Tastes of the Caribbean from Longboat Key.
The Hill Team recently returned from an idyllic journey to several Caribbean Islands with the International Food and Wine Travel Writers Association.
Busy as were were learning, tasting and sipping (someone has to do this), we made time to sample some new and innovative island rum concoctions. You will read the recipes on our blogs and in our columns.
One of the benefits of travel is coming home again. Thirsty for more rum creations, I wandered down the beach to the sand-fringed Bongo Bar at The Colony in Longboat Key, Florida. Known for their tennis fame, award-winning food and wine, we love the casual beach bars that invite guests, locals and celebrities to come in bathing suits and bare feet.
Mixologist April made me this delicious smash at the Bongo Bar for a sunset happy hour. The colors of the cocktail matched the sunset. The taste of the the Sandbar Smash was pure Caribbean.
Bongo Bar Sandbar Smash
1/2 oz banana rum
1 oz Meyer’s dark rum
1 oz cranberry juice
1 oz orange juice
1 oz pineapple juice
Method:
Shake and serve over ice in a tall glass.
Garnish with a fresh pineapple spear and perhaps another splash of Meyer’s dark rum.
Maralyn and Norm have enjoyed a similar rum creation at my home. I call the drink san souci – without care. The only difference is that I use coconut rum in place of the banana – just as tasty. It all depends on your mood and what is at hand. The delicious little sugar bananas that we devoured in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, made me long for banana rum.
The Colony 1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive Longboat Key, FL 941.383.5558
Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
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