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National Rum Day: Discover London’s best places to indulge
By Tessa Crowley | 15 August 2024 | Food & Drink
With National Rum Day fast approaching, we look at the best London bars celebrating a taste of this tropical spirit
Having shaken off its reputation as the tipple of choice for tyrannical seafarers’, rum is now the cornerstone of many classic cocktails – from Mai Tais and Mojitos, to Daquiris and Piña Coladas. With National Rum Day on 16 August, what better way to celebrate than by treating yourself to some quirky and considered cocktails.
Below, we round up some of the best destinations in London for anyone looking to be transported, with globally inspired cocktails to tropical tiki delights.
Revery Bar at London Hilton on Park Lane
Originally concocted at Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico in 1954, the Piña Colada was the result of three months of careful cocktail experimentation by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero. It’s perhaps no wonder then, that London Hilton on Park Lane is celebrating National Rum Day with a nod to this historic cocktail-making heritage.
Bringing together inspiration from far-flung destinations including San Juan, Amsterdam, and Tokyo, Hilton has put four culturally inspired twists on the Piña Colada. Piña Natura captures the essence of San Juan, using zero waste techniques and vibrant fresh lime to celebrate the cocktail’s Puerto Rican origins. Vamos infuses the cocktail with traditional Japanese ingredients including sake and daichi, while Speculada captures Dutch Speculaas cookies, with a crumbled cookie garnish and speculaas syrup. The final creation, Zero Colada is a non-alcoholic take on the Piña Colada’s refreshing pineapple and coconut flavours.
The vibrant live music venue has collaborated with Islington’s tropical Laki Kane Cocktail bar, to bring the island mood and contemporary yet cosmopolitan twists to a short menu of tropical rum cocktails. Using award-winning Planteray Rum, the menu will be available throughout the evening on 16 August, in celebration of National Rum Day. Try Planteray Colada or, for something stronger, the Pin Up Zombie features Dark Planteray rum, Jamaica & 3 stars rums, Absinthe, Jaboticaba syrup and passion fruit.
The Sipping Room by Drake & Morgan
Bringing a touch of the vibrant Cuban spirit to London, discover the Havana Cuban Mode terrace, in partnership with Havana Club. The Sipping Room’s al fresco terrace has been transformed, inviting guests to step into a lively Latin American cantina filled with an abundance of jungle foliage and bright tropical flowers. Exclusive rum creations for the occasion include a Havana Pina Colada, Ginger Cuba, and Banana Mojito, enjoyed with a dock-side view.