Rum is an evocative spirit. The essence of sugarcane or molasses fermented and distilled into a sweet, intoxicating nectar. It’s beautiful, really. A mere sip lending itself to all sorts of exotic imagery. As I close my eyes I envision myself on a deserted white sand beach, swinging upon a hammock tied between palm trees, gently sagging in the breeze.

The famed company that has supplied the little paper-wrapped bottles of bitters to bartenders from around the world is on the map with their incredibly crafted rums…Though Angostura’s rums have been around since the 1940′s, they are getting easier to find state-side. The Trinidadian brand is a staple name for mixologists and a stamp of quality for their entire line of products. We recently met up with Angostura’s distiller, John Georges on his visit to San Francisco to chat with him about Angostura’s newest creation–Angostura Legacy–an incredibly special blend of seven of Angostura’s top rums, making an absolutely stunning product that captures an impeccable craft and a colorful history–and has earned itself the title as the most expensive rum in the world, with a price tag of $25,000. Even if you find yourself itching to grab a bottle, you’ll have to move quickly–they are incredibly limited. Only 20 were produced worldwide, and each comes [...]

I love Kauai as much as I love life itself. I mean, who isn’t transfixed by the unimaginable beauty that surrounds you on every square inch of the Garden Isle. I’ll try not to dwell on Hawaii too much, it’ll only sadden me that I’m not there now. Let me consider drinking my sorrows away…with Kauaian rum, naturally!

Merry Christmas e’rybody! The most festive time of year is also a terrific time for any fan of fine liqueur. Because, let’s face it: a big part of the holiday season is building a solid buzz with friends and family. No Christmas party could be complete with an offering of nog, so check out these fine examples and choose the one that suits your spirit…

This week marks the official start of summer and as we celebrate the Solstice, what better of a way to mark the occasion than with a time-honored warm-weather classic: the Rum Punch. A staple of island life, this electrifying elixir evokes tropical sunshine while living up to its menacing moniker—always delivering a pleasing punch to the dome-piece. With a few easily procurable spirits and fruit juices, it’s easy enough to bring this bad boy to life in your home kitchen. 

For almost a decade now, John Colins (138 Minna Street) has stood apart as one of the hippest bars in San Francisco’s traditionally white-collar Financial District. Boasting an inventive, ever-evolving drink menu, rowdy crowds and gut-thumping live music, it certainly brings action to a neighborhood that hasn’t always been known for its nightlife. But when SF bartenders John O’ Guiffre and Colin O’Malley teamed up in 2005, they brought years of indelible expertise into their joint venture and the hordes of loyal patrons that line up nightly along the sidewalks of the nondescript Minna alleyway are a testament to the bar’s continued success. Yet for a true sampling of what this unique watering hole has to offer, there is perhaps no better day of the week to amble on over than Thursday Nights—an evening dedicated to an all out art free-for-all: live bands, DJs, painters, jewelers, Tarot-readers, and designers are [...]

Drink Me just got back from Trinidad and Tobago – the beautiful south Caribbean island home to soca music, bake ‘n shark sandwiches (deep fried shark in a fried bread bun with mouth watering toppings) and ground zero of  the world famous Angostura bitters and rum. The Brand that has brought your little bottle of bitters and has been aiding your cocktails for years has an entire line of rums that are bursting into the US in a big way. We joined about a hundred other people for an exclusive tour of the distillery (stay tuned for a recap of Angostura Rums and some wonderful photos from the trip) and then were welcomed to the prestigious Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge… 15 bartenders from around the world competing in front of a panel of judges vying for the world title, a significant cash prize and the prestige of being the Angostura [...]

A delicious libation consisting of dark rum, lime and some ginger beer.  It’s got rich molasses, tropical fruits, white pepper and spicy ginger notes.  All you need is a collins glass, some booze, and ginger beer, really…. Dark & Stormy: 2 oz Goslings Rum 1 oz Lime Juice 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters Ginger Beer to fill (Bundaberg or Fever Tree work well) Add ice to a tall collins glass.  Add rum, lime, bitters, and ginger Beer and stir.  Garnish with a lime wheel if you like. Sometimes I’ll build the cocktail in the glass without the Rum and save some room at the top.  I like to float the Rum on top and have it slowly trickle into the cocktail so it looks “Dark & Stormy” before it hits the guest who’s about to enjoy it!