Rum Therapy, Author at Rum Therapy

December 18, 2013June 24, 2021

Rum ‘N Eggnog Shooter

It’s called a shooter because of the size of glass it’s served in, but we’d recommend sipping this holiday treat! More like a desert than a drink, it’s looks will impress your guests too! Get the nice layered effect by pouring each layer slowly over the back of a spoon. Use a nice rum for this one for a tasty full bodied mix with the eggnog and Kahlúa.

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Print Recipe

Rum 'N Eggnog Shooter

It’s called a shooter because of the size of glass it’s served in, but we’d recommend sipping this holiday treat! More like a dessert than a drink, it’s looks will impress your guests too!

Course: Drinks

Servings: shooter

Author: Rum Therapy

Ingredients

3/4 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Eggnog
1/2 oz Aged Rum (we used Zaya)
Whipped Cream
Nutmeg

Instructions

Pour the Kahlúa in the bottom of a shooter glass.
Using the back of a spoon, slowly pour the eggnog on top of the Kahlúa.
Add the rum on top of the eggnog using the same method as the eggnog.
Finish it off with a nice dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.
Before sipping, gently stir to blend all of the layers together.

Find more rum recipes here:

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Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 17, 2013January 15, 2020

Long Bay, Tortola

Have you had a chance to explore the mile long stretch of picturesque beach called Long Bay on Tortola’s west end?

Of all of the beaches we’ve visited on Tortola, we’d have to say that the west end Long Bay is one of the most scenic – and Tortola has it’s share of scenic beaches! The soft, white sand combined with the vibrant blue water and views of Jost Van Dyke make Long Bay one of the prettiest around.

Looking for a lot of amenities? Not here. Although the recently renovated Long Bay Beach Club sits close to one end of the beach, you’ll likely enjoy the beach with only a few other lucky folks.

Need a cold beer or a rum punch? Walk down to Nature Boy Beach Bar at the far end of Long Bay and talk to Winston. He’ll serve you a great drink and tell you about how he built his bar and the history of the area.

Nature Boy Beach Bar

The best swimming on the each is on the far end of the beach – away from the resort because it is less rocky. Be careful entering the water anywhere on the beach though as the current can be very strong depending on the weather.

We love Long Bay for the solitude and love to walk it and take in the a gorgeous scenery and beautiful soft sand.

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory.

All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 15, 2013June 6, 2019

Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort, Jamaica

When arranging accommodations for our recent trip to Jamaica, we wanted to stay part of the time in an area close to Ocho Rios and then move closer to Negril so we could explore more of the island.

We chose Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort as our accommodation on the north side of the island as it seemed to be close to, but not in the middle of Ocho AND included golf! Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort is a very nice mid-range all-inclusive resort and one of three Jewel resorts in Jamaica.

The resort is about an hour away from the airport in Montego Bay, and we used a shuttle service that we arranged prior to our arrival.

The entry to Jewel Runaway Bay is fairly unassuming, but once inside, we were welcomed by the friendly staff with a rum beverage – and the adventure began! The following are pictures taken during our visit.

Welcome Drink

View from our room – darn, should’ve reserved a room with a plunge pool!

Our room. The rooms at the resort are in the process of being updated, but ours had not been yet. Despite that, it was clean, comfortable and quiet. Our room had a laptop sized safe, good sized TV and a coffeemaker (with Blue Mountain Coffee!)

Well manicured grounds

One of 5 on site restaurants

Delicious Jerk Chicken Pizza from Court Jesters – one of the on site dining options

Wonderful plated meal served at the Manager’s Dinner

Drink of the day – different every day. Served at one of three bars at the resort, or brought to you by a waiter at the pool or beach.

Speaking of the beach…

And did we mention three sparkling pools? One with a zero edge and a swim up pool bar.

The all-inclusive price also includes evening entertainment and green fees at the golf course.

And if you’re lucky, you might just catch one heck of a sunset over Runaway Bay…

We enjoyed a very relaxing 5 nights at Jewel before heading over to Negril. Would we stay here again? Yes! The resort is not huge, but has a lot of amenities and activities, a great beach, very friendly staff and it’s a good base for exploring the northern part of Jamaica. Would we do anything differently? Just a few things, like upgrade to a plunge pool room, bring our own snorkel mask so we had one whenever we wanted it, bring a sleeve of golf balls, glove and tees for our golf rounds and order a lot more Jerk Chicken Pizza – SO good.

Kudos to the staff and new General Manager, Scott Robbins. All were very friendly and accommodating and made our stay very enjoyable!

To find out more about Jewel Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort, visit their website:
Runaway Bay Beach & Golf Resort

Find Jewel Runaway Beach & Golf Resort on our Jamaica Map

To see more posts on Jamaica and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 10, 2013December 10, 2013

YS Falls, Jamaica

We enjoyed a fun visit and a hike up the falls at Dunn’s River in Jamaica during a stop there years ago and when we heard there was a set of falls equally or even more beautiful than Dunn’s River and a LOT less crowded, we decided we really wanted to see them! Actually, there were 3 things on our list of things we really wanted to see in that area and were able to find a tour operator that could personalize a day of exploring for us. Carlton, of Turner Taxis and Tours, was an excellent, knowledgeable and fun guide that made our day of touring one that we won’t forget.

We left our resort at about 8a.m. that day to tour the SW side of Jamaica. First stop of the day was YS Falls. The journey to YS from Negril was about 2.5 hours and may be a little shorter most times, but there was a bit of road construction that slowed us up down around the Sandals Whitehouse Resort (remote and on a gorgeous quiet beach by the way!)

We passed by fields and fields of sugar cane, many fresh fruit and vegetable stands with offerings of ackee, breadfruit and peanuts and as we got closer to the coast again, fresh fish stands. We passed the Peter Tosh Memorial, which we wish we would have made time to visit, then on to Black River (where they have alligator tours???) and up into the hills towards the falls.

Apparently no one really knows the exact origin of the name YS, but most think it was either a combination of the first letters of the original founders surnames (John Yates and Richard Scott) or was taken from the Gaelic word “wyess”, which means winding.

Upon arrival, we paid an entry fee of $15 per adult (the credit card machine was down, so we paid with cash) and caught a 10 minute ride on the tractor up to the falls.

The number of visitors at one time are apparently limited to minimize the impact on the area, but it also created a serene and peaceful experience.

YS consists of seven falls and there are areas to climb or just sit and enjoy. If you don’t want to get wet, there are wooden stairs next to the falls that will take you to the top. The water was flowing fast and hard the day we visited, and the water was a churned up and a bit murky, but from what we hear, the pools are quite clear.

In one pool there are two rope swings – one that glides out over the pool,

and one for the more adventurous!

In addition to the swings, you can also take a zipline down the falls! Unfortunately it wasn’t running at the time we were there but it looked like it would have been a blast! You can see the line over the falls in the picture below.

At the bottom of the falls there is a freshwater pool to swim in and numerous places to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery.

Near the pool there are changing rooms and a small gift shop with lockers and tube rental.

Beautiful, relaxing and refreshing. We think YS Falls are well worth a visit while if you find yourself on the south or southwest side of Jamaica.

Find out more on their website: YS Falls

Find YS Falls on our Jamaica Map

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 8, 2013June 24, 2021

Candy Cane Cocktail

Peppermint, chocolate and rum…ahhhh, what’s not to like about that combination? Here’s a recipe that can be used with the Candy Cane Infused Rum we featured recently. This decadent dessert is a treat for your palate and your eyes and is sure to delight your holiday revelers.

Cheers to the holidays!

Print Recipe

Candy Cane Cocktail

Peppermint, chocolate and rum…ahhhh, what’s not to like about that combination?

Course: Drinks

Author: Rum Therapy

Ingredients

2 oz. Candy Cane Infused Rum (or white rum with a drop or two of peppermint extract)
2 oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
2 oz. vanilla rum we used Cruzan
Chocolate Syrup
Small Candy Canes (crushed, you may need a couple per glass)
Whipped cream
Candy Cane (for garnish)

Instructions

Pour a little chocolate syrup on a small plate or bowl and dip the rim of each glass in the chocolate.
Gently dip the chocolate covered rim in the crushed candy canes to coat. Set aside.
Pour the rums and white chocolate liqueur in a shaker over ice, shake gently, then pour into chocolate and candy cane rimmed glasses.
Garnish with some whipped cream and a candy cane.

Similar recipes you may like:
Creamy Candy Cane Rum

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 8, 2013June 24, 2021

Candy Cane Infused Rum

Last spring we infused our first batch of Strawberry Rum and loved it, so as the holidays rolled around, we began thinking of infusing rum with a holiday taste, such as Candy Cane. We tried it out and found it’s easy to put together and if you divided it into small 8 oz. mason jars with lids, would make great little gifts for your rum drinking friends. Just add a ribbon with a candy cane and maybe a recipe and voilà!

Talk about getting into the holiday spirit(s)!

Print Recipe

Candy Cane Infused Rum

It’s easy to put together and would make great little gifts for your rum drinking friends!

Course: Drinks

Servings: cups

Ingredients

2 c. White Rum (we used Bacardi)
15-20 Small Candy Canes

Instructions

Arrange the candy canes on the bottom of a glass jar.
Add the rum, then seal the jar with the lid.
Gently shake every once in a while. When the candy canes have dissolved, the rum is infused. Ours took only about 12 hours. The finished product is a nice light red color and is good for sipping or could be used in some holiday recipes.

Watch how easy it is to make!

Now use your infusion to give as gifts, serve to guests in Peppermint Flavored Candy Cane Edible Shot Glasses , OR to make the delicious cocktail below!

Candy Cane Cocktail

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

December 3, 2013June 5, 2019

Leap of Faith – Ed Robinson

We received an email recently from Ed Robinson, author of “Leap of Faith – Quit Your Job and Love on a Boat” to see if we’d be interested in reviewing his book. Being the Caribbean sailing enthusiasts that we are, we were anxious to receive it. It was a good read and we finished the book quickly. We particularly enjoyed the chapter on Debt Free Equals Freedom which outlines steps Ed and his wife Kim took to get rid of their debt in order to embark on this journey. A phrase used several times in the book sums it all up.

“We gave up everything. Now we have it all.”

After finishing the book, we wanted to find out more about Ed and what inspired his writing.
This is what we found out…

1. Tell us a little about yourself such as where you lived and worked before taking the leap. I was a reporter and editor of a weekly newspaper, The Smyrna Times. I was also a contributing writer for The Mariner Magazine, a Maryland based publication covering all things boating and fishing. After twenty years working for a major utility, I quit my job and moved onto a boat. Me and my wife Kim are somewhere on the west coast of Florida, drinking rum and watching the sunsets.

2. Your book gives some very practical advice on downsizing and getting out of debt to make a move to a better life. Was this something easy for you to do once you made the decision, or was it a bigger challenge than you thought? The whole downsizing thing was not that hard, Kim was initially reluctant, but she go on board one I got the ball rolling. As I say in the book, the more stuff we got rid of, the less burdened we felt.

3. What made you decide to write a book about your experience? Have you written any other books or do you hope to write more? I had a lot of time on my hands and always enjoyed writing. I thought I had a story to tell that others would find interesting, even if they had no desire to live on a boat. The response has been greater than I had hoped for. I’m well into a second book that deals more with the humorous side of life aboard. The working title is “Poop, Booze, and Bikinis.”

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve found with your new lifestyle?
The biggest challenge we face living aboard is the weather, which we can’t control. It’s not always sunny and calm. Sometimes it’s downright nasty. Minor chores like doing the laundry or grocery shopping take on a whole new dimension when you live at anchor. Also we tend to hang out far from society, where it’s peaceful. If you get a craving for pizza, or you run out of rum ‘. . . you’re out of luck.

5. What has been your favorite tropical destination to date? What other islands would you like to explore?
By far our favorite spot is Cayo Costa. It’s a little known barrier island on the west coast of Florida. It’s uninhabited, beautiful and serene. The beaches are stunning and you rarely see another living soul. If we called one place home it would be there. Our bucket list of places we really want to see includes the Dry Tortugas, and maybe someday Belize. Of the places that we’ve actually been outside the U.S., the British Virgin Islands are tops. White Bay on Jost Van Dyke in particular is a place everyone should see once in their life.

6. Is there anything else we should know about you or your book?

The book is not a technical manual on cruising boats, nor is it a dry retelling of our financial plan. Yes, I divulge how we were able to make our plan work, but it’s more about what it feels like to experience ultimate freedom. For others, that may be a cabin in the woods, or a condo on the beach. I humbly offer a plan to achieve whatever your dream life may be.

Leap of Faith: Quit Your Job and Live on a Boat is available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle versions.

Ed’s second book, Poop, Booze, and Bikinis is now also available on Amazon.com in both paperback and Kindle versions.

Give them a like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quityourjobandliveonaboat

Check out their blog: http://quityourjobandliveonaboat.wordpress.com/

Email them: [email protected]

November 26, 2013May 29, 2019

Rick’s Cafe, Negril, Jamaica

One of the best known bars in Jamaica, Rick’s Cafe, is known for it’s fantastic Jamaican sunsets as well as the very brave young men that dive from great heights into the clear, blue water below.

Apparently visitors can also hurtle themselves off of the cliffs if they wish, and this resulted in numerous belly and back-flops, swimsuit malfunctions and awkward flailing mid-air while we were there. Thankfully, to jump, you must pass the guard at the top of the visitor jumping area and while we were there, he appeared to be screening people and allowing only those that didn’t appear too intoxicated or frightened to make the long jump.

Despite the screening, I have heard that there have been some serious injuries to visitors, making us quite content to watch the show and not jump ourselves!

As the sun began to set and the diving waned, people began making their way to the bar and the outdoor stage.

We found a table at the edge of the cliff and ordered a Red Stripe.

As the band played, we enjoyed yet another beautiful Jamaican sunset…

To find out more, visit Rick’s Cafe website, and find Rick’s on our Jamaica Map

To see more posts on Jamaica and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

November 22, 2013May 11, 2017

Is An All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation Right For You?

Is an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation the right choice for you?

Lobby of the Barcelo Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico

With more and more all-inclusive resorts being built or re-modeled into all-inclusives in many Caribbean destinations, we’re receiving more inquiries from our readers on whether an all-inclusive resort would be a good vacation choice for them. After all, vacation dollars are hard to come by and no matter what your vacation budget, you want to choose the best accommodation for you and your family.

Dominican-Republic-Beach - copyright Rum Therapy Beach at the Hark Rock Hotel, Punta Cana

We enjoy staying in all types of accommodations during our Caribbean travels from cruise ships to catamarans, high end resorts to budget resorts, villas to condos, etc., and, all-inclusive resorts. We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying quite a few all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Antigua and even one in St. Croix. So, how do we decide whether or not to stay at an all-inclusive? What are some things to consider prior to booking?

The first thing to know right off the bat is that all all-inclusives are not equal and all-inclusives are not available everywhere. As with other resorts, all-inclusives range from budget to very high end and everywhere in between. Do your research, ask your friends, look at on-line reviews, call the resort with questions and then enjoy what can be a wonderful stress-free vacation! All-inclusive resorts can be an excellent value for the money and an easy way to budget vacation dollars by including all of your meals, drinks and entertainment in one price!

Caribbean Lobster dinner at the Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix

Here are some things to consider when exploring all-inclusive options:

1. Are you a foodie? Be sure to look for the all-inclusives that offer a wide range of dining options, including fine dining. Some offer buffet dining only, but many offer dining at several themed and very nice restaurants on site. In addition to premium dining experiences, some resorts also offer or include premium wine & other liquor options.

Some of the water-sports included at Jewel Runaway Bay, Jamaica

2. Do you just want to relax at the resort all week? Look for a resort that offers the amenities you desire, i.e., a great beach, good swimming pools, golf, tennis, water-sports, nightly entertainment, etc.

Sunset by the pool at Jewel Runaway Bay Resort, Jamaica

One of the many pools at the Hard Rock Resort, Punta Cana

3. Want to explore the island outside of your resort? Look for a resort that offers good excursion packages, or if you’re like us and like to see what you want without traveling in a larger group, choose a resort that is in good proximity to the sights you want to explore.

4. Want to enjoy some pampering at the spa? Many resorts offer spa services (most at an additional cost) such as a wide range of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc., and some have over-the-top spa facilities offering some of the finest pampering around.

5. Is the resort family-friendly or adult only? There are some terrific all-inclusives that cater to the young ‘uns with resort attractions (lazy rivers, waterslides, kiddie pools), entertainment and dining options. If you’re traveling without children, you may want to opt for an adult-only resorts that offer amenities, dining options and entertainment geared more for the grown-ups.

Waterslide at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica

5. Pricing. There are all-inclusive resorts geared for the budget minded all the way to luxury all-inclusives, and there can be a huge difference in amenities and level of services. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t require a lot of services or amenities, you might opt for the less expensive resorts. If you want to be completely pampered, there are resorts that can offer that to you, at a higher price, of course. Again, just do your research to make sure there are very few surprises when you arrive.

Enjoying coffee on the deck at Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix

6. Transfers. Does the accommodation provide transfers to the facility? This is not a big deal in some cases, but if you will have to travel quite a distance from the airport and are not renting a car, having transfers included in your package can be a big bonus.

One of the beautiful and comfortable rooms at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica

7. Last, but certainly not least – your room. Again, there can be a BIG difference in the rooms provided at all-inclusives – as with other resorts. What are the rooms amenities? Does it include a decent sized safe? Is there a mini-bar (usually included in the price) or refrigerator? In room hot tub? Is it located in a good area of the resort? (Check to see if there is a map of the rooms on the website) Is it size that will comfortably accommodate your party? Is the bed size guaranteed? If you can’t find this information on the website, you might try to call the resort to see.

In room Hydro Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Negril Sunset from a cabana at Beaches Resort

Have you enjoyed vacationing at an all-inclusive resort? What did you like the most about it?

To see more posts on Caribbean islands and travel, check out our Island Blog Directory

For helpful travel hints, check out our posts in Tropical Tips & More

November 21, 2013November 13, 2021

Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie

We’re BIG fans of apple pie and so when we ran across this recipe for apple pie combined with hot buttered rum, we just had to give it a try! We used a recipe from The Frugal Foodie Mama, made some adjustments and LOVE it! So moist and tasty that I think we’ve got a new favorite Apple Pie Recipe. YUM!

Print Recipe

Hot Buttered Rum Apple Pie

A delicious rendition of apple pie, just in time for the holidays!

Course: Dessert

Servings: pie

Ingredients

Hot Buttered Rum Sauce

1 c. Brown Sugar
1/2 c. Spiced Rum
3 Tbs. Butter

Pie Filling Ingredients

6-7 Apples (peeled, cored & thinly sliced)
1/2 c. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. Nutmeg
3 Tbs. Flour

Instructions

Hot Buttered Rum Sauce

Combine the brown sugar, rum and butter and heating over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Bring to a boil and then remove from heat. Put aside.

Pie Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees
Combine the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and flour in a large bowl until the apples are coated.
Pour the apple mixture into the bottom crust. Drizzle half of the Hot Buttered Rum Sauce over the apples.
Cover the pie with the other crust and squeeze the bottom and top edges of the pie together. Using a knife, cut 6-8 slits in the top crust.
Sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon on the top crust.
Place the pie on a cookie sheet and bake for about 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown. We didn't need to cover the pie, but be sure to keep your eye on it during the last 15 minutes of baking to make sure the crust is not getting too brown. If needed, place a sheet of aluminum foil lightly on the top during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning
Allow the pie to cool for a while, then cut, serve with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream and drizzle with some of the remaining Hot Buttered Rum Sauce. YUM!