Rum's Roots
This spirit's colorful history spans four centuries

(Family Features) - Today, most Americans know rum from the wide variety of beloved drinks it's inspired. From the classic (Rum Punch) to the trendy (Mojito) to the tropical (Daiquiri, Mai Tai, Pina Colada), rum has come far from its humble 17th-century beginnings.

Various sources suggest that the first distillation of rum took place on the sugarcane plantations of the Caribbean island of Barbados as early as 1663-with written documentation confirming rum production in full swing by 1703. However, this crudely made substance was not known for its quality. Some unflattering names the drink earned in its early days include Kill-Devil, Demon Water, Barbados Water and Rumbullion.

However, as time passed, distillation methods improved. In fact, rum became so pervasive a drink that pre-revolutionary colonial Americans were drinking an average of 13.5 liters <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liter> of rum each year-not to mention the British Navy's consumption, with a standard daily ration of "grog" given to each sailor.

This refreshing cocktail features Mount Gay Eclipse rum, a smooth golden rum with a maturity age of up to 8 years. The cocktail has a flavor profile similar to that of a mojito, but with more complexity. Its clear red hue gives a nod to the red caps coveted by sailors all around the world--the prize for sailing in one of the many annual regattas sponsored by Mount Gay Rum.

The Red Cap
Want to impress cocktail party guests with some history? You can tell them they're drinking the world's oldest rum when you serve The Red Cap. Mount Gay Rum Estate's roots can be traced back to 1703-the earliest documented rum production in history.
Makes 1 cocktail

2 ounces Eclipse Mount Gay Rum
1 wedge fresh lime
Dash bitters
1 1/2 teaspoon grenadine
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
1/2 teaspoon sugar
Ginger ale
Maraschino cherries

In a rocks glass, muddle 4 cherries with mint leaves and sugar. Add ice.

In a cocktail shaker, mix Eclipse Mount Gay Rum, a squeeze of lime, a dash of bitters and a slurp of grenadine. Shake well. Pour over ice and muddled mixture. Top off with ginger ale. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a cherry.

To find out more about the history of Barbados rum, or to look up creative food and drink recipes featuring rum, visit www.mountgayrum.com.

SOURCE: Mount Gay Rum