8. Gyal Ah Rush Me (Trinidad)/Pineapple Curacao Daiquiri (St. Croix)
Summer’s all about trying new things, right? Well, let’s get away from the staples for a minute then, shall we, and sample some from some recent creations from folks we rate, alright…
Not to be confused with the Vincy soca tune by Alston Becket Cyrus, Gyal Ah Rush Me is a Jillionaire specialty. Yes, our TnT correspondent has mixing skills at the bar that rival his skills on the turntables. This one is made with some puncheon (overproof Trini white rum) and a half shot of apple liqueur, topped with pineapple juice, a splash of cranberry for color and a splash of soda water for bubbles, and served in an oversized red wine glass.
Grilled Pineapple Curacao Daiquri
Travel website Uncommon Caribbean‘s “Friday Happy Hour” series is a great place to keep up on Caribbean cocktails, and that’s where we learned of this creation from St. Croix mixologist/cocktail blogger Jesse Card. Featured in the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s new The Caribbean Cocktail booklet, Card’s variation on the sorta Cuban, sorta American staple is notable for its hearty grilled pineapple garnish. Make it with two ounces of Cruzan (or other dark rum), one ounce Cointreau, a dash of Angostura bitters and a half-ounce of fresh lime juice.