Rum is Jamaica's unofficial national drink, a title earned through centuries of history and cultural significance. This spirit, tied to the island's past, has become a global icon of Jamaican identity.
The origins trace back to the 1600s in Caribbean islands, where records suggest that slaves made alcohol by fermenting molasses. Molasses is a byproduct of refining sugarcane into sugar. Before this, sugarcane planters considered molasses industrial waste.
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The history of this drink is intertwined with slave trades in colonial America and Europe. The growing demand for rum in America and sugar in Europe created a chain of trades between Africa, the Caribbean, and British colonies.
Rum spread further when the British navy adopted it as their official drink in 1655. They conquered
Jamaica from Spain, seizing sugarcane plantations and rum distilleries. This eliminated brandy, which came from France, a frequent enemy of the Brits.
This history distributed rum worldwide, making it one of the most widely consumed drinks across many countries.
Why Is It Considered The National Drink Of Jamaica?
Columbus was the first European to find sugarcane on the Caribbean Islands. He moved sugarcane to Europe rather than exploring its products. After the British took control of Jamaica, they introduced rum production. The drink became popular in North America and Europe. Slaves, soldiers, and diplomats carried it outside Jamaica.
Slaves contributed significantly to rum's popularity. But as anti-slave movements began, the business declined. The war between the British and the French nearly collapsed the rum industry in Jamaica. Half a century later, the industry went further into shambles. Yet the drink remained famous among Jamaicans. Once Jamaicans realized its potential, they resumed production and international trade to North America and Europe. Jamaica now exports the liquor to over 70 countries.
Taste Of Rum
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Three basic types are produced in Jamaica, differing in taste. White Rum has been made for four hundred years. This variant tastes sweet and is light and dry. It is the least flavoured because of the short distillation period and is preferred for cocktails and mixed drinks.
Amber or Jamaican Golden Rum is the next variation. This is the original flavour. After long distillation, this drink tastes rich, smooth and sweet. Amber Rum is distilled in oak barrels.
Last is Premium Jamaican Rum. This is Amber Rum distilled even longer. The longer it is distilled, the better it tastes. It has a rich, premium taste and is the most expensive. The best way to take this type is with ice.
How Much Does Rum Cost?
There is wide variation in prices. The cheapest come from Italy. Japanese brands are next. Jamaican Rum is the most expensive among common labels.
As mentioned, Premium Jamaican Rums are the most expensive. The cheapest label among those is available at a higher price point. The best ones are priced even higher.
How To Drink Rum
You can drink the liquor as it is, or with water or ice. It may also be mixed with other drinks or flavourings. That depends on how you would like to take it and what type you have. Adding White Rum to a cocktail enriches its taste. Similarly, you can mix Amber Rum with other flavours like caramel. However, it's best to drink Premium Rum as it is to retain its strong taste.
Cocktails You Can Make
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Jamaican Rum is exported throughout the world. As a result, every country likely has its own cocktail invented using this drink. You have the usual suspects such as daiquiri, pina colada, and mojito. Other cocktails you can make are mai tai, hot buttered rum, and zombie.
Mai tai has both dark rum and white rum, along with triple sec, grenadine, almond syrup, and lime juice. Mix all these together in a shaker. Pour in a tumbler with ice, and top with a cherry.
Hot buttered rum is perfect if you want a warm, boozy drink. It has dark rum, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and butter. Mix those with water, brown sugar, and salt and bring to a high boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Don't be afraid of this zombie too much. This has both dark and white rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Pour the liquors and fruit juices into a shaker filled with ice. Shake until the shaker feels cold. Pour in a tall glass and add the grenadine for extra colour. Garnish with fruits and mint leaves.
Where To Buy The Liquor In The US
This liquor is widely available in the US. Some of the best sellers include Wine-Searcher and TotalWine. These online stores have different brands of Jamaican rum.
Final Thoughts
This liquor has a long history and played a part in major world events. While it now has a rosier view, it remains special, especially to Jamaicans. So why not take a sip of Jamaican rum in Jamaica itself? Plan your trip soon! And while you're exploring, don't forget to check out the hidden gems brunch in food travel and hidden gems culinary in food travel for a full taste of the island.
*This article was contributed by Akshay Sharma.
