Many regard the Caribbean as the home of the carnival. It is also the home of rum. And there is no better spirit to enjoy the sunny season. The Authentic Caribbean Rum (ACR) Marque, developed by the West Indies Rum and Spirits Producers' Association (WIRSPA), has a few simple suggestions that will make you the most popular bartender during the holidays.

The quality, diversity and versatility of the Authentic Caribbean Rum range provides bartenders and mixologists a vast palette when it comes to creating new cocktails and staying true to the classic ones. The rums from the Marque are the perfect start for all your summer cocktails.

Straight up or on the rocks, or combined in any type of cocktail - here are a few suggestions from our International Panel of rum experts:

Daiquiri: It's one of the most classic rum summer cocktails. The intense lemon flavour gives the refreshing sensation in mouth and nose and makes this classic one of the most requested rum cocktails of the season.

Ingredients:

50ml Authentic Caribbean Rum

1 tsp lime juice

2 tsp sugar syrup (2 parts sugar / 1 part water)

Method: Place all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of cubed ice and shake hard

until the shaker frosts. Strain into a martini or cocktail glass. Garnish with a juicy wedge of lime.

Rum Punch: The perfect cocktail of the Caribbean. There are as many recipes for rum punch in the Caribbean as there are parties but most are related, more or less, to the adage “One part sour, two parts sweet, three parts strong and four parts weak”.

Ingredients:

700ml golden Authentic Caribbean Rum

1 litre water

500g caster sugar

400ml lemon juice

1 tsp bitters

Method: Boil water in a large saucepan and mix in the sugar to dissolve. Mix in remaining

ingredients. Chill and serve in good company with a sprinkle of nutmeg. For a longer drink, try

adding a litre of your favourite fruit juice.

Rum and Ginger: Simple and refreshing. What more can you ask for?

Ingredients

50ml Authentic Caribbean Rum

ginger ale (or ginger beer for an added kick)

a dash of bitters (optional)

a squeeze of lime

Method

Pour rum over ice and top up with ginger ale or ginger beer. Add a dash of bitters and a squeeze of lime. Finally, add the spent lime shell to the drink.

And remember, drink smart and drink responsibly.