While I much prefer the weather, food and drinks that winter has to offer, it’s probably safe to say that with the current coronavirus pandemic, we could all use a little summer fun.
Arriving just in time with the pick-me-up we all need, Captain Morgan’s new Orange Vanilla Twist rum is not only basically summer in a bottle, but after trying it myself, I can confidently say it tastes just like a creamsicle!
In stores now, the new rum combines the flavors of orange and vanilla and has an alcohol by volume of 30%. The bad news is that it is limited-edition rum, but it should be around through Labor Day, so you have plenty of time to grab a bottle.
While Captain Morgan has created a handful of recipes so you can make mixed drinks with the new rum, I first tried it straight. While I am not a fan of regular rum without a mixer, this was smooth and delicious on its own and goes down quite easily.
I also tried all the recipes. I was unable to include the garnish on the recipes because shortages during the pandemic have left my local grocery store without oranges, but the other ingredients were still easy to find.
Here are Captain Morgan’s three recipes for the new rum — and how they turned out for me:
Twisted Diet Cola
Ingredients:
2 ounces Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist
4 ounces diet cola
Orange for garnish
Directions:
Combine Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist and diet cola with ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
How it turned out:
The Twisted Diet Cola is basically a rum and Coke, but, obviously, with a bit of an orange-vanilla taste. I’m always down for a rum and Coke, but with the creamsicle-like flavor, this was even better.
Orange Vanilla Spritz
Ingredients:
1.5 ounces Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist
1 ounce Champagne
4 ounces ginger ale
Orange for garnish
Directions:
Combine Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist, champagne and ginger ale and stir. Pour into wine glass over ice, garnish with slice of orange.
How it turned out:
My second favorite of the three, the Orange Vanilla Spritz is just about as refreshing as it gets for a summer drink. I would have never thought of mixing rum and champagne (plus ginger ale!), but the combination created a light, bubbly drink that felt worthy of a celebration or just toasting to summer weather. Though this drink is mostly ginger ale, the orange-vanilla and champagne balance it out, so the ginger flavor is light.
Note: I used Barefoot Bubbly Moscato Spumante Champagne as it was the cheapest one I could find while trying to get in and out of my local store as quickly as possible. The flavors of your drink will be different depending on the champagne and ginger ale you use. I used Reed’s Real Ginger Ale, but I also tried it with Sprite Ginger because I had a can and it was delicious both ways.
Captain Morgan Frozen Crewdriver
Ingredients:
Serves 5
6 ounces Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist
8 ounces orange juice
16 ounces ice
Orange for garnish
Directions:
Blend Captain Morgan Orange Vanilla Twist, orange juice and ice in a blender. Pour into five tumblers and garnish with a slice of orange.
How it turned out: The frozen crewdriver was my favorite of the three and seriously perfect for a warm day. Just a heads up that you will need a blender for this one, and it makes quite a bit. But because you’re using more orange juice and ice than rum, it’s not super strong, so having extra isn’t a bad thing.
Technically, the recipe makes five servings, but my husband I split it into two. It would definitely be amazing with Reddi-Whip or vanilla ice cream, so I will be trying that as soon as I can get my hands on some.
Who’s ready for summer?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
