National Rum Day is August 16, be prepared with Ron Abuelo, recipes

By April MacIntyre Jul 11, 2011, 23:15 GMT

Did you know that it\'s nearly National Rum Day?

Did you know that it's nearly National Rum Day?

You don't have to be a pirate or an English sailor to rejoice, as the hallowed day comes August 16.

On this day, have a party and commemorate the demon rum and the festive drinks that are perfect for the hot weather.

One tasty and affordable spirit is Ron Abuelo Añejo rum, produced by Varela Hermanos SA in Panama, Central America, established in 1908 when Don José Varela Blanco launched the first sugar mill in the then recently formed Republic of Panama. 

In 1935 the site began to distill sugar cane juice for the production of liqueurs. Today the company produces an impressive array of products which includes over one million boxes of liqueurs and the Ron Abuelo brand.

The Añejo rum we sampled is a medium brown rum aged in used whisky and bourbon barrels. Bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Ron Abuelo Añejo has taken several awards:  Gold Medal 2008 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition and the Silver Medal 2007 Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition.

This caramel and fruity rum is made from sugar cane juice rather than molasses and it is aged in white oak bourbon casks. Their Añejo is not the top rum they make, but an affordable mixer rum, with their 7-year-old and a 12-year-old rums a more preferred pour for rum snobs. I would not drink the Añejo straight up.

Ron Abuelo sent Monsters and Critics some killer recipes for National Rum Day for you to check out.

From Jonathan Pogash, master mixologist:

The Panamanian Soother (also refers to it as The Sage Panamanian)

(Pitcher drink - served 8-10)
1 1/2 cups Ron Abuelo Añejo
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1 oz agave nectar
1 pack blueberries
12 sage leaves
2 bottles Diet Ginger Beer (Barritts's or Regatta)

Directions: In large pitcher, muddle the berries and thyme together. Then add remaining ingredients with ice and stir very well.

More from Ron Abuelo:

Mandeville
(This is a standard shake and strain recipe to be served in a cocktail glass)

1 1/4 oz light rum
3/4 oz Añejo rum
1/4 oz Pernod
1/2 oz cola
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz grenadine

Garnish with an orange slice

Tropical Early Riser

3 parts Ron Abuelo Añejo Rum
1 part Jumbie Coconut Splash
2 parts mango juice
2 parts pineapple juice
Orange slices
Maraschino cherries
Directions ~

Pour all ingredients into a pitcher and stir. Add ice, maraschino cherries and orange slices. To serve, pour into a tall ice-filled glasses.

The Pintao

2 ounces Ron Abuelo Añejo Rum
4 ounces club soda
Splash of cola
Directions ~

Pour the Ron Abuelo Añejo and club soda over ice into a chilled glass. Add just a splash of cola to 'tint' the cocktail. Garnish with lime.

Photos & recipes courtesy Ron Abuelo Rum