Drinks With Sailor Jerry Rum

Sailor Jerry rum possesses rich vanilla notes punctuated by warm hits of cinnamon and toasted toffee, making it an ideal libation for rum-lovers who enjoy a spicy liquor with smooth, subtle flavors. Sip on a drink made with the aromatic spirit and your mind might wander to faraway places, perhaps a beach bar in the South Seas or a Caribbean anchorage spied from the decks of a schooner. Appropriate for sipping solo or starring in a cocktail, try Sailor Jerry rum alongside your favorite beer or add a twist to a classic such as the Moscow Mule by substituting rum for vodka.

The flavors of Sailor Jerry rum taste most pungent and warming when served at room temperature, undiluted by ice or water. Adding a few drops of water or serving it over ice cuts the alcohol edge and coaxes out the more subtle flavors. Pair Sailor Jerry rum with a beer to enjoy the complementary flavors of the two libations; pour the rum into a shot glass and casually sip it between swallows of beer. It's an ideal compromise between something spicy and potent and something cool and refreshing. Opt for a lighter brew such as a Pilsner or pale ale so you don't overwhelm the flavors of the spiced rum.

Sailor Jerry rum replaces vodka in a Jerry Mule, a twist on a Moscow Mule, to create a simple cocktail with complex flavoring. Combine 2 ounces of Sailor Jerry rum with 6 ounces of ginger beer – alcoholic or nonalcoholic – in a cocktail glass filled with ice. Find a diet ginger beer if you want to reduce the calorie count. Top the drink with a few squirts of lime juice, stir to combine everything and garnish it with a lime wedge. If you don’t have ginger beer handy, use ginger ale for a Jerry Buck.

An homage to the drink historically consumed by seafarers, grog features equal parts rum and orange juice combined with a light beer. Mix 1 ounce of Sailor Jerry rum with 1 ounce of orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 15 seconds or until you get a good chill on it. Strain the liquid into a tall glass and top it with 6 to 8 ounces of beer. A light beer, such as a Pilsner, makes a fine grog, but experiment freely with other styles. Be aware: The singing of sea shanties might ensue.

Tropical fruit flavors combined with spiced rum make a festive punch. Mix 1 1/2 to 2 ounces of Sailor Jerry rum with 2 ounces of pineapple juice, 1/2-ounce of simple syrup and 1/2-ounce of fresh lime juice in a cocktail glass filled with ice. Stir to combine and garnish with a pineapple or lime wedge. A few dashes of Angostura bitters adds complexity, while Sprite or sparkling water provide a refreshing effervescence. Use frozen fruit such as raspberries or blueberries to keep your drink cool while adding visual appeal (plus a dose of antioxidants with your booze), and include fruit juices such as mango and passion fruit to lend exotic sweetness.