Rum Lab Yesterday with Fresh Fruits

     This was a different kind of Rum Lab yesterday.    We spent most of the day combining various fruits in a blender to create a puree that we could use as basis for a cocktail.    This is similar to creating smoothies, but different in that they are going to be mixed with a rum and become a cocktail.    We were looking for a tropical taste with out using syrups or other artificial flavors.    The experiment was very interesting, it is not easy to put different fruits together without one of them dominating the entire mixture.     We used Plantation Barbados Five Year Grande Reserve as the rum because of it smooth and mellow characteristics to finish the cocktail with. 

     We worked with Oranges, Grapefruit, Mango, Pomegranate, Kiwi, Passion Fruit, Lime, Pineapple, Bananas, and Lemon.    The Orange was the most dominate of the group, and had to be used in very small amounts.   This was surprisingly neutrally sweet, and really adapted well for the mixing with the rum.

     The final mix was equal amounts (about 1 cup) of pineapple chunks, peeled mango, peeled lemon, Kiwi, lime juice, passion fruit slices, and some not from concentrate pineapple juice to thin the mixture.    We ran the ingredients in the blender until they were very smooth and of a pourable consistency.     The "Smoothie" blend is then put into a pourable container and refrigerated until ready to use.

Tropical Grande Reserve Cocktail

• 2 oz Plantation Barbados 5 Year Rum
• 4oz. "Smoothie" Blend

Pour the rum and the smoothie blend into a class filled with crushed ice and swizzle until the ingredients are combined.      Garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.

Try this cocktail as the weather warms outside it is very enjoyable and naturally sweet.   It is a refreshing way to lull the afternoon away, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of the Plantation Barbados 5 Year Grande Reserve Rum as it dances among the flavors of this really nice cocktail.  ;o)