TikiLoco

TikiLoco

Roxanne’s Tiki Loco cocktail.

Tomorrow marks what’s sure to become one of yerrr favorite holidays: National Rum Day.

America’s first rum distillery was on Staten Island—and, well, that was 1664 so we weren’t quite America yet but under British rule as colonies so… We were just prepping for the battle. With alcohol.

Though the origin of rum on American soil may be easterly, there is no doubt that Long Beach is (and should be) a lover of the ol’ Barbados Water. So here are a handful of rummy concoctions to celebrate the odd, kinda-sorta-just-kiddin’-oh-well-let’s-drink holiday.

Roxanne’s (1115 E Wardlow Rd): The Tiki Loco & The Rum Old Fashioned

RumOldFashThere’s a reason Roxanne’s is slowly but surely becoming our favorite bar in Long Beach. With impeccable cocktails and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere (including a true speakeasy), it’s practically impossible not to fall in love with their talented staff and delicious liquid mixtures. In fact, so saliva-inducing are their cocktails that we couldn’t pick just one.

First up is the Tiki Loco [pictured above], so captivatingly delicious that even those skeptical of rum will want nothing more than a beach view and this drink. It’s made with two rums—Denizen and Seven Tiki—complete with Velvet Falernum liquer, grapefruit juice, lime, Roxanne’s own housemade orgeat syrup, and Jamaican bitters.

Second up is their rummed-up old fashioned [pictured left], a delectable mix of 15-year-old El Dorado Rum, Angostura bitters, orange peel, and Luxardo maraschino cherries. Never again does your classic have to be relegated to whiskey.

RepublicRumJames Republic (500 E 1st St): Crusoe Rum Cocktail

James Republic is not only blessed with great food, the East Village Arts District restaurant is also blessed with a talented bar crew and spectacular cocktail menu (not to mention one of the best whiskey sours in town). Bartender Pamela Trujillo has created a particularly delicious drink by way of Crusoe Organic Spiced Rum. Mixed with Campari, Antica Formula vermouth, and lime wheels, this not-too-sweet liquid is summer awesomeness in a glass.

Our suggestion? Hop on their patio and enjoy it with some of their awesome jalapeño and rosemary dusted pomme frites. Or keep it classy and just go for another one after your first.

CubanMojitoFuego (700 Queensway Dr): Old Cuban Mojito
There are many reasons to visit Hotel Maya but for National Rum Day, there are two: the view that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the concrete metropolis and Fuego’s Old Cuban Mojito [pictured right]. This beautiful begins with mint leaves, simple syrup, and lime juice shaken and muddled. Add some Ron Zacapa rum, a couple dashes of Angostura bitters, and some sparkling vino, and you have yourself the best view of the LBC coastline and one helluva mojito.

The Attic (3441 E Broadway): The Bloody Jerry
While The Attic may be known for their DIY Bloody Mary menu, they’ve taken it a step further by offering a Bloody Jerry. Yes, a Bloody Mary—but made with Sailor Jerry. Included this Saturday will be a build-your-own bar full of varying garnishes to create your own rum masterpiece. Even we’re skeptical but then again, The Attic has rarely failed us. If you do try it, let us know.

Screen Shot 2014-08-15 at 11.01.56 AMThe Mai Tai Bar (97 Aquarium Way): Mai Tai
It’s tacky, it’s corporate, it’s a Disneyland-esque Tiki Bar gone awry. But for National Rum Day, we would be remiss not to include the Pike’s exorbitantly large and loud Mai Tai Bar, which actually serves up a decent version of the Polynesian-style classic (it originated in Oakland but its name means “good” in Tahitian).

Do you have a Long Beach establishment that serves up your favorite concoction? Leave your suggestion in the comments below and share the rum love.