A rich Barbadian tipple, the Corn ‘n’ Oil cocktail is a robust mixture of blackstrap rum and citrus.
The plane landed softly on the water, skidding atop the turquoise waves for a moment or two until it docked next to other maritime aircraft. You step out onto the island, and the heat and sunshine wash over you. Summertime may have arrived for the world for a few months, but in the idyllic landscape of Barbados, that season stays forever.
As you stride past the shore toward your quaint and cozy beachside resort, you can’t help but notice the dry throat and thirst that have hit you. After a long but relaxing trip, you now require a libation to wet your whistle and amplify those calming, chill vibes that have now surrounded you.
Just as you think of it, you see a little beachside bar. And behind said bar, a smiling face ready to mix up anything you desire. You saunter up and ask, “What’s good?” The barkeep tells you a Corn ‘n’ Oil cocktail isn’t just good… it is unforgettable. They mix up your drink as they tell you a little of the recipe’s history, how it’s a traditional Caribbean mixture that hails from Barbados, supposedly first appearing sometime in the 1700s. The dark blackstrap rum gives your beverage a murky, mysterious look.
As you tip, then sip, you can taste why this delicious and robust beverage remains a favorite. While you’re here, you think, this is all you’ll be drinking.
What is the best rum to use in a Corn ’n’ Oil?
To start with, let’s ask ourselves a question: What exactly is blackstrap rum? Well the simplest answer is, it’s a rum made from blackstrap molasses. The molasses itself is the final byproduct after sugarcane has been processed. The resulting spirit is a hearty, rich and robust-tasting one, with notes of licorice, fennel and toffee. Its bitter profile helps make the Corn ‘n’ Oil a distinct cocktail from other rum-based drinks. Both Cruzan and Goslings produce blackstrap rums that should be available at your local liquor store.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces blackstrap rum
- 1/2 ounce Falernum
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 lime wedge to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add the blackstrap rum, Falernum, and lime juice.
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters and stir well.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Pour your cocktail into a rocks glass that’s filled with ice, then garnish with a fresh and juicy lime wedge on top. You can pop a straw or two in if you like, as well.
What is a substitute for blackstrap rum?
If you don’t have or cannot find blackstrap rum, a dark and spiced variety can be used in its place. The bitter flavor of the molasses won’t be present, but you can mix the rum you have with blackstrap molasses to get close. However, if you find yourself having to do that, I’d suggest just finding and purchasing some blackstrap rum.
Similar cocktails to the Corn ’n’ Oil
In the mood for some relaxing island vibes, but don’t have an island handy? Twist & Toast has a fine selection of remedies that’ll help cure those everyday “blahs”, and bring some color and flavor into your life. Check out some of these tropical recipes to get your imagination going.
- Three Dots & A Dash – A Tiki treat of the highest order, filled with rum and fresh citrus juices.
- Saturn – This gin-based tipple will send you into orbit.
- Jet Pilot – Take flight with this powerful rum-filled concoction.
- Dark and Stormy – Rum, lime juice and ginger beer combine to create this bubbly and refreshing sipper.
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