Rethinking rum

As the nautical trend continues to dominate the media’s fashion pages, there’s renewed interest in navy rum – and one thing’s for sure, it’s not just for sailors.

Take Wood’s 100 Old Navy Rum; its strong yet smooth, round and rich flavour makes it perfect to add that extra depth and zing to your cocktails. Don’t just take our word for it, dark rum has enjoyed a big comeback over the last few months and demand is higher than ever.

So, when it comes to the summer, forget about Pimms and spice up your garden party or BBQ with one of the following tantalising recipes from summer classics to something new and completely different...

Summer Classics created by Wood’s 100’s cocktail expert

Strawberry Sling

Ingredients
Wood's 100 (40ml)
De Kuyper Wild Strawberry (15ml)
Grenadine (Dash)
Gomme syrup (Dash)
Demerara sugar (1 bar spoon)
Strawberries (5)

How to make it
Muddle strawberries, mix in the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Serve in a Highball glass over crushed ice and top off with a layer of grenadine, garnishing with a strawberry.

The Wood's 100 Mojito

Ingredients
Wood's 100 (200ml)
Lime Juice (35ml)
Fresh Limes (3)
Large mint sprigs (5)
Demerara sugar (80ml)

How to make it
Muddle limes and mint leaves together before adding remaining ingredients. Add crushed ice and churn/mix and follow with more crushed ice. Serve in a Boston Tin and serve with four straws for two people to share. Garnish with three big mint sprigs and three lime wheels.

Tropical Passion

Ingredients
Wood's 100(35ml)
Coconut rum (12.5ml)
Passion fruit liqueur (35ml)
Passion fruit juice (35ml)
Mango juice (35ml)
Papaya juice (35ml)
De Kuyper Blue Curaçao (Layer)
De Kuyper Sour Apple Liqueur (Layer)

How to make it
Mix and shake ingredients before pouring into an ‘Old fashioned’ glass over crushed ice. Layer with Blue Curaçao and Sour Apple Liqueur and garnish with tropical fruit.

And for something new…

Wood Times, Bad Times (Room) - Created by Tim Barnes, Room, Manchester

Ingredients
Wood's 100 (40ml)
Apricot Brandy (15ml)
Lime juice (10ml)
Allspice (pinch)
Semi Dried Apricots (2)
Orange Zest

How to make it
Flambé the apricots with Wood’s 100. All the Allspice to create ‘flamed dust’. Rotate the glass to keep the flame alive and add to a Boston Glass. Add the Apricot Brandy and lime juice. Shake and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Add the orange zest and apricot to garnish.

Wood’s Saves Your Soul - Created by Ria Banarjee. Restaurant Bar and Grill, Manchester

Ingredients
Wood's 100 (60ml)
Apple Juice (45ml)
Lemon Juice (45ml)
Dates (3)
Agave Syrup (15ml)
Quarter Pear
Cinnamon Stick

How to make it

Muddle the dates, syrup, juices and rum. Shave with ice and strain into a Collins glass. Garnish with Pear and cinnamon and serve over ice.

Ship Shaped - Created by Stuart Baillie, Mojo, Manchester

Ingredients
Wood's 100 (47ml)
Lime Juice (15ml)
Passion Fruit Syrup (15ml)
Pineapple Juice (60ml)
Grapefruit juice (15ml)
Apple & Strawberry Juice (30ml)

How to make it
Shake all the ingredients together and service in a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a lime squeeze.