If anyone knows about why Bacardí 44.5% Heritage makes a cracking Daiquiri, it’s this lady, Metinee Kongsrivilai. As a former bartender at the likes of the award-winning Bon Vivant in Edinburgh and White Lyan in London, she’s made her fair share of these majestic cocktails and in her recent appointment as UK Bacardí Rums Ambassador, it’s her job to ensure all of the bars featured over the past few days have the lowdown on all things Bacardí. Including the re-release of Bacardí 44.5% Heritage.
Here, along with Northern Europe Rums Ambassador Shervene Shahbazkhani, she tells us why every Daiquiri deserves to be made with this big, bold and beautiful expression, and what that much celebrated ‘oomph’ brings to the glass, not only on this National Daiquiri Day but every day leading up to the next one.
Raise your glasses to National Daiquiri Day – Heritage style.
How to make the perfect Daiquiri with Metinee Kongsrivilai
What’s the deal with Bacardí 44.5% Heritage?
Metinee: Bacardí 44.5% Heritage is the same proof, same shaped bottle and has the same authenticity as the original which Admiral Lucius Johnson brought to America in 1909. It was re-released in limited quantities in 2009 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of its arrival in the US and has been re-issued again due to popular demand.
What does that much talked about extra abv bring to the party?
Shervene: The higher proof is more pronounced, more vegetal and has a bigger, richer body and a thicker, silkier mouthfeel. Bartenders love it, as they appreciate the extra strength Bacardí 44.5% Heritage brings to the Daiquiri and other classic cocktails. It’s a really wonderful rum.
What’s the recommended serve for the classic Bacardí Daiquiri?
Shervene:
50ml Bacardí 44.5% Heritage
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
2 bar spoons of caster sugar
Metinee: As highlighted in The Daiquiri in detail post, the caster sugar brings a light, fresh, sherbetty taste to the drink, it also helps with dilution. When it’s made well, the Daiquiri is truly delicious but it’s all about balance.
Other than the essentials: Bacardí 44.5% Heritage, freshly squeezed lime juice and caster sugar, the three ingredients that every Daiquiri calls out for are balance, the right temperature (Daiquiris must be cold), and careful dilution.
Where will you be celebrating National Daiquiri Day?
Metinee and Shervene: With breakfast Daiquiris at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans with all our bartending friends.
Bacardí 44.5% Heritage is available at Gerry’s, 74 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UW. T: 020 7734 2053. gerrys.uk.com
