Sponsored Happy Hour: The BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Old Cuban

The Italian tradition of serving a pre-dinner cocktail, or aperitif, dates back to ancient Rome. But like many imbibers, I want that experience to last longer.

Thanks to the care and pride that restaurants are putting into their beverage programs, we can now enjoy cocktails throughout an entire meal. When made correctly, cocktails can be extremely food-friendly, and can pair with any style of cuisine. However, some spirits are more versatile than others.

Mixologists prize rum for its incredible flexibility. The spirit ranges from light and dry to rich and aged, and can be flavored or spiced. This diversity allows for a broader spectrum of cocktails that can be mixed with infinite ingredients to fully complement a culinary experience.

One of my favorite ways to enjoy rum? The world-renowned Old Cuban. Created by respected bartender Audrey Saunders (her Manhattan bar, Pegu Club, was recognized with a James Beard Award nomination in 2012) during her stint at New York’s Bemelmans Bar, the original recipe called for a foundation of BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Años. It’s easy to see why: BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Ocho Años, like America’s best bartenders, benefits from its culinary approach, including carefully selected ingredients and rigorous production, that has been passed down through several generations. Get the recipe here.

We’ll be serving the Old Cuban at the James Beard Awards Gala on Monday, May 4. Come and taste why BACARDÍ Gran Reserva is an invaluable spirit for the bar, whether at your favorite restaurant or in your own home.

BACARDÍ Gran Reserva is a proud sponsor of the 2015 James Beard Awards.