For inside tips on Puerto Rican Rum drinks, we talked to Gianvito Bartucci, the bartender at JBar in Chicago. Bartucci has been mixing drinks in the Windy City for more than 12 years, the last four at this popular bar at The James Hotel.
Gianvito (Gianni) Bartucci's Picks
- Mai-Tai Diego
- Mojito Diego
- Drama Queen
- O-Bomb
Mai-Tai Diego
How do you make it?
1 1/2 ounces Bacardi Light Puerto Rican Rum
1/2 ounce Bacardi Dark Puerto Rican Rum
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
Splash of amaretto
Splash of grenadine
Instructions:
Shake and pour over rocks. Garnish with orange and cherry.
How would you describe its taste?
A Mai-Tai Diego has a tropical juice flavor with a hint of cherry.
When is it best to drink?
In the summertime or whenever you want to remind yourself of a tropical vacation you took a while back.
Who drinks it?
Both men and women enjoy Mai-Tai Diegos.
Mojito Diego
How do you make it?
2 ounces Puerto Rican rum
Mint leaves
Splash of simple syrup
2 small lime wedges.
Instructions:
Muddle mint, simple syrup and lime wedges in a tall pint glasswith ice. Fill glass with club soda. Shake once to mix. Pour back into tall pint glass and serve.
How would you describe its taste?
Light, refreshing and full of sweet mint flavor.
When is it best to drink?
Mojitos are enjoyed all year round. We served mojitos at JBar in the middle of the worst snowstorm Chicago has seen in decades!
Who drinks it?
Both men and women enjoy mojitos. Honestly, I've served it to more men lately.
Drama Queen
How do you make it?
1/2 ounce peach schnapps
1 ounce orange juice
Splash of 7UP
Instructions:
Serve in a short rocks glass.
How would you describe its taste?
A Drama Queen has an orange and peach flavor to it.
When is it best to drink?
When you care for a cocktail that tastes great without a huge alcohol taste.
Who drinks it?
It is a very "girly" drink and I have a lot of young (but over 21!) female drinkers ask for it.
O-Bomb
How do you make it?
1 ounce Bacardi O Orange Rum
2 ounces Red Bull
Instructions:
Fill glass (without ice) with Red Bull and then drop in shot of Bacardi O.
How would you describe its taste?
This cocktail has a distinct orange flavor.
When is it best to drink?
While celebrating and doing shots at a bar.
Who drinks it?
Anyone who needs energy as it contains Red Bull, which has lots of caffeine. Also anyone who wants to consume a light shot.
More From This Bartender
Gianvito (Gianni) Bartucci
55 East Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611
What are your favorite Puerto Rican rum drinks?
A Mai-Tai because it is light, fruity, and gives you a great buzz. I often refer to it as the happy juice! I also like the Mojito Deigo.
What are your customers' favorite Puerto Rico rum drinks?
By far, our Mojito Diego is the best selling drink on the JBar cocktail menu.
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