Taking an old classic recipe
based around rye whiskey and converting it to a rhum cocktail requires an
understanding of both spirits. The Clément Rhum Vieux Select Barrel has a spiciness and fruity
flavor similar to rye whiskey, but a purer flavor that brings the cocktail to
life. I really enjoy recreating classic
cocktails that were originally based on some form of whiskey to rum or rhum,
they most always have a richer and more full bodied clean flavor.
The unusual combination of ingredients, make
this cocktail one that offers a complex and moderately dry drink that is best
enjoyed in the evening. It resembles a Manhattan, but with the
addition of Maraschino liqueur and bitters. It largely fell into obscurity
after the end of Prohibition, but it experienced a resurgence in the 1990’s. Today it is again slipped into obscurity
again, but none the less a very fine cocktail.
The Bahama Bob’s Rhum Brooklyn
is a cocktail that lets the Rhum Agricole carry the load of the cocktail. In a Manhattan the sweet vermouth is the prominent
character, here the dry vermouth takes a more subtle role behind the dominant rhum
agricole flavors. The Luxardo Maraschino
and Angostura Bitters roll in after the initial spice and fruitiness of the Clément Rhum Vieux Select Barrel and provide a lovely
mixture of aromatics, and an unmistakable cherry and fruit funk.
Bahama Bob’s “Rhum Brooklyn”- 3 oz. Clément Rhum Vieux Select Barrel
- 3/4 oz. Dry Vermouth
- 1/4 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
- 1/4 oz. Angostura Bitters
Combine ingredients with ice and shake until
well-chilled. Strain into a chilled
cocktail glass. Garnish with an Orange Twist.
