This is by one of my favorite days, too bad it isn't really a holiday. I'm lucky enough to have today off though, so I guess that I'll call it one. Rum is one of the historical beverages that has been involved in the world history since the 1600's when it was said to have been born on the sugar plantations of Barbados. Although the sugar is said to have been brought there from Guyana and Brazil, the rum is claimed to have been born in Barbados.
The St. Nicolas Abbey, one of the earliest of the Sugar Plantations in Barbados is a fascinating place to visit and see much of the sugar history of the island. They have many of the old cane crushers and are in the process of restoring the wind driven cane crusher as well. The plantation is operable today and is still growing sugar cane and now they are producing a really fabulous rum on the premises. This is a must do adventure when in Barbados.
Today is all about the rum and when in Barbados you eat flying fish sandwiches and drink "Corn & Oil" as your rum cocktail.
Corn & Oil
- 1 ounce of Barbados Rum of your choice
- 1 ounce of Falernum
- 1 dash of bitters
Stir or shake with ice and strain into an old fashion glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with a lime.
This can be made in the traditional manner with J.D. Taylor Falernum Liqueur or with the Fee Brother's mix which ever is available. Cockspur 12 year old , Mount Gay Eclipse, or one of the Plantation Barbados rums are all great rums from which to make Corn & Oil.
No matter how you enjoy your rum and where it comes from take some time this afternoon or eventing to raise the glass filled with rum and salute the fine flavor and fun you enjoy when you are drinking rum. Happy National Rum Day to all of you. ;o)
