I’ve been a fan of Diplomático rum for a few months. I’ve been a Red Sox fan all my life. So it goes without saying that I jumped at the opportunity to enjoy an array of Diplomático-based cocktails at The Palm in Boston Wednesday night while watching a Sox game – along with Red Sox legend Luis Tiant.
The Cuban-born Tiant is one of the most celebrated pitchers Red Sox history. “El Tiante” pitched for the Sox from 1971 to 1978, and while he put up great numbers, he may be best remembered for his role in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He was the winning pitcher in Games 1 and 4, and settled for a no-decision in Game 6 – the one that famously ended with Carlton Fisk’s walk-off home run in the 12th inning.
El Tiante’s heyday was a bit before my time; but if you’re a Sox fan, his name is one you grow up with. It was such a pleasure to talk baseball with him while, on TV, his former team dueled with the Yankees (for whom he also played).
Tiant may have been the star of the show, but the evening also served to showcase Diplomático’s impressive line of rums.
The Reserva Exclusiva, a dark sipping rum that I’ve written about previously, featured in a couple of the evening’s cocktails, along with Diplomático Reserva and a white rum.
The drinks were paired with a spread of The Palm’s delicious hors d’oeuvres, including rosemary scallops, braised short rib, and pineapple ceviche.
Below are a few pictures from the evening. It was pretty dark in there, so my apologies if these aren't totally crisp. Enjoy. (And go Sox!)
The Mai Tai, shown below, brought a little brightness to cloudy Boston evening. Made with Reserva rum, triple sec, Angostura bitters, fresh pineapple, lime, and simple syrup, it was true to the spirit of the classic tiki drink.
The Pineapple Mint Daiquiri combined Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum, fresh pineapple, lime, simple syrup, and mint.
One of the standouts was an Old Fashioned made with Reserva Exclusiva rum, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, and orange zest. Nice and simple, not too sweet.
The International Mule combined Diplomático Blanco rum, ginger beer, fresh pineapple, lemon, and lime. Served, of course, in the traditional copper cup.
A bottle of Reserva Exclusiva signed by El Tiante.
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