Rum & Tonic

Rum is a versatile spirit that can be sipped on its own or mixed into cocktails. If you’re trying to keep the approach simple, it works well with mixers like cola and ginger beer, as evidenced by classic calls like the Cuba Libre and Dark ’n Stormy. But all too often, tonic is overlooked as a complement to rum, and that deserves correction. The bitter quinine in tonic can foil the molasses-based (or sugarcane-based) spirit’s sweetness, while the soda’s botanicals are a flavor match for the layered richness of aged expressions. So, regardless which style of rum you’re working with, tonic has the chops to match.

"I love a Rum & Tonic during the summer,” says Ashwin Vilkhu, the co-owner of Saffron in New Orleans. “It’s a great alternative to a G&T because it’s light and refreshing while having depth of flavor.” Vilkhu employs two rums for the base of the cocktail, and surprisingly, neither are from the Caribbean or South America. Instead he uses Paranubes, a sugarcane-based rum from Oaxaca, Mexico, and Old Port East Indian, a rich, molasses-forward rum. Since neither are as ubiquitous as rums like Bacardi, Flor de Caña or Plantation, you might be forced to make substitutions. A rhum agricole or other sugarcane-based rum will fill in best for the Paranubes, while another dark, butterscotch-forward rum can take the place of the Old Port East Indian.

Vilkhu serves his Rum & Tonic Spanish-style, in a large goblet heavily garnished with a lot of ingredients. More than just for visual show, the garnishes—which include star anise, cinnamon and citrus—have aromas and flavors that either complement or coax out those in the rum. The end result is bold and refreshing, botanical and gently sweet.

It’s Time to Give the Rum & Tonic Its Due

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