Monsoon Guide To Picking Perfect Variants Of Rum & Food Pairings

Rum, also called Demon Water, Red Eye, Kill Devil, Rumbo, Devil’s Death, Nelson’s Blood, Pirate’s Drink and more, is a fierce spirit. It is hot and strong, which is probably why the myth that it is only suitable for consumption in winter birthed.

Gentle note:

Rum can be consumed throughout the year.Before diving into the monsoon, it was necessary to break the myth so that you can explore a wide range of options available in this category of spirit ahead of the World Rum Day celebration on July 13, 2024. If you pick the right rum, consider the season, and pair it with the right food, you can enjoy the moment to the fullest.

To create this foolproof guide, Slurrp connected with industry experts - Kasturi Banerjee, Founder and Director of Stilldistilling Spirits, which makes Maka Zai Rum, and Vikram Achanta, Co-founder of 30BestBarsIndia and Founder & CEO of Tulleeho. 

Caption: Kasturi Banerjee 

Best Rum Picks For Monsoon And Food Pairings

If you are planning to include rum cocktails in a monsoon party, the first thought is which variety of the spirit is ideal for this season. Kasturi Banerjee says, "The first option is you can go for an intense flavour for rums, a matured gold rum which has notes of spices is best suited." 

She suggests using the gold rum as a base and adding local touches like pairing hot buttered rum with pakoras or a glass of rum toddy with warm jalebi. She adds, "It’s a perfect way to enjoy the season’s cosy vibes. Also, for people enjoying the outdoors, a batch of great rum hot chocolate after a trek works great."

Kasturi Banerjee adds, "The other option is to consider are white rum spirits with hints of tropical fruits or citrus, which can add a refreshing and uplifting touch amidst the dampness of the season." While suggesting alcohol enthusiasts, she says that rum cocktails, like a mojito or daiquiri, brighten up gloomy weather with their zesty flavours.

Caption: Vikram Achanta

Speaking about the food to pair with rum cocktails, Vikram Achanta adds, “With white rums, lighter dishes such as seafood or salads with citrus dressings tend to pair the best. Dark rums have a different complexity and warmth, and are a good fit for cheese platters and with rich chocolate-based desserts." If you like to consume spiced rum, he suggests pairing those cocktails with fried food and snacks such as fritters, or even barbecued ribs.

"A rum punch with tropical fruit juices is a great option for welcome drinks at parties. Whether sipping it neat or mixed, rum adds a touch of warmth and relaxation to rainy days," Kasturi Banerjee concludes. 

Sharing a monsoon tip, Kasturi Banerjee says that one must look for rum varieties with warm and comforting notes like caramel, vanilla, nutmeg, and cinnamon. You can select aged rums with a deeper palate and complex flavour. “They are most suited for rainy days,” she adds.

Cocktail Recipes For Monsoon

Vikram Achanta shared a few rum signature rum cocktail recipes from Shaker Sutra - the Tulleeho Book of Cocktails, co-authored by him. 

Corrito

He says, "Corrito might surprise you with its unique flavour, but it’s a surprise that you will crave." This rum cocktail is an Indian-inspired twist on the classic mojito. Instead of mint leaves, fresh coriander and lime chunks add a burst of zest and herbal freshness. 

Ingredients

  • 45 ml white rum 
  • 3-4 sprigs of coriander 
  • 3-4 lime chunks
  • 10 ml sugar syrup 
  • 2-3 dashes of hot sauce  
  • A pinch of chaat masala  
  • Black cold drink 
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • Muddle the lime slices and coriander gently in a highball glass. 
  • Add the ice, rum, chaat masala, sugar syrup and hot sauce. 
  • Top off with a black cold drink, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve.

Black Night

"This one is a real pick-me-upper for the rains, a perfect quick fix of caffeine and aerated drinks," exclaimed Vikram Achanta. Its recipe is the quickest to whip up on a rainy day.

Ingredients

  • 60 ml dark rum
  • 1 tsp coffee powder
  • Black aerated drink
  • Ice cubes

Method

  • Build the drink with rum and coffee powder over ice, in a Collins glass.  
  • Top off with a black fizzy drink and serve.

Caribbean Harvest

Vikram Achanta asks, "Bananas. Chocolate. Coconut. Rum. Need we say more?" This drink has fruitiness from bananas, richness from chocolate, fierce notes from rum, and rustic charm of coconut.

Ingredients

  • 30 ml white rum 
  • 10 ml Malibu rum
  • 10 ml banana-flavoured liquor
  • 10 ml chocolate syrup  
  • Ice cubes 
  • Banana slices 
  • Maraschino cherries 

Method

  • Shake all the ingredients with ice and double-strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 
  • Garnish with a spear of banana and cherries.
  • Alternatively, serve the drink on the rocks in an old-fashioned glass without the garnish.