The world of cocktails is a vast and fascinating one, with countless recipes and variations to explore. One particularly intriguing drink that has gained popularity in recent years is the Rum River Mystic, a tiki-inspired cocktail that was created by Paul McGee at Chicago’s Lost Lake Tiki around 2015. This unique concoction is a variation of the classic Preakness cocktail and is known for bridging the gap between classic cocktails and tiki drinks.
The Rum River Mystic is a complex and flavorful drink that combines aged rum, rye whiskey, Byrrh Quinquina, Benedictine, Angostura Bitters, and sometimes Tiki Bitters as a garnish. The recipe typically calls for stirring these ingredients with ice, then straining the mixture into a double old fashioned glass with a large ice cube. The final touch is a garnish of orange oil from a twist, which adds a bright and aromatic note to the drink.
When you take a sip of the Rum River Mystic, you’ll first notice the bright orange oil aroma that wafts up from the glass. As you taste the cocktail, you’ll experience a complex interplay of flavors, with notes of grape and barrel-aged caramel on the sip, followed by a finish that showcases the rye, rum, and smooth herbal notes. The Rum River Mystic is often described as softer, more herbal, and less bitter than a 1919 cocktail, but just as delightful to quaff.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Rum River Mystic is its name, which has a rather unusual origin story. The cocktail is named after a greyhound named Rum River Mystic, which was the racing name of a dear friend’s beloved dog. The name of the drink is a tribute to this greyhound, and it adds an extra layer of meaning and sentimentality to the cocktail.
If you’re interested in trying the Rum River Mystic for yourself, here’s the recipe:
- 1 ounce aged rum
- 1 ounce rye whiskey
- 3/4 ounce Byrrh Quinquina
- 1/4 ounce Benedictine
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- 1 dash Tiki Bitters (optional, for garnish)
- Orange twist, for garnish
To make the drink, simply stir all of the ingredients (except for the Tiki Bitters and orange twist) with ice in a mixing glass until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into a double old fashioned glass over a large ice cube. If desired, add a dash of Tiki Bitters on top of the drink as a garnish. Finally, express the orange oil from the twist over the drink and drop the twist into the glass.
The Rum River Mystic is a unique and flavorful cocktail that is sure to impress anyone who tries it. Whether you’re a fan of classic cocktails, tiki drinks, or just looking to try something new and exciting, this drink is definitely worth seeking out. So why not mix one up for yourself and discover the magic of the Rum River Mystic?
