Back in the 50's when Fidel Castro took control of Cuba, he didn't only exile those that opposed him and his regime. He also kicked the national rum off the island. You gotta be a pretty popular rum for a dictator to feel threatened by you.

First introduced in Cuba in 1872, Matusalem gained popularity when celebs and other trendsetters hit the island to partake in its renowned gambling and nightlife, and drink cocktails made with Matusalem.

Now this ultra-premium rum is made in its adoptive home of The Dominican Republic, still using the Solera blending method - blending young rums with older rums in French oak casks - that gives their 15 year old rum its rich golden color and flavors of vanilla, caramel and molasses. And a smoothness you won't find in other rums. Which makes it perfect for sipping over the rocks, or mixing into some of the classic cocktails enjoyed in Cuba before the bearded guy took over.

And don't think nearly 50 years in exile has mellowed Matusalem. They still consider themselves outcasts, and fill their ads with shots at Fidel. (You can see them here.) Gotta love a rum that holds a five-decades long grudge.

Celebrate the memory of Cuba's past with a few of these classic cocktails that use plenty of caribbean ingredients like citrus and rum, this weekend. You can find more at www.matusalem.com.

Havana
2 oz Matusalem PLATINO Rum
2 oz pineapple juice
1 tsp lemon juice Ice cubes
Lemon twist for garnish

Pour Matusalem PLATINO Rum into a tall glass filled with ice cubes.
Add pineapple and lemon juice.
Stir or shake well.
Garnish with a lemon twist.


Casa Blanca
2 oz Matusalem CLASICO Rum
1 tsp triple sec
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp maraschino
Ice cubes
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Fill tall glass with ice.
Pour Matusalem CLASICO Rum.
Add triple sec, lime juice, maraschino.
Shake or stir well.
Garnish with a Maraschino cherry.


Cuban Punch
2 oz Matusalem CLASICO Rum
Grenadine
Orange juice
Pineapple juice
Lemon-lime soda
Ice cubes
Lemon or lime twist for garnish

Fill tall glass with ice.
Pour Matusalem CLASICO Rum.
Fill with equal parts orange & pineapple juice.
Add a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Add a dash of grenadine.
Stir or shake well.
Garnish with lemon or lime twist.


Cuban Special
1 1/2 oz Matusalem GRAN RESERVA Rum
Juice from half a lime
1 1/2 oz Cointreau
1 1/4 oz pineapple juice
Ice cubes
Lime twist for garnish

Using a shaker with ice cubes, pour Matusalem GRAN RESERVA Rum.
Add lime juice, pineapple juice & Cointreau.
Shake well and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lime twist.

Cuban American
1 oz Matusalem GRAN RESERVA Rum
3/4 oz lime juice
1/4 oz triple sec
1/2 oz Bourbon
Ice cubes
Lime twist for garnish.

Using a shaker with ice cubes, pour Matusalem GRAN RESERVA Rum.
Add lime juice, pineapple juice & bourbon.
Shake well and strain into chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lime twist.