National Rum Day
About National Rum Day
When is National Rum Day? This holiday is always celebrated on August 16.
National Rum Day is today. It is one of the most popular liquors enjoyed around the world. So, today is the perfect day to imbibe in a Pirate’s favorite beverage. Sailors around the world love it, too. As a matter of fact, until 1970, British sailors received a daily ration of this liquor. On this August 16 holiday, we get to enjoy this popular liquor. It is best enjoyed on a tropical beach.
While earlier forms of this liquor existed, its true birthplace is in North America. In the Caribbean region, rum distillers emerged in the 1600s. It quickly spread in popularity to the thirteen British colonies. This in turn led to colonial distilleries. It was so popular in colonial times, that it lead the British to impose a sugar and molasses tax on the colonies. Sugar and molasses are ingredients in the distillation process. This and other taxes partially led to the Revolutionary War. From those days onward, rum was among the most popular drinks in America. When Prohibition arrived, bootleggers filled demand by illegally bringing countless cases of rum from Caribbean distilleries to the U.S. Today it remains among the most popular liquors in the U.S. It is consumed straight up, and in countless drinks and cocktails. Pina Collada, anyone!?
Did You Know? Grog is a combination of rum and water. Sometimes lemon juice and/or sugar are added. Pirates and sailors are big consumers of grog.
We encourage you to enjoy the holiday. But, please drink responsibly. If you are going out to celebrate, have a designated driver.
Light or Light Rum?
Light and dark rums are distinctly different. Much of the difference is a result of the distillation and aging process.
Dark Rum is rich in flavor. The distillation process uses molasses or burnt sugar, usually in an oak barrel. Then, distillers age it in an oak barrel. The dark color comes from the ingredients and the aging process. Most often it is consumed straight.
Light Rum is immediately bottled and shipped to stores for sale. There is no aging process. The resulting flavor is mild and sweet. It is most often used in mixed cocktails, punch, and other drinks.
National Rum Day Trivia and Fun Facts
Here are some interesting trivia and fun facts for you to enjoy as you sip on your favorite cocktail:
- Early forms of distillation of this liquor began in the 3rd century B.C.
- In the 1620s, Caribbean distillers began using molasses, a by-product of sugar production, to make the first rum.
- It was originally called “Kill Devil” due to its high alcohol content.
- Another early name was Rumbullion or Rumbustion. It was later shortened to “Rum”.
- By the mid-1650s, after capturing Jamaica, the British Navy replaced more expensive brandy with rum in daily rations to sailors. The navy discontinued this ration in 1970.
- It was once used as a form of currency.
- Prohibition in the United States was from 1920 to 1933. Bootleggers, or Rum Runners, ran illegal rum by the boatload from the Caribbean Islands up the East Coast of the U.S. to New York, Boston, and other major cities.
- In 1664, the first rum distillery in Staten Island opened.
- Drinks and cocktails with rum are the number one choice on the beach and on tropical islands.
- The strongest rum ever made contained 75.5% alcohol by volume. The normal alcohol content is 40%.
- Ernest Hemingway loved rum. His favorite cocktails were Mojitos and Daiquiris.
- In the 1990s, the Bacardi family in Cuba first mixed Rum and Coke to serve to guests.
Popular Rum Drinks
If you are a pirate, chances are you’re going to drink it straight out of a jug or a bottle. But, the rest of us will likely enjoy it as a mixer in a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Here are some of the most popular drinks that include rum:
- Cuba Libre
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Hurricane
- Margaritas
- Mai Tai
- Mojito
- Pina Colada
- Rum and Coke
- Rum Punch
- Rum Runner
How to Celebrate and Participate in National Rum Day
You may need to get proofed to truly enjoy National Rum Day. But, we’ve included a few ways to enjoy this holiday even if you’re underage.
- Drink rum cocktails. Try one you’ve never had before.
- Put on a pirate costume. Then, act like a pirate and drink rum straight from a jug or bottle.
- There are many kinds of flavored rums. Try a few you’ve never had before.
- Make a rum cake. Then, eat a slice of it!
- Watch any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
- Hold a Pirate Party. Of course, you know what adult beverages to serve.
- Drink some grog.
- Eat rum candies.
- Enjoy a big scoop (or two) of rum raisin ice cream.
Today's Quote
“The only rules that really matter are these: What a man can do, and what a man can’t do.” – – Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, in Pirates of the Caribbean.
History and Origin of National Rum Day
Our research did not find the creator of this holiday. But, we did discover that it was created in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1999.
On August 16, 1954, the Sugar Tax in the U.S. Virgin Islands was repealed. This is the reason National Rum Day is celebrated as an August 16 holiday.
We found no documentation in congressional records to confirm that National Joke Day is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
Definition of “National” Days – and why it is So important to distinguish true National days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
The Overseers of the Office of Works of the Duomo, Florence’s cathedral church, awards Michelangelo a contract to create his statue of David. (1501)
Edwin Prescott patents the first vertical loop roller coaster. See National Roller Coaster Day. (1898)
Steve Carell, actor and comedian, “The Office”, was born on this day in 1962.
Related Holidays
People who like National Rum Day will also like:
More August 16 Holidays
In addition to National Rum Day, here are more August 16 holidays to enjoy and celebrate:
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