National Rum Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Rum Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Rum Day is celebrated on August 16th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Rum Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as amusing facts you should know about National Rum Day.

📅 What day is National Rum Day 2024?

In 2024, National Rum Day is on Wednesday, August 16th. It is the 3rd Wednesday in August; in 2024, it is Friday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the cool details and facts about August 16, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

August 16th is National Rum Day, a special day to celebrate and appreciate the history and culture of this ancient spirit. National Today and Goslings Rum, our partners, want to honor one of our favorite drinks by sharing interesting facts about rum. Rum has played a significant role in the American economy since its early days and continues to be a versatile and popular liquor. Whether in its light or dark form, rum has found its way into numerous delicious cocktails, punches, and mixed drinks, including the famous Goslings Dark ‘n’ Stormy®.

📜 National Rum Day History

Originally known as “kill devil” due to its high alcohol content and unpleasant taste, the process of fermenting and distilling molasses evolved, resulting in a more enjoyable rum. The origin of the word “rum” is still debated, but one theory suggests it comes from “rumbuillion” or “rumbustion,” both indicating chaos, which was eventually shortened to “rum.”

Rum production quickly spread throughout the Caribbean and neighboring islands like Bermuda, Nevis, and Jamaica, becoming a popular spirit and even serving as a form of currency. In colonial America, rum’s popularity was so widespread that it constituted 80% of New England’s exports, and a sugar tax imposed in the 1760s played a role in sparking the American Revolution.

However, the history of rum is not without its dark side. The sugar cane industry, including the rum trade, relied heavily on slave labor, contributing to the continuation of the slave trade in America until the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863.

✅ National Rum Day Facts

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👍 Why Is National Rum Day Important

Rum has proven to be a versatile and useful spirit that can be blended into a variety of punches or cocktails, drank neat, or even on the rocks over the years.

Whiskey is frequently cited by gourmands as the most over-analyzed liquor, but aged rum, with its smoky, earthy aroma and notes of vanilla and caramel, provides some serious fodder for foodies to gush about.

Rum’s history parallels the history of the Americas. The sugarcane trade, slavery, the American Revolution, and the rise of surrounding island economies, notably Bermuda, all had an influence.

🙂 How To Observe National Rum Day

⚡ Go on a Rum-based Culinary Excursion
Transfer the rum from the glass into the pan to add an exhilarating and fiery element to your culinary adventures. Traditional treats such as rum raisin pie, spiced rum cake, and the spectacular bananas foster all beautifully incorporate the delightful flavor of rum.

⚡ Have a Cocktail, Obviously
Rum embodies the essence of summer in various forms – from being served over ice in a glass, enjoyed straight in a tumbler, or even frozen with adorable miniature umbrellas. By exploring a variety of rum-based beverages, you can ensure that the spirit of summer remains vibrant within you.

⚡ Channel Your Inner Privateer
Rum has gained fame as the preferred beverage among sailors, especially those who venture to tropical island havens like Jamaica, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. However, it also holds a special place in the lore of pirates. So, raise your glass and honor your favorite privateer with a drink that matches the era (no need for an eye patch).

📅 When is National Rum Day?

See all 🔗 August holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Liquor holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Rum Day. So be sure to check back soon.