Head to These New York City Bars for National Rum Day, August 16
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A frequently overlooked spirit except for those in the know, on August 16, we celebrate all things rum. Rum, in it varied stylings and agings, can take on many different tastes, from grassy and spicy to sweet and sultry. We’ve rounded up where you can get some of the best rums and rum cocktails in New York City to celebrate National Rum Day.
Cienfuegos
Rum is a centerpiece at this Cuban inspired hotspot in the East Village. Classically, rum fares well in a punch cocktail, and at Cienfuegos, an entire section of the cocktail menu is devoted to just that. There’s a lot to choose from, but we recommend the Rhubarbe Rhum which features Rhum JM Blanc, rhubarb, Averna, lemon, orange, rosemary, and cinnamon. Rhum agricole is a special breed of rum made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice and can be identified with that curious ‘h’ in the spelling. Often grassy, vegetal and less sweet than standard rum, this cocktail at Cienfuegos is a great representation of the spirit hailing from the island of Martinique. (95 Ave A; 212-614-6818)
In celebration of all things rum, one may not need to look further than The Rum House over in the Theater District. This posh, candlelit room entices one to live like Hemingway for a night or two and urges you to consume their namesake product. While the cocktail list is dazzling, we recommend the classic Old Cuban made with Diplomatico Aged Rum, demerara, lime, and mint. (228 W 47th St.; 646-490-6924)
This New York icon which is responsible for playing a large part in the cocktail renaissance can be found in the East Village. Paying homage to rum the only way they know how, we recommend trying the Palm Dreams currently featured on their Summer 2017 cocktail menu. This cocktail blends El Dorado 8 year Rum, Plantation Jamaica 2002 rum, Batavia Arrack, Honey, Calamansi, lime and bitters for a full on tribute to the sugar cane spirit. (433 E 6th St.; 212-388-0882)
Over in Gramercy, Dear Irving is featuring playful and innovative cocktail creations to a warm reception. The “lost in time” bar room aesthetic is perfect for indulging in a bit of rum and brings out the tipsy poet in all of us. While their current cocktail list has several rum variations, we recommend the Island Old Fashioned, a combination of Guatemalan and Guyanese rums dressed up with allspice, falernum, and tiki bitters. (55 Irving Pl.)
This off-beat dive located in the East Village is not only a music venue, but a tiki venue in it’s own right. Filled with iconic tiki mugs and even more iconic tiki cocktails, Otto’s playful rum remedies are a treat to the eye’s as well as the palate. It is always recommended, upon every visit to Otto’s, to get their signature tiki cocktail The Shrunken Head: an enchanting combination of rum, fruit juices, and a touch of something utterly other-worldly. (538 E 14 St.; 212-228-2240)
Setting the standard for Prohibition-era styled bars in New York City, Employees only in the West Village does justice to every spirit they can get their hands on. Rum, of course, is no exception. While perusing their lengthy list of cocktails you may find yourself magnetized on August 16th to the Thunder in Paradise an intriguing concoction made from Don Pancho 8 year Rum, Gonzalez Oloroso Sherry, house made orgeat, lime, and coconut served tall. (510 Hudson St.; 212-242-3021)
Photo via Flickr user Sam Howzit
