Rhum Agricole as a cocktail ingredient is unfortunately very often overshadowed by its mighty relative. The most prominent exception is – of course – the Ti’ Punch, about which I have already written a small article. Its harsh, sometimes greenish and nutty flavor notes offer a very interesting component for use in various recipes. A really recommendable one I have recently discovered.

Though I cannot really say much about this recipe because I have discovered it on the website of Thomas Henry with only a few additional information provided. There it is indicated as a suggestion for using with Thomas Henry’s Mystic Mango Lemonade (I’ve already written a small article about it in 2015). Whether you want to use a different Mango lemonade instead of the original Thomas Henry Mystic Mango you can of course decide for your own; at least I have used the original Mystic Mango because it has convinced me on my first tasting.

The mind behind the recipe belongs to Cologne Bartender Marian Krause, who was honored “Newcomer of the Year” at the Mixology Bar Awards in 2015. He is also the co-founder of “ShakeKings” bar school in Cologne and has gained a very good reputation in no time. Today’s drink, the “Burning Thunder”, is a fine example for his ability to create really interesting recipes.

The drink relies on Asian-inspired flavors, although the Caribbean Rhum Agricole Blanc is used as a base spirit. Immersed in the flavor of mango, the very interesting component of aromatic-spicy coriander and chili syrup ultimately emphasizes the drink’s character. A cocktail worthy to try on your own!

Recipe (according to the information on thomas-henry.de):

4 cl Rhum Agricole Blanc
2 cl fresh lime juice
1.5 cl homemade coriander and chili syrup (see below)
Thomas Henry Mystic Mango

Homemade coriander and chili syrup:

Top 50 grams of coriander, peel of 2 limes, 300 grams of sugar and ½ of a chili with 300 ml of boiling water and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let infuse for 1 hour and then strain through a fine filter (f.i. a sheet of muslin) into a hermetically sealable bottle.

Glass: Highball (In the photo you can see the Perfect Longdrink Glass from the Spiegelau Perfect Serve Collection by Stephan Hinz)

Garnish: fresh coriander (cilantro), pepper and a dried slice of mango.

Buying sources: Rhum Agricole and Thomas Henry Mystic Mango will probably only be available in specialized stores or online. The remaining ingredients can be found in supermarkets. Fresh coriander of good quality can often be found in Turkish supermarkets for a cheap price.