Jamaicapolitan
This drink is one of my earliest creations, but has had various names and slight tweaks since I began practicing mixology in early 2020 (surprisingly, before COVID-19). Originally, I had made it for my roommate and myself because he loves rum and gave me permission to experiment. What I had originally created had lemon instead of lime, some other differences, and I gave it the awful name Tartsie. First of all, what was I thinking? Second, I am happy that after making various changes to, what was actually a tasty drink from the start, I came to the Jamiacapolitan as it is today.
Jamaicapolitan Rum Cocktail Recipe
I know there’s a lot of Cosmopolitan unique variations with cute names, but sometimes you have to ride waves of life and go with the flow. Check out this recipe:
1 1/2oz white rum
1oz Malibu
3/4oz cranberry juice
1/2oz lime juice
1/4oz grenadine
Shaken
Garnish with lime wheel
If you are a mixologist or bartender, you might be questioning how it can be a Cosmopolitan-like drink if I put it in a margarita glass with a large ice cube. I could tell you that I don’t own a martini glass or that the drink in the photo was for my girlfriend who asks for some ice in red wine (I know). Both of those are true, but after making it once like this… I sort of dig it. I mean it gives it more of a Caribbean vibe in the glass and if it is enjoyed near the equator it better have some kind of ice. Plus, the large cube looks like a gem or crystal and that’s cool.
As I said earlier, this drink went through many variations. I think at one point I may have even abandoned the rum for vodka for a while, but went back eventually. Oddly, I remember one of the most critical changes was switching the lemon to lime. I attended a bartending school in 2020 and I had shared my drink idea with my teacher and he advised me that if I am using Caribbean spirit, I should use lime. I learned a lot from him and the school, but oddly this stuck. Either way, that decision among others led me to lockdown the final Jamaicapolitan I have today.
Have a Taste of My Rum-based Cocktail & Let Me Know
If you’re a fan of the Cosmopolitan, or Rum Punch, or Malibu (not a sponsor by the way), or all of them, you will most definitely enjoy this beverage. It is a truly delightful drink and has gotten me many positive reviews. Oddly enough, I find that many people’s favorite drinks are made with rum, but so many will never say rum is their favorite spirit. Have yourself a Jamaicapolitan and see if it’s a favorite and let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
