A quick post to share a recipe which several people asked me for after seeing my social media post. The Coquito is a sinfully rich drink associated with Puerto Rico and Christmas. Some call it the Puerto Rican answer to…
Category: Cocktail Wonk
Will the U.S. Get Better International Spirits? A TTB Standards of Fill Update
As any US-based distilled spirit enthusiast knows too well, many great bottles don’t make it to our shores for several reasons. One particularly frustrating reason is bottle sizes. Here in the U.S., the government, in the form of the Tax…
Can the U.S. Recognize Rum Regulations?
As Caribbean rum gains in popularity and rum enthusiasts push back on the “Rum has no rules” trope, a common refrain is “The United States doesn’t recognize rum’s rules.” It’s been said by well-meaning advocates online and at public events…
Your Guide To Winning $2500 with Minimalist Tiki
As you may have seen recently, Reàl Ingredients has generously agreed to supply the prize money for a fun little contest involving our book, Minimalist Tiki. In brief, thirteen bartenders and ten bars are featured in the book, along with…
The Six Essential Tiki Rum Categories
Newcomers to Tiki bartending quickly face an uncomfortable question: Just how many rums do I need? With so many recipes calling for Lemon Hart this, Real McCoy that, and DonQ something else, it quickly becomes overwhelming. I know, because I…
Can You (Ever) Use Too Much Angostura Bitters?
“Hey Matt, I think I found a bug in your book,” began a recent message from my friend, Mike. ”The Trinidadi Issues recipes calls for 1.5 ounces of Angostura bitters…seems like that can’t be right (?)” I chuckled. Mike wasn’t…
High Ester Rum Production with Vivian Wisdom
Often shrouded in mystery and tall tales, terms like “dunder” and “muck” are catnip to rum enthusiasts who crave the magnificent, high ester, funky rums from Jamaica and elsewhere. When it comes to such rums, nobody knows the subject better…
The Montanya Files: Wonking Out with Karen Hoskin
The American craft rum scene is blessed with several high profile women at the helm of the company. Having started Montanya Distillers eleven years ago, Karen Hoskin is legitimately a pioneer among them. I recently sat down with her in…
WIRSPA Chairman Komal Samaroo: On the Record
NOTE: This interview originally appeared on the ACR-Rum web site. However, it’s of relevance to rum enthusiasts here on Cocktail Wonk, so it’s also shared here, with permission from WIRSPA. As Chairman of the Executive Board of the West Indies…
Still Life: Saint Lucia Distillers
Every few months, a tanker ship pulls into Saint Lucia’s Roseau Bay, and anchors. A diver drops into the water and attaches an 8-inch flexible hose to the ship. The hose is connected to a 12-inch pipeline that runs for…