The Story Behind The Bombo
A precursor to the Old Fashioned, the Bombo utilizes fresh grated nutmeg to bring aromatic spice to the picture. It also anticipates the use of bitters — tinctures in which herbs and spices are infused into high-proof neutral grain spirits — to add depth and dimension to a pour of a spirit.
Prior to the creation of this drink, spirits were typically consumed neat, and in rare cases, with a lump of sugar and ice to temper and mellow them. In the Bombo, we witnessed the first step toward the creation of a “true” cocktail.
This recipe originally appeared in the VinePair article, "Taste American History With Classic Rum Drinks and Contemporary Riffs," written by Shannon Mustipher.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces 5-year-old Barbados rum, such as Mount Gay Black Barrel
- ½ ounce rich simple syrup (2:1 Demerara sugar and water, simmered for 15 minutes)
- Fresh grated nutmeg
Directions
- In a chilled rocks glass, combine the syrup and the rum.
- Add a large ice cube, then stir to chill.
- Garnish with fresh grated nutmeg, then serve.
Rate This Recipe:
Related Reads
Learn About Rum
· Rum 101
· Our always updated list of the best Rum to buy right now!
More Rum Recipes To Explore
The Fast Car Recipe: A riff on such classics as the Sidecar and Between the Sheets, this cocktail combines armagnac, rhum agricole, lemon, and citrus liqueur.
The Colada Sunrise Recipe: Get ready for eternal summer with this colorful, low-proof twist on a traditional Piña Colada, made with white rum, coconut, pineapple, and mangoes.
The Coal Train, a Take on the Old Fashioned: The Coal Train is a tropical spin on the classic Old Fashioned made with a mixture of rye and rhum agricole.
Rum Negroni Recipe: With summer finally here and the sun warming our shoulders and faces, we're feeling quite Mediterranean, putting a spin on the Negroni.
The Strawberry Sweetheart Mai Tai Recipe: Every element of this drink evokes a tropical warm paradise: fresh strawberries, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and two types of rum.
Mai Mojito Colada Recipe: This cocktail is the perfect mashup of a Mojito, a Piña Colada and a Mai Tai, perfect for helping you imagine yourself in a hammock on a beach somewhere.
