In Miami, we talk a lot about our connection to Latin America but we also have a deep tie to the Caribbean. If you look around, most of our locals are from the Caribbean (yes, Cubans but also Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, etc) and, with them, they brought rich culture, traditions, and history that has become part of Miami’s present-day identity. Our Caribbean roots are responsible for great food, great people. Most importantly, where do you think Miami-ans learned how to throw such a great party?
Recently, we came across a new web series from Rums of Puerto Rico and HISTORY.com that got us particularly excited about the influences that have come to us from la Isla del Encanto. In this short (approx. 5 min) episodes, Rum Times explores world history through the eyes of Puerto Rican rum. It plays on the idea that because Puerto Rico has been distilling rum for so long - 450 years to be exact - Puerto Rican rum was probably used to celebrate many historical milestones. Can you imagine John Collins and Carl Fisher posted up beachside celebrating the completion of Miami Beach with delicious rum drinks? Considering the proximity of Puerto Rico to our beautiful shores, it's not such a crazy idea...
While we lobby for a Miami episode, we’ve uploaded the episode about the celebration that may have followed the invention of the incandescent light bulb below for your viewing pleasure. You can also check out one on the invention of the camera on the Rum Times site. As you would expect from a HISTORY.com program, the series is educational. For example, the episode below details Thomas Edison’s quest for electric light and uses words such as “carbonized bamboo” so you know it’s teacher-approved. But, the videos also give us an opportunity to see Puerto Rico and its rich history in a new light. And, in doing so, allow us to better understand our own history here in Miami.
As we continue exploring our Caribbean connection, we look forward to future episodes of Rum Times so we can learn more about our Puerto Rican influences (and their delicious rums!). Until then, all this talk about the Rum Capital of the World is making us thirsty. And, since it’s (almost) the weekend, It’s Rum Time!
What do you think about Rum Times? What Miami milestones do you think have been celebrated with Puerto Rican rum? What other Puerto Rican influences do you see in our culture? What is your favorite Puerto Rican rum? What is your favorite cocktail to make with Puerto Rican rum? Leave a comment below or send us a tweet @ThankYouMiami!
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