Coinciding with the month of International Rum Day this August, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore launched RumBah, a bar dedicated to the glory of rum and the spirit of the Caribbean. In this time of beer brewpubs and multi-cuisine bars mushrooming around the city, RumBah is a welcome addition for rum enthusiasts who finally have a place which they could call their own.
Derived from sugar cane and aged in oak barrels, the origin of rum traces back to Barbados, white sands, palm trees, blue seas and calypso rhythms. In India, rum has been a favourite drink for generations mixed with cola, water or simply packing a punch in your favourite cocktail. And, there is no end to the umpteen growing up stories with friends around a glass of Old Monk in happiness or in sorrow.
Well, now we have a bar dedicated to all things rum right here in namma Bengaluru. From the availability of a wide range of Indian and international labels, new-age rum cocktails, reggae and soul soundtrack and delicious appetisers to complement the spirit, RumBah promises to be the ultimate destination for rum lovers old and young.
You can’t miss the imposing installation of hundreds of Old Monk bottles welcoming you at the entrance of RumBah on the third floor of the hotel. Further in, and you will discover an intimate space with plush furnishings, soft lighting, cosy table setting and a glass tiled bar exuding that uber-luxe experience.
Rum is regarded as the most versatile spirit and in-house mixologist, Gaurav Dhyani, has created magic with a few refined cocktails such as the ‘RumBah Spritz’, a signature cocktail of white rum, elderflower juice, Aperol, Prosecco and the ‘Berrycane’, a berry-infused dark rum with fresh sugarcane juice, blackberry, bitters, lime. There are all-time classic rum cocktails too, like the ‘Jungle Bird’ concoction of dark rum, Campari, brown sugar syrup, aromatic bitters, fresh pineapple juice, fresh lime juice and the Cuban ‘El Presidente’ mixed with rum, orange curacao, vermouth, grenadine.
Of course, for the loyalists, there’s nothing better than unadulterated Old Monk, Bacardi, Captain Morgan, and such. The bar also serves Diplomático from Venezuela, Mount Gay Rum from Barbados, Bacardi Ocho from Puerto Rico and The Kraken Black Spiced Rum from Trinidad and Tobago. The hotel plans to add more rum labels in the months to come.
For nibbles, executive chef Bruno Cerdan has put together a limited food menu of Caribbean and Indian dishes which serves as an ideal accompaniment to this legendary spirit. There is Blackened Chops with Coriander and Chili, Jamaican Jerk Prawns on Grilled Pineapple, Grilled Lamb Heart “Anticucho”, Mangalorean Rawa Fried Fish, Mushroom Pepper Masala and Chettinad Style Baby Corn.
Hotel general manager, Amitabh Rai, has personally been involved in the planning and execution of RumBah these past few months. In his words, “RumBah is a bar dedicated to the glory of rum and is conceptualised to pay tribute to the vibe and energy of this globally renowned spirit.” Move over craft beers, herbal gins and single malt whiskies because rum is sexy again.
RumBah, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, Residency Road
Timing: 6 pm to 1 am, closed on Thursdays
Average price for two: Rs 3,000 ++
