Rum in Greece?

I’ve lived and traveled in the Caribbean for a lifetime and, of course, rum and the Caribbean go hand in hand. I had the red Mount Gay cap years before they were accessible. I’ve been behind the scenes sipping from the barrels at Appleton Estate in Jamaica. I tasted Chris Blackwell’s ‘Blackwell‘ rum from the beach at Goldeneye long before it ever went into a bottle with a label. And, having a gorgeous Cuban client in Mexico, I have spent many nights enjoying the perfect Havana Club mojito.

Rum and Greece never dawned on me. Do they even have it on the list? This is the land of ouzo, mastiha, and tsipouro. So when I was taken to Baba Au Rum in Athens this week, I knew it would be added to my top bar list in the world (and a must for my City Break: Athens project). I was introduced to this watering hole last summer by a friend of mine, and this week, I was re-introduced to it again.

For anyone with a New York reference, think Mulberry Project meets Miss Lily’s…all poured into an a giddy, art deco cocktail with a tiki twist. It’s sexy and intimate and everything a great drinking den should be. Rums from Madagascar to Martinque share shelf space with super varied labels of highbrow vodka, gin, tequila and mezcal, whisky, vermouth, and brandy. A light tapas menu keeps you noshing while consuming and the outdoor ‘open window’ bar is a favorite place to perch.

So while I started #mygreeksummer with ouzo and the occasional tsipouro, I’ll end it as I ease into the winter Caribbean vibe, rum in hand.