Cuba

More about the book

Who really invented the Daiquiri and the Mojito, the beloved rum drinks? Did Christopher Columbus bring the first sugar cane seedlings to Cuba? What sets authentic Cuban rum apart? Spirits historians Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown, alongside rum expert Dave Broom and mixologist Nick Strangeway, delve into the origins of Cuban rum and its deep connection to Cuban culture. Contrary to popular belief, rum was not created by African slaves on Caribbean plantations; its roots trace back to Brazil and Southeast Asia. Cuban rum emerged during the Industrial Revolution, benefiting from advancements that enhanced its quality and appeal. This illustrated edition also chronicles the history of Cuba's iconic bars and bartenders, or cantineros, while sharing the tales behind classic cocktails like the Daiquiri, Mojito, Cuba Libre, and Mary Pickford. Readers will learn how to conduct a tasting of fine Cuban rums and explore their ties to Cuban music and religion. Anistatia Miller and Jared Brown, authors of notable works on cocktails, lead this exploration, supported by Dave Broom, a rum authority, and Nick Strangeway, an award-winning mixologist with expertise in classic Cuban drinks.