Gabrielle Querrard: Caribbean Rum, A Cultural Elixir

Rum, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic spirits, was first created in the 17th century during the height of the sugarcane industry in Barbados. Enslaved Africans working on sugar plantations discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, could ferment into alcohol. This discovery led to the distillation of the fermented molasses, creating rum.

The Caribbean boasts a range of infamous rum-based drinks, including the classic Piña Colada from Puerto Rico, the refreshing Daquiri from Cuba, the potent Painkiller from the British Virgin Islands, the creamy Bushwacker from the United States Virgin Islands, and the fiery Dark ‘n Stormy from Bermuda. In other instances, well-loved traditional drinks like Mauby, that is usually made free of alcohol, has been made into its own rum product and is widely sold across the region. Each cocktail crafted in the Caribbean reflects the vibrant culture and flavors of its island origins.