Curious Bartender’s Guide to Rum

Discover why rum is fast becoming the hottest spirit in the world right now with this essential companion from bestselling author and master mixologist Tristan Stephenson.

The Curious Bartender’s Guide to Rum explores rum’s remarkable history from its humble origins to its status as life-blood of the Royal Navy and its love affair with Cuba. Discover its darker past, with tales of devils, pirates and its reputation as the revolutionary spirit. Now this fabled drink is in the midst of another revolution, transforming from uninspiring grog to premium product. Barrel-aged dark varieties are leading the charge and poised to attract existing Bourbon fans while the cocktail Renaissance that began in the early 2000s has recently expanded to include tiki and non-tiki rum cocktails. Is this entertaining primer you’ll learn how rum is made, from the science of sugar cane and molasses to distillation and unique ageing techniques. Next, Tristan’s unrivalled mixology skills will help you master jazzed-up versions of the Mai Tai and Mojito, perfect a Planter’s Punch and keep you on trend with Brazil’s famous Caipirinha and Batida cocktails, made with rum’s sister spirit, cachaça. Let the rum revolution begin!

Tristan Stephenson is renowned as one of the leading figures in the global bar community. In 2005 he set up the bar at Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall and went on to co-found Fluid Movement in 2009, a breakthrough consultancy company for the drinks industry which lead to the opening of his award-winning London bars which include Black Rock, a bar dedicated to whiskey. He is the author of the original bestselling The Curious Bartender: The Artistry & Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail: Volume I and The New Testament: Volume II; plus the following books in the Curious Bartender series: An Odyssey of Malt, Bourbon & Rye Whiskies; Gin Palace and Rum Revolution.