It’s National Rum Day on Monday, August 16, and mixologist Kurtis Bosley has a tip for upping your cocktail game at home: choosing the perfect glass.

Glassware specialist Luigi Bormioli has collaborated with Bosley – who owns Corretto bar on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (below) – to create a delicious rum-based cocktail you can make at home.

Bormioli’s Bach range is produced with signature fine rims and is designed to enhance the overall drinking experience.

Bosley suggests serving his National Rum Day drink – called the “Drumbed – Up” – in a Luigi Bormioli Bach highball glass.

“For me glassware is the missing link between us and a true bar experience,” Bosley said. “By investing in quality glassware you’ll elevate your at home drinks dramatically! Always remember to purchase a full variety of glasses from double rocks, Collins, coupe, martini and more! Most recipes online will list the particular glass so make sure you stick to this.”

As Spoon University notes: “Different glassware have evolved in order to make different cocktails look and taste better. The function of the glass serves two purposes: to enhance aromas and correct temperatures. These are two key factors in an enjoyable drinking experience. Different shaped glasses bring out different aspects of the drink.”

It adds that the Highball glass – also called a Collins glass – is used to serve tall cocktails and other mixed drinks that contain more mixer (usually soda) than alcohol, and are poured over ice.

“This glass is similar to the [champagne] flute in that it promotes bubble retention with a smaller opening. You’ll often see drinks served in these that are a little bit sweeter, like a mojito, because smell won’t be quite as important.”

Australia’s love affair with rum

Australians have always loved their rum – it was even our official currency during convict days, so it’s hardly surprising that its popularity is booming in 2021.

According to Maylis Berger, the APAC Brand Manager for Maison Ferrand (Plantation Rum), Australians are also becoming more adventurous when it comes to exploring new drinks and are moving beyond the typical rum and cola serve.

“Over the last three years, the demand has been growing for craft and premium rums,” she said. “The category has increased by 16% since last year. Spiced rum is currently the third fastest-growing spirit category, and I’m hoping we can see a similar uptake in craft flavoured rums in the years to come.”

Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum is unique in the flavoured rum category, as it is made with fresh chunks of tropical pineapple – rather than syrup – macerated in the Plantation Original Dark rum, while pineapple rinds are infused in Plantation 3 Stars White Rum and then further distilled. Finally, both are blended together. It features in Bosley’s Drumbed – Up with Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark Rum.

Here’s the recipe …

Luigi Bormioli x Kurtis Bosely’s Drumbed – Up  

40ml Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum

5ml Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark Rum

10ml Dry Curaçao

2 dashes Whiskey Barrel Bitters

20ml Tropical Syrup (Watermelon, Strawberry, Finger Lime & Papaya)

30ml Lime

Garnish: mint, cucumber, dash aquafaba

METHOD

1. Fill a Luigi Bormioli Bach Highball glass with ice. Add all ingredients and stir well.

2. Garnish with mint, cucumber and a dash of aquafaba

The Bach Highball 360ml set of six glasses is priced at $74.95 and available at Myer and David Jones.

Pictured main: A selection of Corretto cocktails in glasses from the Bach range.