We all love gin, but this summer is set to be rummer

Rum is on the rise. UK sales were over £1bn last year and continuing to grow. They have increased 18% by volume and 38% by value over the past five years, with the number of brands on the market growing from 50 in 2006 to more than 150 in 2016.

According to trade magazine The Grocer, millennials are fuelling the rum boom, with 80% of 25-34 year olds regularly enjoying a tipple.

This month, Manchester’s rum fans can rejoice with not one, not two, but three national rum-based days: National Piña Colada Day on 10th, National Mojito Day on 11th, and Daiquiri Day on 19th July.

Bacardi, the world’s most awarded rum brand, has announced that July is Rum Month. Who are we to argue?

It’s a trend that looks set to continue across Greater Manchester, with a new Caribbean- inspired venue opening in Altrincham on 20th July. Dave Marsland of Drinks Enthusiast Ltd has chosen the attractive leisure and office complex of King’s Court and its secluded courtyard off one of the main streets of Altrincham as the home of his first bar and café.

Marigot Bay Bar & Café, named after Marigot Bay of St Lucia in the Caribbean, will offer south Manchester a bar and café that takes drinkers through the many tropical islands via chilled island beers, tropical cocktails and some of the finest Caribbean coffee and cocoa available.

There will be a selection of rum and rhums from across the Caribbean islands, including Chairman’s Reserve of St Lucia, Foursquare of Barbados, Appleton Estate of Jamaica, Havana Club of Cuba and Rhum Clément of Martinique.

There’s also a focus on the traditional rum serves found on the islands themselves, including the Pusser’s Painkiller, known as the “official cocktail of the British Virgin Islands”, Havana Club’s original Cuban Mojito, and Gosling’s Black Seal, the tempest in Bermuda’s favourite cocktail the Dark ‘n Stormy.

Marigot Bay isn’t the only place to sample the spirit in Manchester. Tropical tiki hideaway The Liars Club on Back Bridge Street boasts over 100 rums, while the Turtle Bay Caribbean restaurants and bars serve 40 different Caribbean rums from Jamaica to St Lucia, Cuba to Barbados and Bermuda. 

For a taste of sunny island life, try Turtle Bay’s Marley Mojito, a fresh ginger and watermelon twist on the classic mojito cocktail. The summery tipple includes Appleton signature blend rum, watermelon syrup and fresh puree, melon liqueur, ginger beer, fresh mint and lime wedges. 

“What better way to celebrate one of the world’s best loved spirits and its diversity and versatility, than an entire month dedicated to rum events and festivities?” asks Shervene Shahbazkhani from Bacardi.

“We hope that these events will attract current rum enthusiasts but also convert new ones.”

Here’s where to head for the rummest parties in Manchester this month.

Coconut Hula Hoola Party

Get your tiki on and join the Hula Hoola party this National Piña Colada Day with £5 Piña Coladas all night long. Expect palm tree and cactus inflatables, an old school coconut shy, hip hop and RnB tunes plus the chance to win a Bacardi rum hamper. Tuesday 10th July from 7pm, Hula, Stevenson Square.

Pina Colada Scratch Card Disco

Love a scratch card? Look no further. Manchester’s Convenience Store and Bacardi are bringing you Pina Colada Scratch Card Disco with 70s disco vibes and £5 Pina Coladas all night. Pick up your scratch card from the dispenser in the hope to win drinks promotions. Thursday 12th July from 7pm, Convenience Store, High Street.

Disco Daiquiri Party

Join the Daiquiri D-I-S-C-O and build your very own Bacardi Daiquiri at Cane and Grain’s Disco Daiquiri station. It’s a week-long party, but don’t miss the £5 Daiquiris for National Daiquiri Day on 19th July. Thursday 19th – 26th July from 12pm, Cane and Grain, Thomas Street.