Here is a versatile drink that plays as well in the heat summer as it does in the cold of winter. It is a variation of a drink that comes from The Gentleman’s Companion, Around the World with Jigger, Beaker and Flask by Charles Baker (1939). The original drink is the Jamaican Black Stripe, a mix of Dark Jamaican Rum and simple syrup made with honey instead of sugar. Our variation adds fresh lime juice to the mix lending a tart dimension to take the edge of the sweetness. This drink has a most wonderful versatility being offered either hot or cold. In the summer it refreshes and in the winter it warms. You can dress the cold version in a tall glass over cracked ice or straight up in a Martini saucer shaken painfully cold. The hot version is a welcome snow day drink as well as serving as a medicinal nightcap when sporting a nasty cold (it will knock you out!).
Honey Simple Syrup
- ½ Cup Honey
- ½ Cup Water
Bring Water to a Boil and Stir in Honey. Shut Heat Off, Cool and Bottle in a Sterile Container. Refrigerated Syrup Should Keep a Week.
The Suggested Mix of Ingredients
- 1 ½ Ounces of Dark Jamaican Rum (for lighter tastes use lighter rum)
- 1 Ounce Honey Simple Syrup
- 1 Ounce +/- Fresh Lime Juice
In the cold version serve shaken and strained into a martini saucer OR in a tall glass over ice topped with club soda as a long drink. In both instances dust the drink with nutmeg and garnish with a lime.
In the hot version you will need to mix the above with 3 ounces of boiling water in a heatproof mug.
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