Marina's Menu: NATIONAL RUM DAY on 8/16

I love "National American Food and Drink Days." From S'mores and Soft Vanilla Ice Cream to Hamburgers, there are 365 days a year to salute food items. And, coming soon is National Rum Day, Saturday, August 16th.

Rum is a distilled alcoholic drink made from sugarcane byproducts like molassas. It can also be fermented and distilled from sugarcane juice. Rum has different grades, light rum and dark rum are frequently used in cocktails. People usually drink premium rums straight or iced. We are impressed with the creative mixologists who seem to have an incredible knack for bold, bright blends using rum.

A classic rum and coke is easy to mix up at home, but there are a lot of signature cocktails that made with the popular spirit. If you're out and about in New York City, you can visit our favorite spots for their rum specialties.

Gallow Green, Chelsea - This rooftop bar is located atop the McKittrick Hotel, home of Sleep No More. Their "bellefontaine" has Denizen Merchant's Reserve rum, Fraise des Bois, Salers and marjoram. www.mckittrickhotel.com

Cuba, West Village - They feature special cocktails all week that include their "Original sin Copia" with Atlantico Rum, muddled ginger, St. Germain, lime, and cava float, garnished with candied ginger. Their regular cocktail menu also has fantastic rum drinks. www.cubanyc.com

Chapter One, West Village - Located on Greenwich Avenue, they are sure to please the most discerning drink connosieur. Try their rum cocktail, "Dark and Stormy." Or, enjoy a fine selection straight or iced.www.chapteronenyc.com

American Whiskey, Midtown West - Even with 150 American made whiskey choices, their cocktail menu inspires refreshing drinks like their "Orange Drink." It has Bacardi Heritage, falernum, fresh lime and orange soda. www.americanwhiskeynyc.com

Cuba Lounge at Victor's Cafe, Midtown West - In the iconic Victor's Café, the Cuba Lounge is welcoming with nightly live music. Their creative mojito choices include Mojito Passion with Don Q Rum, passion fruit, fresh lime, mint leaves, sugar cane and simple syrup. www.victorscafe.com

Raise your glass to National Rum Day and enjoy the versatile spirit in endless combinations.

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