Everything You Need To Know About Rum

Rum isn't just a drink in the Dominican Republic — it's a way of life. Before your DR escape at Barceló Bavaro Grand Resort, Occidental Punta Cana and Occidental Caribe, learn all about the spirit’s history, its varieties and how to imbibe properly. And hey – did you know that August is National Rum Month? There’s no better time to get into the spirit.

The roots of rum go deep in the Caribbean. The region’s very first distillation of the spirit took place all the way back in the 1620s when it was discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining on Caribbean sugarcane plantations, could be fermented into alcohol. It wasn’t a hit at first – a mid-1600s document from Barbados called rum “a hot, hellish, and terrible liquor.” There’s no accounting for taste …  

The origin of the word “rum” is murky, to say the least. Some think that it was taken from the last syllable for saccharum, the Latin word for sugar. Others say it might be derived from the British slang superlative (ie “Having a rum time”). Other less palatable names for rum include Nelson's blood, kill-devil, demon water, pirate's drink, and grog. We’ll stick with rum!

Rum wasn’t just a delicious beverage back in the old days. For eighteenth century sailors, it was even used as currency. Allegedly, the method used to make sure no one was getting ripped off was to mix a bit of the rum with gunpowder. If there was ignition, the rum was authentic! Rum had other uses as well; in the 1800s, many used the spirit as a beauty product, claiming that it resulted in clean hair with strengthened roots.

Rum comes in many colors, but like all distilled spirits it’s clear originally. Rum’s final color is the result of the amount of time the rum spends in oak barrels. The barrels are good for something else – they make for a smoother rum and can add such delicious flavors as caramel, vanilla, and spice.

 The original Dominican Republic rum distillery, Bermudez, was founded in 1852, and it’s been going strong ever since with its high-quality offerings. If you can track it down, Bermudez’ 1852 Aniversario variety is coveted by aficionados for its smooth, robust flavors. Brugal’s Anejo is a go-to rum for every day enjoyment – it’s the best-selling rum in all of the Caribbean, so you know it’s got to be good. Ron Barcelo Rum Imperial is another tried-and-true option, with a bright amber color and notes of vanilla, pineapple and caramelized walnuts.

Different countries have different rules and regulations when it comes to rum. In the Dominican Republic, rum producers must harvest the sugar cane, ferment, distill, and age the alcohol in oak barrels for a minimum of one year – and it all has to happen within the country’s borders.

Rum is a key ingredient in a variety of tropical cocktails, from the Mai Tai to the mojito. But for many Dominicans, you can’t beat it straight up and simple, perhaps with a splash of water or ice. For a real DR drinking experience, try Mamajuana, a powerful concoction made with rum, red wine, and honey, soaked in a bottle with tree bark and herbs.

Get out and discover some of the best cocktail bars in Punta Cana.

• As you can probably tell from its name, Barceló Bávaro Palace’s Coffee, Rum & Cigar Lounge Bar is a great place to get acquainted with these signature D.R. experiences. Sit back and relax and enjoy the best of the country’s offerings in an elegant setting.
• Located within Occidental Punta Cana, Beach Lounge Bar delivers the most gorgeous sunsets in all of Punta Cana. Cocktails on the beach have never been better.
• Soles Chill Out Bar is all about chilling out. After a day discovering the excitement of Punta Cana, whether its cultural exploration or outdoor adventures, you’ll be able to wind down here. The outdoor setting right on the beach takes advantage of the perfect Dominican weather, and the ambiance is very mellow, with live music, DJs spinning chill beats and friendly locals enjoying the Punta Cana night.
• Drink Point on Avenida España is hopping seven nights a week, with bachata and merengue music inspiring mingling and dancing. Order the El Presidente, a classic Cuban cocktail that tastes eve better in the Dominican Republic. This cocktail consists of rum, orange curaçao, vermouth, and grenadine. It goes down easy and tastes terrific.