People tend to have different “go to” drinks depending on any number of factors. It could be the time of the day or day of the year. There might be a reason to celebrate, or to mourn. It might even be a change in the weather. But there is always something that breaks us from our routine (or in fact becomes our routine) when it comes to certain cocktails. Gin and tonics on a summer afternoon, champagne for toasts, a martini before dinner, or a Bloody Mary with brunch, these are just a few examples of drinks that have become synonymous with special occasions.

What makes rum such a unique and special spirit is due the diverse nature of the styles, it can fill a role in almost any occasion. You need a crisp refreshing drink on a warm afternoon? Sounds like a time for a Mai Tai. Relaxing at the bar for a cocktail while waiting for your table in a restaurant? Have your bartender shake up a few ounce of Oronoco rum with a couple dashes of orange bitters and strain into a chilled martini glass. And I know I have told you about substituting a nice rhum agricole in your next Bloody Mary.

I got thinking about this during the last week. There has been a change in the weather down here (thank you Tropical Storm Debby) and it’s been very rainy last several days. Yes, it does rain in paradise. I got home from the movies tonight and the rain was still coming down, however slightly, and the wind was blowing. Still a little humid but the temperature had cooled enough that, with the wind, I was reminded of an early fall evening back up North. Normally as my night cap, I’ll make myself a full blown cocktail, usually something I’m experimenting with for Tommy Bahama. Tonight, the occasion called for something different.