Recipe begged, borrowed, compiled and adapted by AJR’s rascal, but loveable Klutz in the Kitchen
August 16th is International Rum Day
The Klutz spent a number of hours doing research about the day and by the end of his research he was more difficult than usual to deal with, suffice to say the aches and pains associated with his research was well deserved. International Rum Day is a holiday that celebrates and commemorates the distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from sugarcane by-products. It’s a spirit that steeped in romanticism, thanks to its association with pirates in the Caribbean. While it is considered to be the third most popular alcoholic beverage, after whiskey and vodka, on this day it is number one. So if you’re of legal age, and can enjoy this beverage responsibly, then be sure to try out one of the many drinks that can be made with rum.
A brief history of Rum
No one is currently sure when rum was invented. In fact, it probably dates back before recorded history. Scholars do believe however, that is was probably developed from an early drink known as brum that was made by the Malay people thousands of years ago. When Marco Polo was in Iran, he noted that he was given a tasty wine of sugar that may have been an ancestor of what is now known as rum.
The first known distillation of rum took place during the 17th century on various sugarcane plantations located in the Caribbean. It is believed that the slaves on the plantations were the first ones to discover that the by-product of the sugar refining process could be fermented and processed in a spirit. Over time, these spirits were distilled and refined until the alcohol was raised to a sufficient level to become rum. According to many of the oral traditions of the Caribbean, it is stated that the first rums were created in Barbados. However, new evidence is beginning to emerge that suggests that Brazil and Sweden each had their own versions of rum.
Rum fun facts
Rum with lime was given to Royal Navy sailors
Colonists in the Caribbean consumed 12 million gallons of rum annually
A popular name for rum was Grog
Other names for rum include Navy neaters, Kill Devil and Nelson’s blood
The Klutz, after coming out of his stupor and a box of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) later, decided the recipe to be shared on this day is hot buttered rum, a mixed drink containing rum, butter, hot water or cider, a sweetener, and various spices (usually cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves). It is especially popular in the fall and winter and is traditionally associated with the holiday season. In the United States, the drink has a venerable history, which dates back to colonial days. Thanks Wikipedia.
Hot Buttered Rum
Serves 6
Prep and Create time 15 mins
Bits and pieces to concoct it
100g unsalted butter
1 cup of brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of salt
Dark rum (Swop out the rum for a scoop of ice cream for a non-alcoholic version
Boiling water
Whipped cream (optional)
Procedures to rustle it up
Place all the dry ingredients including the butter into a pestle and mortar and work all ingredients until they have formed a paste
Take 2 tablespoons of mixture and place into a mug and add 3 tablespoons of Rum
Add boiling water and stir until the butter has melted
Serve immediately
Adding whipped cream on top is optional and sprinkle with a dash of nutmeg.
Skål
The Klutz in the Kitchen Rookie Mixologist
Chief Grub Maker, Recipe Initiator, Adroit Glühwein Fixer and Imbiber, Devoted Coffee Slurpee, Craft Beer Quaffing Enthusiast and Pinotage Aficionada
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