By Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

Perhaps after this early heat wave, dear reader, you are ready for a summer cocktail. Last week we talked about Italian bitter liqueurs, and how refreshing they are in this Cincinnati heat. And Tequila margaritas and gin and tonics will surely hit the sun deck any day now. But don’t forget the other white spirit: rum. No other spirit—except our native Bourbon whiskey—is so closely connected with American history as rum. And nothing mixes up a summertime sip like great white rum. We have some terrific rums that stand out from the pack, imported for us by Mr. Ed Hamilton, the “Minister of Rum�. La Favorite and Neisson distilleries are rhums agricoles from the French island of Martinique. Protected by the same laws that govern French wine, these ultra-pure, small-batch rums are some of the best we’ve ever tasted.

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CHERRY LIMEADE MARTINI

This is my ode to Sonic.  I love their tator tots and cherry limeades, simple yet satisfying.  To make my drink, I used Tangueray Rangpur gin.  But if you’re not a gin drinker, try Hangar One Kaffir lime.  Both taste great, but be careful, they go down way too easy!

2 ounces citrus gin or vodka

¼ ounce fresh lime juice

Dash grapefruit bitters

Splash cherry syrup

Splash Fresca

Fill cocktail shaker with ice.  Add gin, bitters, lime juice, and cherry syrup.  Shake well and strain into chilled martini glass.  Top with Fresca.

Drink up!

-Jay Dickerson