Notting Hill Carnival: The Spirit of Celebration.
Notting Hill Carnival is just around the corner, promising to be one of the biggest parties of the Bank Holiday weekend. With the sun shining, steel drums playing, and sound systems booming, London is turning up the heat. What better way to cool down than with some fantastic Carnival-themed cocktails that celebrate fiery Caribbean culture?
It’s time to mix, shake, and stir your way to the spirit of Notting Hill, and nothing says Carnival quite like rum. We’ve selected some of the best to help you bring the heat to your home bar.
Equiano Rum
A collaboration between Barbados’ Foursquare and Gray’s Distillery of Mauritius, Equiano Rum blends the best of both worlds. The rum from Foursquare is aged in American white oak, while the liquid from Gray’s is aged in French limousin oak and Cognac casks. It’s then married in ex-bourbon casks and bottled at Foursquare, reaching a smooth 43% ABV.
Expect rich chocolate and oak flavors, balanced with butterscotch, stem ginger, juicy raspberry, caraway, and a hint of marmalade.
Named after freedom fighter Olaudah Equiano, this rum also supports ground-level equality projects by donating 5% of annual profits. A spirit that brings together bold flavors and a rich social history – perfect for Carnival!
Cool Waters Cocktail
A perfect Carnival drink that’s refreshing, easy to make, and packed with coconut water for added hydration.
Ingredients (5L Punch):
- 1 bottle of Equiano Light
- 4 litres of Coconut Water
- 200ml Pineapple Infused Syrup
- 42 dashes of Angostura Cocoa Bitters
- 100ml Fresh Lime Juice
Lost Years
Inspired by sea turtles' "lost years" before reaching maturity, Lost Years Rum was created to give back to conservation efforts. Founded by British couple Lee and Trudy Smith, the brand sources premium rums and partners with non-profit SEE Turtles to protect marine wildlife.
Bring those island vibes to London with a daiquiri made from their Gold Spiced Rum with Queen Pineapple.
Gold Spiced Pineapple Daiquiri
Ingredients:
- 50ml Lost Years Gold Spiced Rum
- 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 15ml Sugar Syrup
Method:
- Shake all ingredients hard for 8-10 seconds.
- Double strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Fr’um
New to DrinksOne, Fr’um captures the sweet, spicy, smoky, and smooth flavors of Jamaica. Created by Hand and Flowers Bar Manager Anthony Peart, this spiced rum features dark muscovado, pineapple, and smoky scotch bonnet chillies.
Fr’um The Darkside
Ingredients:
- 50ml Fr’um
- 15ml Orgeat
- 25ml Pineapple Juice
- Juice of half a lime
- 4 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Method:
- Chill a rocks glass with ice water.
- Shake Fr’um, pineapple juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and bitters with ice.
- Empty ice water from the glass and strain the mixture over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a slapped mint sprig.
House of Rum
House of Rum was born from founder David’s decades-long love affair with the Caribbean. His passion for rum led to the creation of single vintage, single cask rums bottled in their purest form—no sugar, caramel, or additives.
The ‘little devil’ emblem represents the tropical climates that increase rum evaporation during aging. Unlike the ‘Angel’s Share’ in Europe, the Caribbean’s intense heat leads to the ‘Devil’s Share,’ where up to 9% of the liquid disappears each year.
House of Rum Selections:
- House of Rum Trinidad 2012 Cask Strength
- House of Rum Dominican Republic 2000 Cask Strength
- House of Rum Barbados 2010 Cask Strength
These rums are so refined that they deserve to be sipped neat and savored.
Whether you're dancing in the streets or celebrating at home, these Carnival-inspired cocktails bring the Caribbean spirit to your glass. Cheers to an unforgettable Notting Hill Carnival! 🍹🎶
