There’s something about the end of the week that gets me craving a cocktail. Friday after work is definitely my favourite time to enjoy something on the rocks. It’s almost celebratory – the cocktail has this way of conveying the message that it’s time to relax, kick back, and enjoy the remainder of the day. Truth be told, you could do this any day of week, and I’ll be the first to confess that I do so daily when on vacation, because every day is Friday when you’re on vacation (that’s my logic and I’m sticking with it). But Friday afternoon feels right for a cocktail. You’ve worked all week, you need a break, you need something shaken or stirred to signal the start of the week’s end, and the weekend’s beginning.
Black cherries soaked in Luxardo Maraschino liqueur. You know where I’m going with this…
I will come straight out and say that while I love to cook and bake, I’m just not clever when it comes to whipping up recipes for cocktails. My usual tipple is a glass of wine, and sometimes to spice it up I go for a glass of bubbly (not the pricier Champagne, unless it’s New Year’s Eve, but a nice Prosecco). That’s not to say that I don’t enjoy a good cocktail. I just seem to lack ideas when it comes to making them.
Hello little beauties…won’t you just be perfect for my dark rum sidecar, you rubied orbs of perfection.
The sidecar involves a little more creativity than just your ordinary G&T or rum & coke. I’ve only recently started to drink these. Reason being that I’m not a fan of brandy in mixed libations, which is the traditional way of preparing a sidecar. So, when I stumbled upon this rum-based version online, originating from The Slanted Door in San Francisco, I just had to give it a try. Like, right away. And so I did. Let me tell you, a few of these will make anyone forget their troubles in a very short amount of time. The original from my online source was called the Gosling Sidecar, made with Gosling’s dark rum.
Myers was the rum of choice here, but having taste tested a few versions, I prefer using Captain Morgan’s Dark Rum. At least, for the first round.
I think any rum will do, as I’ve sampled many types of rum in all colours and strengths over the years, and have developed specific preferences for certain brands. So, I encourage you to use whichever brand you prefer, though do try to use dark rum, instead of white or spiced. Though, after a few, it may not matter which type of rum is used, to be frank.
Skewered tipsy cherries. Is there a better way of topping off this cocktail? This will work those kinks out of your neck quickly.
The traditional sidecar involves a brandy base, but this one leans towards dark rum to create an equally delightful yet potent concoction. Garnish with a cherry twist if you like!
Time to start that new novel that’s been collecting dust on your book shelf, don’t you think?
Ingredients
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- 1 ½ oz dark rum
- ¾ oz Triple Sec
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, stir the sugar and lemon juice until the sugar dissolves. Fill the shaker with ice, add the rum and Triple Sec, and shake well.
- Strain in a martini glass or an old fashioned glass, and garnish with a lemon twist, if desired.
- Repeat as required. Even if you're alone.
Leave a Reply