Cheers: Rum enthusiasm

Rum is the quintessential summer libation, added to every stay-cool cocktail you can name, from minty mojitos to sweet  fruity daiquiris. And you don’t have to look far for quality: Old New Orleans Rum, made at Celebration Distillation on Frenchman St., is the oldest premium rum distillery in the U.S. And just to prove that age isn’t everything, the Beverage Tasting Institute, an independent alcohol taste-testing panel out of Chicago, recently rated their Cajun spiced rum as first in the flavored rum category for the third year. Their crystal and three-year varieties also took high honors in their respective categories. You can check their website, neworleansrum.com, for  beat the heat recipes like the one below. Bananas Foster Frozen Cocktail1/2 oz Banana Liqueur1 1/2 oz Old New Orleans Cajun Spiced Rum1 medium Banana2 scoops Vanilla Ice CreamBlend until smooth and pour into a large brandy snifter. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.