Rum, banana, blackberry, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine), and the infamous Key Lime Martini (Papa’s Pilar Rum, KeKe Key Lime Liqueur, House Sour Mix, Monin Vanilla syrup). Deck 84 supports all things rum – stop by and grab one of these delicious concoctions for National Rum Day.
Shooters Waterfront
3033 NE 32 Ave, Fort Lauderdale | 954-566-2855
Since it opened in 1982, Shooter’s Waterfront has been a long-standing spring breaker’s paradise and neighborhood eatery, growing along with the hometown vibes of beautiful Fort Lauderdale. Not only is Shooters Waterfront the place-to-be, but this classy restaurant is also super involved in the South Florida Community.
Naturally, Shooter’s Waterfront is celebrating National Rum Day with some savory, Carribean inspired drinks. We suggest you try the Lime in the Coconut (Sugar Island spiced coconut rum, coconut, lime) or the refreshing Guava Martini (Real McCoy rum, guava puree, lime).
Stache Drinking Den + Coffee Bar
109 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale | 954-449-1044
Stache as been open and thriving since late 2013. Putting an elegant twist on boutique drinks and whiskeys, Stache taps into the intimate energy of a 1920’s Speakeasy with its mysterious and relaxed vibes. Plush tapestries, friendly staff, and handcrafted cocktails have us wanting to celebrate every alcohol-inspired holiday.
Although this spunky spot is known primarily for its whiskeys, the mixologists at Stache offer the Now Ear Dis (Appleton Rum, velvet falernum, mango nectar, cardamom-infused coconut cream, Angostura bitters) and has a solid selection of top-of-the-line rums to drink on the rocks or any way you like it. Head over to Stache for this delightful holiday.
The Commodore
Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove | 3300 SW 27th Ave, Coconut Grove
The Commodore is Coconut Grove’s spunky outpost for handcrafted cocktails and is well-known for its chic menu of sophisticated rum drinks. The classy, yet chill vibes at The Commodore promise to accommodate all of your National Rum Day needs.
El Presidente (Don Q rum, orange curacao, dry vermouth, grenadine), Martinique Rhum (Rhum Clement 10 yr., Rhum JM, tres Vieux 10yr.), and Santa Teresa (Anejo, lime, pineapple shrub) are just a few of our favorites. All rum drinks will be half off all day. In addition, The Commodore will be serving rum flights from 5-11 pm.
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