Venezolana: Aged Rum Cocktail

Name: Venezolana: Aged Rum Cocktail
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American

Recipe: Andra “AJ” Johnson , Serenata , Washington, D.C.

Photo: Scott Suchman

December 20, 2021

Aged rum establishes a rich base for this tropical mix.

Guava and pineapple add tropical character to this aged rum cocktail from 2022 Imbibe 75 Person to Watch, Andra “AJ” Johnson of Serenata in Washington, D.C.

Ingredients

1½ oz. aged rum (Johnson uses Santa Teresa 1796)
¾ oz. grapefruit-serrano reduction
½ oz. guava nectar
½ oz. pineapple juice
¼ oz. fresh lime juice

Tools:shaker, strainer
Glass:rocks
Garnish: dehydrated (or fresh) half-moon of grapefruit

Preparation

Shake all of the ingredients with ice, strain into a glass over a single large ice cube, then garnish.

Grapefruit-Serrano Reduction: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh grapefruit juice with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Split 2 or 3 fresh serrano chiles lengthwise, and remove and discard half of the seeds. Bring the grapefruit mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, and add the the chiles and remaining seeds. Let mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool. Strain the syrup and keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.