Why is the Rum Gone...Again? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre is thought to have originated in Havana, Cuba, around the year 1900, invented by patriots aiding Cubans in the Spanish-American war. There are differing accounts of its history though. The Cuba Libre is more commonly referred to in Western cultures as just plain "Rum and Coke". I think this drink would be too ordinary for my friend Rachel, but much too potent for a llama.

Answer: Pina Colada

The Pina Colada originated in Puerto Rico. It is one of the most popular tropical cocktails. Rupert Holmes sang "Escape (The Pina Colada Song)" in 1979 and Garth Brooks released "Two Pina Coladas" in 1997.

"El Presidente" and "Bahama Mama" are also names of rum cocktails as well as songs by Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass and Boney M, respectively. My friend Rachel could be a Bahama Mama, but not a Bahama Llama.

Answer: Zombie

The Zombie first appeared in the 1930s and was the invention of the owner of Don the Beachcomber's restaurant in Hollywood. The original recipe is still not completely known. Don Beach made the drink for a friend one day and the friend commented that after drinking three of them, he became a zombie. I think Rachel could handle four. A llama would require resuscitation.

Answer: Daiquiri

The Daiquiri was supposedly invented by American mining engineers in Santiago, Cuba around 1905. A regular Daiquiri contains white rum, lime juice, Gomme syrup and cracked or crushed ice. However, variations of the Daiquiri have evolved over the years, such as the Strawberry and Banana Daiquiri where a blender is used to add strawberries or bananas. Yum! How about a Daiquiri, Rachel? Llamas will have to settle for the leftover strawberries and bananas.

Answer: Mai Tai

The Mai Tai is widely believed to have been invented at Trader Vic's restaurant in Oakland, California. The story says that Trader Vic (Victor J. Bergeron), mixed it up one day for a couple of Tahitian friends. One of them tasted it and exclaimed, "Mai Tai!", which means "out of this world!" in the Tahitian language. Hence the drink was named. A Mai Tai contains dark rum, light rum, curacao, orgeat syrup, rock-candy syrup, lime peel, mint sprigs and a pineapple stick. The Mai Tai is highly recommended by my friend Rachel. Are there any llamas in Tahiti?

Answer: Planter's Punch

The above poem/recipe was published in the New York Times in 1908. There are several variations of rum-based punches, but Planter's Punch is the most well known. It usually contains a combination of rums, or three parts of rum, lemon, lime, pineapple and orange juices, Angostura bitters, curacao, grenadine, soda water and cayenne pepper. Rachel would get a 'punch' out of one of these.

A llama would likely spit it out.

Answer: Mojito

It is widely agreed that the Mojito originated in Cuba, but it has also been linked to a 16th century drink made in honor of Sir Francis Drake, called the "El Draque". The Mojito is one of the most famous highballs in the world. Rachel has never been to Cuba, but I'm sure she would like a Mojito. I have been to Cuba, but I didn't have the opportunity to try a Mojito, nor did I see any llamas.

Answer: Long Island Iced Tea

Robert (Rosebud) Buttu served the first Long Island Iced Tea in Babylon, Long Island, New York in the 1970s. Lemon juice, Gomme syrup and Cola are added to the liquor to complete the cocktail. The cola gives it the color of tea. This may fool a llama, but it wouldn't fool Rachel.

Answer: Hurricane

The Hurricane is a relative of the Daiquiri. It is made with white rum, dark rum, lime juice and passion fruit syrup. It was first served in a tavern in New Orleans in hurricane-lamp shaped glasses. They are now most often served in plastic cups, so you can take them out on the street with you in New Orleans. Watch for llamas crossing! Good news Rachel...although a different recipe is used, Hurricanes are available in the Bahamas too!

Answer: Eggnog

Many believe that the name "eggnog" is derived from the words "egg and grog" and over the years, shortened to "eggnog". Eggnog is made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg. The most popular spirit to add to eggnog is rum, but some add other liquors such as whisky or brandy.
Non-alcoholic eggnog is safe for llamas, but Rachel would much prefer it with rum.

If you're all thinking I'm crazy with the references to my friend Rachel and llamas, you're right. Actually, Rachel is an FT friend of mine who prefers to remain anonymous and the references to llamas are in honor of my friends on the "Revenge of the Llamas" team. Hope you enjoyed the quiz!