The Bacardi Cocktail

As summer approaches, it’s difficult not to think of rum drinks, many of which are fairly recent additions to mixology, especially since the rise of spiced rum.  And many rum drinks arrive with the inevitable umbrella and pineapple garnish. But my approach has always been to get back to basics, and there are few classic rum cocktails as basic as the Bacardi Cocktail.  This is a classic that’s as perfect for a patio get-together, as it is for an indoor dining-room supper.

As the name implies, this drink is – or was – to be made with Bacardi rum.  In fact, in 1936 Bacardi took the matter to court.  Bars became vulnerable to a lawsuit, if they used any rum other than Bacardi, to make a Bacardi Cocktail.

I make mine this way:

The Bacardi Cocktail

1 jigger of Bacardi Rum (I prefer Bacardi Superior)

Juice of 1 lime (strained, to remove pulp)

1 tsp Grenadine syrup

Into a cocktail shaker, place the rum, lime juice and grenadine, with cracked ice.  Shake rapidly and strain into a chilled cocktail (martini) glass.  Garnish is optional but, if you wish, feel free to drop in a maraschino cherry.  My personal preference is a thin slice of lime floated on top or at the edge of the glass.