Single Prop Rum Takes Flight

August 16^th is National Rum Day. Yet rum suffers from the perception as a meager beverage only good for the ubiquitous rum and Coke, and sticky sweet cocktails sipped at idle vacation resorts. Clearly most people think of rum as a mass-produced, sweet spirit with a cartoony character on the label. But rum, not unlike wine, actually can have a sense of place, assuming you drink the good stuff. The sugar cane, the water source, the barrels, all have an impact on how rums can taste.

Taking that a step further Single Prop, a new rum on the market named for the type of plane that scoured the Caribbean Islands in search of rum, uses coconut water as its base. It’s a novel idea and one that works. This is white rum, not aged in barrel. Using coconuts from Nicaragua and rum from both Nicaragua and the Virgin Islands, the use of coconut water might, at first, seem like it would overwhelm the rum. But here the coconut water lightly registers so for folks who want a tropical island feel, this works well, not to mention that the coconut water provides a smoother viscosity. There is a definably sweeter profile, but it’s not overwrought. Though this sips nicely on its own, with a single ice cube, it will also make a great mixer for cocktails - a few ideas are presented below. SingleProp Rum retails for $22.99 and would a make a great addition to your cocktail rotations.

Air Mail

2 Parts Single Prop Rum

1 Part Honey Syrup*

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

Sparkling Rose

-Add Single Prop Rum, lime and honey syrup into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until chilled. Strain over ice into a Collins glass. Top with Rose Champagne. Garnish with a lime or orange twist.

*Honey Syrup made with equal parts water and honey

Melon Daiquiri

2 Parts Single Prop Rum

1 Part Cantaloupe Juice

1 Part Simple Syrup

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice 

-Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into coupe glass. Garnish with a cantaloupe sliver and dash of orange bitters.

Sun Soother

2 Parts Single Prop Rum

1 Part Aloe Vera Juice

¼ Part Rose Water

½ Part Honey Syrup

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

-Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with a lime wheel.