Panama Presidente Cocktail

10 Friday Aug 2018

Fridays in the Summer seem to beg for Rum… especially when the temperature and humidity are high.

There are too many variations of “El Presidente” cocktails to even begin to classify any as “classic.” The one common thread between them all is Rum.

Otherwise, the variations are limitless.

I focused in on a recipe that caught my eye because of the juxtaposition of Cointreau and Dry Vermouth. It struck me that this variation would be more balanced than many of the other options.

The recipe specifically called for Grander Rum, an 8-year-old, Bourbon cask-aged spirit. Not having any Grander, I chose a Special Reserve Appleton from Jamaica.

Overall, the cocktail is quite refreshing and very well balanced. The Cointreau lends a lovely orange blossom flavor to the drink, and the Dolin Dry Vermouth keeps the sweetness in check. Quite a happy camper am I…

My friends, I present the Panama Presidente Cocktail:

2oz. Rum (8 year-old, cask aged)

3/4oz. Cointreau

3/4oz. Dry Vermouth

1/4oz. Pure Cane Syrup

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into a coup glass. Garnish with either an orange or lemon peel.

Cin-Cin!

12 Year-Old Ledaig (Tobermory Distillery)

09 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by musingsonthevine in Spirits

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This single malt is produced on the Isle of Mull by Tobermory. It is a 12 year-old Whisky that is heavily peated and aged in wine barrels previously used for the aging of Hermitage wine (Northern Rhone Valley – France).

The character, as you would expect is all peat, but there are undercurrents of sea air and iodine that clearly underscore the influence of island nativity. On the palate, soft elements of berry fruit with vanilla and spice combine with a subtle sweetness that makes the malt quite charming. The malt is cask strength, but is neither hot, nor rough.

Unfortunately, given the nature of these bottles, availability is limited. I found mine at Julio’s in Westborough, MA.

The Bird of Paradise

02 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by musingsonthevine in Cocktails

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Google “Bird of Paradise” cocktail and you will be presented with several iterations, each claiming “classic” status. Interestingly, the base spirits range from Gin to Tequila to Rum, with mixers running the gamut from lemon to lime to orange juice. Confusing at best.

After considerable research, the version that catches my fancy is actually the least common recipe. Based on equal parts Aperol and Rum, with a mix of pineapple and lime juice, this version is decidedly tropical, but with a crisp, refreshing edge that leaves the palate crying for more.

Perfect on a warm Summer’s day, this Bird of Paradise will entice your taste buds with suggestions of tropical fruits and exotic destinations.

The Bird of Paradise Cocktail:

1.5oz Aperol

1.5oz Rum (I used Goslings Black Seal)

1.5oz Pineapple Juice

.75oz Lime Juice

Shake the ingredients with crushed ice and strain into a coup. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Cin-Cin