Getting Spicy With Don Q
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Don Q rum. All opinions are 100% mine.
The last time I visited Puerto Rico was on an overnight mileage run last winter.
Getting Spicy With Don Q
So I was excited to go on a Southern Caribbean cruise. But then Zeke crashed Wyatt's car and the smart money move was to cancel. Turns out I saved money and avoided Hurricane Maria.
But I missed out on touring Castillo Serralles (Serrales Castle) in Ponce. The Serralles Castle was the primary residence of Juan Eugenio Serrales, founder of Destilleria Serrales maker of Don Q rum.
Don Q rum is Puerto Rico's number 1 selling rum. Although the Don Q distillery isn't open for tours, I thought it would be cool to visit the town where Don Q started in 1865.
Fun fact: Don Quixote was the inspiration behind the Don Q name
3 Ingredients
Don Q rum is all natural, vegan, gluten-free, and only have 3 main ingredients.
Sugarcane
Molasses, rum's base, is a byproduct of boiled sugar cane.
Water
The water for Don Q rum comes from the Rio Inabon. The Serralles family has owned the exclusive rights to the Rio Inabon since 1898.
Yeast Starter Culture
Don Q rum uses the same strain of yeast starter from over 75 years ago.
Because only no artificial additives or colors are used Don Q flavored rums like Coco, Limon, Mojito, and Passion use fresh herb and fruits to impart their natural flavor.
Sustainable Practices
Wastewater System
What I love about Don Q aside from the rum are their sustainability practices. They developed a repurposed wastewater system for irrigation and equipment cleaning.
Repurposed Materials
Don Q repurposes shipping pallets as wood chips. The wood chips become fertilizer and mulch.
Electricity
Steam from the distilling process powers a turbo-generator providing electricity to the distillery.
Barrel Aged
All Don Q rums are barrel aged at least one year in American White Oak barrels. The same type of barrels used to age wine. The oak barrels add flavors like caramel and vanilla while removing any imperfections in the rum.
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced rum is an award-winning rum aged for a minimum of 3 years. This smooth rum has flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel and reminds me of caramel apple pie in a glass. Yum!
Enjoy on the rocks or blended into a cocktail like a Pina Colada or a Daiquiri.
The Pina Colada
Don Q rum played an important role in its creation. Ramon "Monchito" Marrero created the Pina Colada in 1954 using Don Q rum.
I love a good Pina Colada. It brings to mind fun, good times, and lounging on the beach. That's probably why it's been Puerto Rico's national drink since 1978.
And who doesn't love Escape (The Pina Colada Song)?
Drink Recipes
If you can't get to the beach to enjoy these tropical drinks, you can make them at home. These simple recipes will have you thinking of warm breezes and hot summer nights. Who knows you might start planning a winter getaway.
Spiced Daiquiri
- 1 ½ ounce Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
- 1 ½ ounce lime juice
- ¾ ounce vanilla simple syrup
- 2 drops of Angostura bitters
To make vanilla simple syrup: dissolve 8 ounces granulated sugar in 8 ounces of hot water. Cool. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Pour ingredients into a shaker, add ice, and shake well. Pour into a glass.
Spiced Apple Cider
This is a great fall drink to warm you up after a hike or a chilly day.
- 1 ½ ounce Don Q Oak Barrel Spiced Rum
- 3 ounces apple cider
- ½ ounce cinnamon syrup
Heat ingredients to your liking.
What's your favorite cocktail recipe?
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