Best Rum Selections In Minnesota
Yo ho ho, a pirate's life for me. Even if you're not a pirate (and why would you be, this is Minnesota after all), there are times when a spiked rum cocktail might be just the thing you need to unwind. The Twin Cities area has a multitude of bars and restaurants boasting long wine and beer lists. However, where should you go when looking for a taste of rum? Here are some Minnesota places with fabulous rum selections and killer signature cocktails that you should add to your must-try list.
Smalley's Caribbean Barbeque and Pirate Bar
423 Main St
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 439-5375
www.smalleyspiratebbq.com
Hours: Mon to Wed - 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Thurs, Sun - 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri to Sat - 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you're in the mood for a rum drink and find yourself in Stillwater, Smalley's Caribbean BBQ is certainly the place to go. With a rum list that boasts over 100 different brands and flavors, you surely can't go wrong. If up to the challenge, try the Kill Devil shot. It's the housemade mix of rums, syrups and spices, tasting like spiced rum with hints of butterscotch, sitting at 131 proof and packing a serious punch. Don't worry if you don't see the Kill Devil on the menu - it's known only by the regulars. A new batch is mixed every week.
Social House
2919 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 824-6300
www.socialhousempls.com
Hours: Mon to Wed - 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Thurs to Sat - 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sun - Closed
The latest bar to fill the corner of Hennepin and Lagoon Avenues is called the Social House, and you will definitely feel like 'getting social' after you've had one of its specialty rum cocktails. Social House offers the Way of the Dragon drink that mixes lemons, strawberries and rum to deliver a deliciously poured and perfectly styled cocktail. For the bolder crowd, try a large, flaming drink meant to share called the Groin Punch. It features seven different rums and fresh juices.
Donny Dirk's Zombie Den
2027 N 2nd St
Minneapolis, MN 55411
(612) 588-9700
www.donnydirks.com
Hours: Wed to Sat - 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sun to Tues - Closed
At Donny Dirk's, you'll find your fair share of zombie-approved drinks. This fantastically decorated zombie den features a nice list of specialty housemade libations. Rum drinks include the Dark and Stormy, which is made with dark rum and ginger beer and the Voodoo Zombie featuring spiced rum, Bacardi 151, Velvet Falernum and various juices all topped with dark rum. Whichever you choose, it's sure to awaken the dead.
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Red Dragon
2116 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 874-8877
www.facebook.com/RedDragon
Hours: Mon to Fri - 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Sat to Sun - 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.
The Red Dragon is famous for the Wondrous Punch. It features different rums and fruit juices all served in a goblet the size of a fishbowl, and will likely be your first and last drink of the night. Take caution or share with friends, because the Wondrous Punch is highly potent. This dive bar is best for the late-night crowd with its old school juke box and dark retro décor.
Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge
1900 Marshall St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
(612) 788-9069
www.psychosuzis.com
Hours: Mon to Fri - 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat to Sun - 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Psycho Suzi's offers up some of the booziest, tongue-in-cheek tiki drinks around. Its tiki driven drinks are filled to the brim with attitude and alcohol. Try the Fu Manchu, made with Trader Vic's dark and coconut rums and some secret "Kung Fu flavors." Or, try the Paralyzed Polynesian which features four different rums. And for an additional $5 on any tiki drink, you can keep the tiki mug! If you're looking for a challenge, tackle the Eruption in Paradise drink. People gather from far and wide to conquer this drink, served in a smoking volcano and enough for at least four people. If you go with this order, you're sure to make new friends at the bar. Who wouldn't want to check out a smoking volcano drink?
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Amber Ranzau lives on the edge of Uptown in Minneapolis and is a gal about town. She frequents the local restaurant scene, loves to support new and local businesses, follows the latest and greatest fashion and design trends, and she does all of this while working as an interior designer, spending time with her man, The Specialist, and taking care of her two goldfish Felix and Petunia and their tankmate Huey the Snail. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.