In this week's COTW: We're sailing to a pristine Atlantic paradise where shipwrecks and pink sand beaches meet British colonial heritage, capturing the island's dark spirit traditions and vibrant tropical flavors in a glass that tastes like adventure on turquoise waters.
Welcome back to our "Vacation Vibrations" series, where we're exploring cocktails inspired by popular summer travel destinations. We've already visited Italy's Amalfi Coast, tropical Bali, and the glamorous French Riviera. Today, we're setting course for Bermuda – that enchanting island in the North Atlantic known for its pink sand beaches, mysterious shipwrecks, and unique blend of British and Caribbean influences.
THE COCKTAIL:
Today's feature is the "Bermuda Breeze" – a spirited, refreshing cocktail that pays homage to the island's rich rum heritage and tropical abundance. This drink combines dark rum – the spirit that fueled sailors and privateers throughout Bermuda's colorful history – with spicy ginger and luscious island fruits to create a cocktail that's simultaneously bold and refreshing, much like Bermuda itself.
DETAILED INGREDIENTS:
Bermuda Breeze
Ingredients
- Dark Bermudian Rum (2 oz per cocktail): Gosling's Black Seal Rum is the quintessential Bermudian spirit and the authentic choice for this cocktail. This rich, dark rum has been produced in Bermuda since 1857 and is known for its robust molasses character with notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. If Gosling's isn't available, another quality dark rum like Myers's or Appleton Estate can substitute, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- Fresh Ginger (for syrup and garnish): Ginger provides warming spice that balances the sweetness of the fruit components. We'll use it in two forms – infused in a syrup and as a garnish. The spicy kick of ginger was historically valued by sailors for its stomach-settling properties during long voyages, making it particularly appropriate for a Bermuda-inspired cocktail.
- Island Fruits: We'll use a combination of fruits that grow in Bermuda's tropical climate:
- Pineapple Juice (1 oz per cocktail): Provides sweet tropical flavor
- Fresh Lime Juice (½ oz per cocktail): Adds essential acidity for balance
- Passion Fruit Purée (½ oz per cocktail): Contributes exotic tanginess and complexity
- Ginger Syrup (½ oz per cocktail): This adds sweetness and spice. To prepare: Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and a 3-inch piece of fresh ginger (peeled and thinly sliced) in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, cool completely, and refrigerate until needed.
- Angostura Bitters (2 dashes per cocktail): These aromatic bitters were historically used by sailors to combat seasickness and add complexity to rum drinks. The company has a connection to Bermuda, as they sponsor sailing competitions there.
- Garnish Options: Candied ginger, pineapple wedge, lime wheel, and mint sprig.
- Ice: Crushed ice is traditional for tropical drinks, but large cubes work well too.
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ginger syrup in advance, allowing it to cool completely.
- Fill your chosen glass with ice – crushed ice if you want a more traditional tropical presentation, or large cubes for a more modern approach.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of Gosling's Black Seal Rum, 1 ounce of fresh pineapple juice, ½ ounce of fresh lime juice, ½ ounce of passion fruit purée, and ½ ounce of your prepared ginger syrup.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until - well-chilled and properly diluted.
- Strain the cocktail over the fresh ice in your prepared glass.
For the garnish, skewer a piece of candied ginger with a small wedge of pineapple. Rest this across the top of the glass and add a sprig of fresh mint for aromatic effect and visual appeal. - Optional: For an extra touch of Bermudian authenticity, float a small amount (about ¼ oz) of Gosling's 151 proof rum on top of the drink. This creates a potent aromatic layer reminiscent of the traditional "Dark 'n Stormy" cocktail that was born in Bermuda.
GLASSWARE:
A double old-fashioned glass (rocks glass) or a traditional Bermuda rum swizzle glass – which is similar to a hurricane glass – would be ideal for this cocktail. The latter showcases the beautiful amber color while providing room for generous garnishes.
BERMUDIAN RUM TRADITION:
To fully appreciate the Bermuda Breeze, it's worth understanding Bermuda's deep connection to rum culture. When serving this cocktail to friends, share some of these fascinating details:
Bermuda's rum tradition dates back to the 17th century, when the island became an important waypoint for trade between the Caribbean and Europe. The abundance of shipwrecks around Bermuda (over 300 documented vessels!) led to a thriving salvage industry, with rum often being part of the recovered cargo.
Gosling's began when James Gosling set out from England to America in 1806. After a 91-day voyage, his charter expired, and he settled in Bermuda, establishing what would become the island's most famous rum distillery. The distinctive black rum that defines Bermudian spirits culture was originally stored in champagne bottles sealed with black wax – hence the name "Black Seal."
Bermuda is the birthplace of the Dark 'n Stormy cocktail – a simple yet perfect combination of dark rum and ginger beer that sailors would drink to ward off seasickness. This cocktail is so closely associated with Gosling's that the name "Dark 'n Stormy" is actually trademarked by the company.
Our Bermuda Breeze takes inspiration from these traditions while incorporating the tropical fruits that grow on the island, creating a more complex and fruit-forward variation that's perfect for summer sipping.
CLOSING:
The Bermuda Breeze captures the essence of this unique Atlantic island paradise – the rich historical depth of the rum, the warming spice of the ginger, and the bright tropical fruit notes come together to create a cocktail that's as multifaceted as Bermuda itself. Whether you're dreaming of exploring shipwrecks, lounging on pink sand beaches, or sailing on those famous turquoise waters, this cocktail brings a taste of Bermudian adventure to your glass.
As always I am open to hear your take and your input. You can reach me at [email protected]
Reminder: As always, enjoy responsibly and designate a driver if you're out and about sampling these delightful creations.