We’ll take any excuse to pour ourselves a drink on a Friday, but when you declare a holiday to honor a spirit, well, that’s cause for at least two. National Rum Day is Aug. 16, and we’re testing new sippers this weekend to be adequately prepared for any upcoming festivities. While we have several rummy picks at hand in the Sauce Recipe Database, we’re always up for something new, and the crew at Butler’s Pantry obliged us with its Sundowner.
This spiced, fruity sipper is best served with lots of ice in a tall glass. The Sundowner gets its name for the British term used to describe drinks imbibed at sunset, typically to reward a long day of work. Granted, sundown isn’t until 8:05 p.m. today, but since we clock out at 5 p.m. (or a tad earlier), don’t judge if we indulge a little closer to the American happy hour.
Sundowner Recipe courtesy of Butler’s Pantry chef Greg Ziegenfuss 2 servings
2 oz. ginger beer
2 oz. agave nectar
4 oz. Cruzan black strap rum
Juice of 1 lime
4 dashes Angostura bitters
Fresh grated nutmeg for garnish
Smoked paprika for garnish
2 lime wheels for garnish
• Combine the ginger beer, agave nectar, rum, lime juice and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice, cover and shake vigorously about 20 times.
• Fill two tall glasses with ice. Strain into the glasses and garnish each with the nutmeg, smoked paprika and a lime wheel.
– Photo courtesy of Sara Ketterer/Butler’s Pantry
This article appears in August 2014.