drinks
dominican drinks
Although many tourists expect Margaritas or Daiquiris to be the popular drinks amongst locals, they’ll be surprised to learn that is certainly not the case. A decade ago rum was the main alcoholic drink sold locally, that was until the Scotch craze took over. Amongst the younger crowds beer is still the drink of choice.
Or recommendations as the typical drinks for a Dominican night a tourist might enjoy are:
Rum: Whether white rum used in cocktails or blender drinks or the aged dark or añejo rums served neat or over ice, local distillers attribute the smoothness of Dominican rum to its unique distillation process dating back to the 1800’s.
Unlike most rums, Dominican Rum gives more importance to its smoothness, thus becoming a very different rum, genuinely unique, thanks to an original and natural process of distillation and to its aging which is done in special American white oak kegs.
Historically, the most legitimate family name of Dominican Rum is Bermúdez . According to the chronicle reports of the time, one of Christopher Columbus’ first companions on his trips to the New World was Don Diego Bermúdez, who brought the sugar cane from which to extract alcohol, the basic ingredient in the processing of rum. The House of Bermúdez is an almost a century and a half old tradition in the elaboration of rum of the highest quality. Its origin goes back to the year 1852, when Don Erasmo Bermúdez created the formula for the “Amargo Panacea”, a rum to be drunk as an appetizer and which quickly became famous.
Thus, from the primitive laboratory of Don Erasmo, the first Dominican spirited drink of well known name was born, becoming also the origin of the first industry established in the then recently created Dominican Republic.
Until year 1927, the Company was directed by Don Armando Bermúdez, who transformed it into a nation wide industry. Later, as it became a corporation, its first Administrator was Domingo O. Bermúdez, under whose direction the company reached its status of national institution.
[Source: Company’s web site, 2003]
Mamajuana: Mama what? This local alcoholic drink made from rum, leaves and tree bark is believed by many locals to be a cure all for everything from colds to cancer but even more notorious for its rumored potency as a powerful aphrodisiac. Mama Juana is concocted by allowing rum, red wine, and honey to soak into a bottle together with tree bark and herbs. The taste is quite similar to port wine and color is a deep red. Many Dominicans make homemade Mama Juana and considered it to be “liquid Viagra”. The solid ingredients (local leaves, sticks and roots) vary from region to region but usually include some of the following: Anamú, Bohuco, Brasil, Canelilla, Caro, Marabeli, Clavo Dulce and Hoja de Maguey.
Presidente Beer: The Dominican Republic sells a number of national and international beer brands but none are as popular as this local brew sold in sizes ranging from pequeña to grande and jumbo. When ordering one you might want to surprise your bartender by ordering a “fría” (free.ah), the term used locally when asking for and icy cold beer.
Piña Colada: This popular coconut, pineapple and rum concoction is a popular drink at the beach either served directly on a pineapple or in a glass.
sommelier
In the last few years wine clubs have become increasingly popular amongst the hip crowds that venture out for a night in the town. These modern meeting places offer a comprehensive wine list and a variety of other drinks ranging from Perrier Jouet to international liqueurs
Winner of Wine Spectator ‘s 2007 Excellence Award
José Brea 43 with Virgilio Díaz Ordoñez,
Ens. Evaristo Morales, Santo Domingo.
Tel: 809.540.1644
Vinópolis
Max Henríquez Ureña #15, Naco,
Santo Domingo
Tel: 809.732.(VINO)8466
Decanter Wine Club
Charles Lindberg 1, Miraflores
Santo Dominigo
Tel: 809.567.4221 Ext: 235
Decanter, a subsidiary of wine distributer Suarez Hermanos, offers an incomparable way to enjoy wine vis-a-vis various levels of membership in its distinguished and exclusive wine club. It also boasts an Enology School–the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic–where you can cultivate your knowledge and love of wine, making a few new friends in the process. And for an annual fee, you can even reserve your own space in their cellar, ensuring that your finest wines are stored at the appropriate temperature and humidity level, and are cared for in a way that optimizes their evolution. For more information on membership and enrollment in wine courses, contact Decanter’s lovely Argentinian wine director and sommelier, Cecilia Gadea.
Punto y Corcho
Plaza Andalucia ll
Abraham Lincoln with Gustavo Mejia Ricart
Santo Dominigo
Tel: 809.683.0533
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