Cocktail Time: Sailor Jerry Rum

Whether sat on a sun-kissed beach as the crystal waves break on the beach, or lounged in a dimly lit cocktail bar absorbing the ambience, Sailor Jerry rum has a classic vibe that’s both bold and smooth. The bottles are unmistakable: adorned by the traditional tattoo work of Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins – and the taste of the rum is pretty unforgettable too.

I was first aware of Sailor Jerry rum when it was a regular prize for the star letter in Bizarre magazine. The brand cultivated something of a counter culture feel, assisted by that classic artwork. When I first tasted the drink, I was instantly smitten by the taste.

There are dozens of ways to enjoy your Sailor Jerry rum, but this is my favourite: mixing with cola. For me, it has to be full fat Coca Cola, other brands or diet versions just don’t cut it.

To prepare, simply add 2 measures of rum (1 if you prefer) to a highball glass and add ice. Then top up with the coke, and enjoy.

I was lucky enough to pick up some limited edition Sailor Jerry plastic tumblers to drink my rum from. Plus a while back, the bottles were packed with promotional posters. I even acquired a promotional CD a while back in my local, featuring some great Rockabilly and Punk bands. These items are ideal additions to any home tiki bar and have helped build my loyalty!

You can check out plenty more Sailor Jerry rum recipes at their website here.

Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub urges you to drink responsibly.

Soundtrack: The Cramps, Reverend Horton Heat.

Cocktail Time: Kraken Rum

Many a weary old seadog has told a tale of the fearsome sea monster, the Kraken. A huge, tentacled beast, legends say it can tear a ship apart and drag sailors to a watery doom. Only occasionally venturing from the deepest of ocean depths, the Kraken is never the less dreaded by seafarers – the legend of this behemoth is ancient and terrible.

Also, Kraken is brand of spiced rum that’s actually really nice! I haven’t composed one of these drink based blogs for a long while, so with party season upon us, let’s celebrate this enjoyable spirit.

Release the Kraken!

Kraken is a spiced rum and can be mixed many ways, my favourite being with coke (full fat, of course). Ginger beer is also a god option. Kraken has a taste reminiscent of vanilla and caramel, mixed with cola it has a sweet but deep taste that’s a refreshing variation on the typical rum and coke. There are many other recipe suggestions on the Kraken website – check it out here.

I’m not on commission for this, sadly. Hope you enjoy, and drink responsibly.

Soundtrack: anything by King Kraken.

Cocktail time: Captain Morgan Tiki

I’ve got just enough time left in 2023 to update you on another favourite drink of mine. This is a drink I took a gamble on a while ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed.

Captain Morgan Tiki is a variation on the famous rum brand, incorporating pineapple and mango flavours. It even comes in a cool looking glass bottle that’s shaped like a Tiki statue at the bottom.

No need for any real recipe advice with this drink, just serve with ice and add lemonade for a refreshing, summery drink. 

Once piece of advice I will divulge: when you’ve finished the bottle (it won’t take long), wash it out and when dry, pop in some lights – a chain of small LED style lights will do. The groovy bottle shape makes an interesting outdoor light feature. Then go and buy another bottle.