Winter Drink Recipe: The Rum Reviver

We can all agree that this past year has been a dramatic one, leaving us collectively searching for meaningful connections, a little levity and a heartfelt hug. That’s the angle I took when creating this wintry cocktail — I wanted something cozy and warming, a soul-reviving hug, in cocktail form. 

If you like the rich complexity of a Manhattan or the fiery ginger kick of a Moscow Mule, this chai-spiced rum cocktail boasts similar notes and works well either served up or on the rocks. It’s a cozy, complex winter sipper that incorporates two of my favorite Colorado products: Montanya Oro rum and Vino Salida sweet vermouth.

The Rum Reviver

2 ounces aged rum 

1/2 ounce sweet vermouth 

1/2 ounce ginger liqueur 

1/4 ounce chai simple syrup 

Candied ginger, for garnish 

1. In a mixing glass, combine the rum, sweet vermouth, ginger liqueur and chai simple syrup. 

2. Add ice, stir and strain into a cocktail glass over a large ice cube. 

3. Garnish with a skewer of candied ginger pieces. 

CHAI SIMPLE SYRUP 

1. Combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup sugar. 

2. Over low heat, bring to a simmer and add two bags of chai tea. 

3. Remove from heat, let cool, strain and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

PRODUCT

SPOTLIGHT 

Vino Salida Vermouth Rosso won a double gold medal in the 2019 Colorado Governor’s Cup Wine Competition.

Photos by Jayme Henderson.

Originally published in the Winter 2020-21 issue of Spoke+Blossom.