The Style Talk with Mr. Avinash Kapoli, Mixologist, Jamming Goat 3.0 and Raahi Neo Bar and Kitchen was a great experience on World Rum Day 2023. Here’s all we spoke about rum :-1. How would you describe the unique characteristics and flavour profile of rum compared to other
spirits?
The uniqueness about rum is the base product used for production, i.e., sugarcane molasses and/or sugarcane juice. The resulting product after distillation is potent and when aged produces a versatile
liquid which can be drunk on its own or used in specific cocktails
2. Rum offers a wide range of varieties, including light, dark, spiced, and aged. How do these variations
contribute to the versatility of rum in mixology?
Light rum is the most versatile as it can be used in a range of cocktails, mostly tropical. Dark rum works
best in cocktails that add flavours such as coffee and chocolate. Spiced rum provides an edge to
cocktails like a Mai Tai or Mojito if you fancy notes of spice in your drink. Aged Rum is complex in its
nature due to the factor of aging. This rum works best in an Old Fashioned style of drink. Overall, any of
the rums can be consumed as a highball mixed with any carbonated beverage.
3. Are there any specific cocktails or flavour combinations where rum truly shines and brings out its
distinct qualities?
The best cocktails where rum truly shines are those where ingredients are added to highlight the flavour
of the rum. Mojito, Mai Tai, Rum Espresso Martini, Rum Old Fashioned, El Presidente and Canchanchara
are a few examples.
4. Rum has a rich history and carries a certain level of sophistication. How does this influence the perception and experience of customers when enjoying rum-based cocktails?
Today’s consumers who enjoy drinking rum or rum-based cocktails do it as they have been accustomed
to rum from the time they started drinking. However, individuals who are keen on the history, legacy
and background of rum would look into the details and have an emotional connection to the spirit as it
resides close to their heart.
5. Are there any emerging trends or innovative techniques in rum mixology that you find particularly
exciting and appealing to the urban up-market audience?
Mixology as a whole has become an innovative affair in India as bartenders are getting the required
recognition today owing to competitions and seminars. Plus, the recent trend of international
bartenders visiting India for guest shifts speaks about the potential for bartending in the country. Flor
de Cana’s sustainability challenge and the illustrious Bacardi Legacy are two noteworthy examples
where bartender’s creativity is pushed. When it comes to Bangalore, Mojitos and Pina Coladas are
evergreen. It is unlikely that these will go out of fashion.
6. Compared to other spirits, what are the advantages of using rum as a base for craft cocktails in
terms of complexity, depth, and balance of flavors?
I would not compare Rum with other spirits as each spirit is unique and can be utilised in manners that suit the kind of
cocktail you would like to craft. Similarly, each variety of rum be it light, dark, spiced,
aged or overproof have their benefits while being used in cocktails or consumed on their own. I would
refer to Question no 2 where I have mentioned how to use each rum to the best of its ability
7. How do you educate and introduce customers to the world of rum, especially those who may be less
familiar with its various types and characteristics?
The best way to do this would be seminars and if your outlet is not busy, have a brief exchange with
customers about rum and its types. This process of education will help consumers educate each other.
As a bartender, I would like people to be informed and mindful about their drinking
8. We often hear about the health benefits associated with moderate alcohol consumption. What are
some of the potential health advantages of enjoying rum in moderation compared to other spirits?
I would not advocate for any alcohol to be consumed for health benefits as alcohol, be it rum or any
other spirit, has to be broken down in our liver before it enters the system. I would simply request
people to be mindful about how much they are drinking. It is known that alcohol, back in the day, was
used for medicinal purposes. However, today, we are equipped with enough knowledge to be mindful
of the consumption of any food or beverage.
9. Finally, as a bartender or mixologist, do you take into account the potential health benefits of rum
when creating specialty cocktails? How do you strike a balance between crafting a delicious drink and
considering its potential impact on the well-being of your customers?
Rum does not have any health benefits as it is an alcoholic beverage. As a bartender, I understand when
my guests have had enough. I myself take an initiative to stop serving them drinks beyond a point and
explain this to them also. Some consumers are also keen on the alcohol by volume in a cocktail. We are
certainly capable of giving them the data regarding the amount of alcohol in each of our cocktails.
10. On World Rum day, are you offering any specialty cocktails or drinks? Please elaborate
Our bartenders can come up with a range of cocktails with rum apart from the usual Daiqiuri, Mojito
and Pina Colada.
