Introduction
Rum is not just an alcoholic drink; it is a symbol of adventure, pirate culture and tropical islands. It has a long and fascinating history that begins far back in the 17th century. In this article we will take a detailed look at the origins of rum, historical facts and drinking traditions.
1. The origins of rum
Nobody knows exactly where the name of the drink came from.
According to one version, it comes from “rumbullion”, which is translated as “a great uproar and commotion”.
Although in the Caribbean, rumbullion splits in two and literally means “sugar cane broth”.
Sugar cane juice was being fermented as far back as ancient India and China. The ancestor of rum is considered to be brum — a kind of sugar wine that Marco Polo happened to try among the Malays.
But molasses, a by-product of cane sugar production, was first fermented in the Caribbean in the 17th century. To be more precise, the molasses fermented by itself, and then it was distilled and cleaned of impurities when European colonizers began producing sugar cane. Processing the cane left by-products such as molasses, which became the basis for making rum. The first mention of rum dates to 1650 in Barbados, where it began to be produced on a large scale.
Key moments in the history of rum:
- 1650–1700: Rum production begins in Barbados and on other Caribbean islands. Rum became popular among sailors and pirates.
- 1716: A law is passed in England permitting the production of rum, which contributes to its popularity in Europe.
- 18th century: Rum becomes the main drink among sailors and is also used as currency in trade.
- 19th century: Rum begins to be produced in various regions of the world, including Central and South America.
2. Historical facts about rum
- Pirate culture: Rum became an integral part of pirate life. The water taken aboard a ship could not withstand a long voyage and went bad. So sailors stocked up on rum, beer or wine. Pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd were known for their fondness for the drink. Rum was often used to keep the crew’s fighting spirit up.
- Rum was the official drink on British ships. In 1740 sailors began to be issued rum in portions, diluted with water. So as not to breed alcoholics.
- 31 July 1970 is known in history as “Black Tot Day”. At sunset that day the sailors had a last binge and, after drinking, tossed their tots overboard. On that day rum officially stopped being issued on ships.
- Trade: Rum was an important commodity in the Triangular Trade between Europe, Africa and the Americas. Europeans shipped goods to Africa, where they were exchanged for slaves, who then worked on plantations in the Americas, producing sugar and rum.
- Cocktails: In the 19th century rum became the base for many cocktails, such as the “Mojito”, “Piña Colada” and “Daiquiri”. These cocktails reflect the tropical atmosphere and the culture associated with rum.
3. How and when to drink rum?
Rum is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are a few recommendations:
- Neat: A good rum can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its aroma and flavor. Glasses with a wide base are recommended to bring out all the notes of the drink.
- On the rocks: Adding ice softens the taste of rum and makes it more refreshing.
- Cocktails: Rum pairs wonderfully with various ingredients. Here are a few popular cocktails:
- Mojito: Rum, mint, lemon juice, sugar and soda water.
- Piña Colada: Rum, coconut milk and pineapple juice.
- Daiquiri: Rum, lemon juice and sugar.
- What to pair rum with?:
- Rum goes well with fruits such as pineapple, mango and coconut.
- It is also great with desserts such as chocolate cakes and ice cream.
- Spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the flavor of rum.
A snack invented by Caribbean pirates:
If the legend is to be believed, some brave lads once plundered a merchant ship coming from the East. It carried an abundance of spices, cinnamon among them. And a heap of oranges. Without overthinking it, the pirates sprinkled sliced oranges with cinnamon and used them to chase down poorly aged rum.
Just picture the scene: the juicy flesh of a citrus fruit, dusted with fragrant, fresh spice, disappearing into the mouth of a dirty, ragged pirate with a wooden leg or a monkey on his shoulder. Romance.
Recipes for classic rum cocktails: Mojito and Daiquiri:
1. Mojito
The Mojito has Cuban roots and is considered one of the most popular cocktails in the world. Its history begins in the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors used a mixture of rum, sugar, lime and mint to treat various illnesses. The drink was originally called “El Draque” after the English captain Francis Drake, who was known for his sea expeditions.
Over time the recipe changed, and in the 20th century it became known as the “Mojito”. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for hot tropical days and has become a symbol of Cuban culture.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml white rum
- 30 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 6-8 fresh mint leaves
- 2 tsp sugar (or sugar syrup)
- Soda water
- Ice (cubes)
- Lemon and mint for garnish
Preparation:
- Put the mint leaves and sugar in a glass. Lightly muddle the leaves so they release their aroma.
- Add the lemon juice and rum, and stir.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Top up with soda water to the rim of the glass.
- Stir and garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of mint.
2. Daiquiri
The Daiquiri also has Cuban roots and was created in the early 20th century in a place of the same name in Cuba. There are several versions of its origin, but the most popular one involves an American engineer named Jennings Cox, who mixed rum, lemon juice and sugar to make a refreshing drink.
The Daiquiri quickly won popularity and became a favorite cocktail of many American tourists visiting Cuba. In the 1940s the cocktail became well known thanks to Ernest Hemingway, who was a big fan of the Daiquiri and even mentioned it in his works.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml white rum
- 25 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Ice (cubes)
- Lemon for garnish
Preparation:
- In a shaker, mix the rum, lemon juice and sugar syrup.
- Add ice and shake thoroughly.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a lemon wedge.
These cocktails are not only tasty but also have a rich history, which makes them even more appealing to lovers of rum and tropical drinks.
Sometimes you want to feel like a pirate. To take a swig of a strong drink. To imagine yourself on the deck of a captured ship whose captain is begging for mercy in tears. While your crew rages all around and waves wash over the side. The salty air is almost still. Only a light breeze stirs your hair.