Cricket, while almost completely ignored in the United States, could perhaps be one of the finest pastimes there is. Although please don’t ask me what the rules are, despite playing it for numerous years at school, I still haven’t quite grasped it. One thing I do understand is that it’s the perfect summer game, invented by the English so we could enjoy the one or two sunny days that grace the British Isles each year. Excuse the hyperbole, but while I write this, England vs Australia is currently being rained off only just down the road at Lords.
However, there are several nations that while not the inventors of cricket, certainly possess a climate that’s far more suitable to an afternoon of bat and ball. Namely, the great nations of the Caribbean. Rather unusually when it comes to sports, many of the Caribbean nations instead of forming their own national team, play together under the banner of the West Indies. The best players are selected from countries like Barbados, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Guyana and many more. The West Indies team can be one of the most formidable sides, particularly back in the late 1970s to early 1990s when they were arguably the best time in the world.
Aside from Cricket, the Caribbean is known for many other things, one of them being the fine rum these nations produce and ship worldwide. Which is why it’s absolutely no surprise that Barbados-based rum brand Mount Gay Rum, the world’s oldest-running rum distillery, has just extended its partnership with the West Indies Cricket team.
[See also: The Acadia Cocktail by Oriole Bar, London]
“As a brand deeply rooted in the Caribbean, we are incredibly excited to support the cricket,” said Mount Gay’s managing director, Antoine Couvreur. “This collaboration celebrates our shared passion for excellence, bringing together the best of Caribbean culture and sport.”
Now one of the most famous things about cricket is that test cricket (the best format of the game) can go on for five days. Far more civilized than any of those silly 90-minute sports. So during a match, it’s likely you will need some refreshment, especially if you’re watching in scorching Caribbean temperatures.
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Well may I suggest this week’s cocktail of the week: the super simple and highly refreshing Eclipse & Soda by Mount Gay Rum. Featuring Mount Gay’s Eclipse rum, which embodies every facet of Mount Gay’s signature style, body and aroma. So sit back, pop your feet up and enjoy a refreshing Eclipse & Soda. And remember, it’s not just you supporting the cricket, Mount Gay Rum is as well.
Howzat Sir!
[See also: The Choco Negroni by Mayfair’s Il Gattopardo]
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Ingredients:
2oz Mount Gay Eclipse
4oz tonic or soda water
1/4 of a fresh lime
Method:
Fill your glass halfway with ice and pour in the Mount Gay Eclipse. Next squeeze in the juice from ¼ of a lime, before topping up with soda water and finishing off this refreshing beverage with a lime wedge garnish.
