Belize’s largest contributor to the agriculture sector is sugar cane. The production of sugar outpaced the profitability of lumber extraction in the late 1800s and went from small farm production to a thriving industry. The co-product of refining sugar is molasses, and every sugar-producing-nation in the world also produces rum from the process of fermenting and then distilling molasses. Belize is no different, we produce a number of excellent rums! In recent years, innovation has melded with tradition and the variety of spirits Belize is making has expanded, but the national drink of choice will always be rum. Blue Reef Island boasts a fully stocked bar and top-notch bartenders to mix up your favorite cocktails, but we encourage you to try the local libations too, not just your standard go-to’s. We’re all about discovery and sharing our regional favorites (be it sights, activities, food, or booze!) with you. So, join us for a Rum Tasting in Belize. It is the perfect rainy-weather activity or even if you’ve simply had your fill of sun for the day. Belly up to Blue Reef’s bar and settle in for some whiffing, whirling, sipping, and savoring. Sample them all and find your favorites, then get crafty and create your own tropical cocktails.
Caribbean Rums
Instantly recognizable by the turkey on the label, this line of Caribbean Rum by the Cuello’s Distillery is a local rum favorite that you’ll find behind every bar in Belize. The Caribbean Gold and the Caribbean White are the most popular choices for cocktails as they blend beautifully with fresh juices. In 1995, the Caribbean White won first placement in an International Rum Competition, beating out other well-known brands such as Bacardi and Appleton. The Caribbean Coconut is a lighter, cleaner alternative to Malibu. Sweet but not syrupy, it has a much more natural taste than other brands. Maybe historically you’ve not liked coconut rum because it smells and tastes like suntan lotion- try again! Try Belize’s coconut rums, clean not cloying, you could drink it on its own over ice. Any of the Caribbean Rums are great base choices for building your cocktails upon. Smooth and balanced.
Travellers
Travellers’ is the biggest name in Belizean Rums; they make Belize’s first and still favorite aged rum: 1 Barrel. Try, but don’t stop at just 1 Barrel, they also make a 3-year-aged and a 5-year-aged rum that you can enjoy neat or on the rocks. Try the Blue Reef Island signature cocktail, The Blue Reefa. White rum, freshly squeezed lime, grand marnier, blue curacao topped with soda water. Travellers Rum was founded in 1953 and the name came from the fact that most of the company’s customers were in transit on a well-known route in and out of Belize City, the country’s capital at the time. Today, travelers and locals alike choose this historic Belizean rum as their favorite. Even Prince Harry himself couldn’t pass through without stopping for a wee sample during his Royal Visit in 2012.
Copalli
Copalli might not be a name you’re familiar with…yet, but in the rum world they are a quickly rising star and the beau monde of Belize distilleries. The first, and only, completely organic, single-estate distillery in the country and what’s more- the whole operation is zero-waste and neutral environmental impact. Nestled within 22,000 acres of protected rainforest, Copalli uses rainwater catchment, solar energy, and recycles biowaste to leave absolutely no carbon footprint during production. The painstaking care they take to distill and barrel-rest their rum shines through in the flavor. The bottles are also quite beautiful and would make a lovely souvenir to bring home or gift to an eco-conscious imbiber.
Once you’ve discovered your new favorite rums, let your creativity run wild by mixing up a tropical cocktail with the local ingredients on hand. Learn how to make classic rum-based drinks like the Painkiller, Mojito, Pina Colada, and the quintessential Belize-beach-bar offering: a Panty Ripper (or Panti Rippa, in the local pronunciation). Try rum as an excellent substitute in other cocktails such as the Old Fashioned (One Barrell would be a nice stand-in for Bourbon), Bloody Mary (a simple white rum is an easy replacement for the vodka), or White Russian (this would be a dream with Copalli’s Cacao Rum!). The possibilities are almost endless… we’ll drink to that!
