My Favorite Mixed Drinks: A Fun Exploration of Rum Cocktails

When it comes to mixed drinks that I enjoy, my choices tend to revolve around rum and a simple mixer like Coca-Cola. There's a charm to a basic rum with cola, also known as a Cuba Libre or a Roncola, that makes it a go-to drink for me, especially in a nightclub setting.

Why I Love Rum with Coke

I've had the Barceló-cola, a popular option in Spain, which showcases the influence of Dominican rum in the region. This drink is typically requested by saying, "Un Barceló-cola por favor." The name Barceló plays a significant role in Madrid, as there's even a nightclub with the same name, Teatro Barceló, which is featured in the Spanish Netflix series Elite. This example highlights how certain brands can take prominence in different cultures and settings. However, I find that the simple combination of Bacardi rum with Coca-Cola is something I enjoy genuinely. But I wouldn't call it a true cocktail; it's just the simplest thing ever, and it's what I drink whenever I go out.

Exploring Other Rum Cocktails

Speaking of rue de colas, I had the best one ever in Madrid at a nightclub called Cats. They served it with Bacardi rum, a Cuban brand that dates back to the 1860s, despite now being seated in Bermuda. This drink, along with classic cocktails like the Sex-on-the-Beach, and Diablo, are more elaborate and served in fancier establishments, but I don't typically go for them. What really stands out is the classic mojito. A Cuban classic, it's made with rue, sugar, and mint, embodying the sweet flavors of the Caribbean.

Other Mixed Drinks

Translating mojito to "dipped one" or mojar in Spanish, this cocktail is a blend of rum, sugar, sugar again, and mint. For some, gin and tonics seem like a more straightforward choice, but I tend to gravitate towards Puerto de Indias, a brand named after the port that it's shipped from. When it comes to vodka, my personal preference is to avoid it altogether, except for a PV Watermelon cocktail, which I found exceptionally refreshing and unique. The mere idea of drinking a cocktail mixed inside a watermelon is both innovative and delicious.

In conclusion, my favorite mixed drinks are simple, enjoyable, and reflect my appreciation for the sweet and refreshing flavors of the Caribbean in the form of rum-based cocktails.