The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Sip on Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva This Summer

By Matt Domino Published August 6, 2021

We know you’re probably still recovering from Cinco de Mayo. I mean, when May 5^th rolls around, there’s no reason not to go on a tequila kick for a few days—or, hell, even a few weeks.

However, before you know it Memorial Day is going to be here. That means you’re going to have a three-day weekend full of barbecues, parties, picnics and all other kinds of social events. That means that summer is unofficially starting soon, so you’ll need to figure out what kind of liquor you want to sip on in the sun this year.

RELATED: Wray & Nephew Rum

Recommended Videos

We haven’t given love to rum in awhile, so let us introduce you to Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva. Most people associate rum with the Caribbean, but Diplomático is Venezuelan rum that has been producing high quality spirits since 1959. Like any respectable distiller, Diplomático offers a variety of vintages: there is the Anejo (aged up to 4 years), the Blanco (aged up to 6 years), the Reserva (aged up to 8 years), the Single Vintage 2000 (aged for 12 years and finished for an additional year in Oloroso sherry casks), and the Ambassador (aged for 12 years and finished for two additional years in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks).

The Diplomático Reserva is complex enough to appeal to rum aficionados, but accessible to the novice as well. It is a dark rum that is made from pure sugar cane honeys. Although it is a “reserva,” it is actually aged for up to 12 years. The result is a bouquet full of rich notes that range from caramel and cocoa, to ginger and cinnamon. The taste initially brings to mind chocolate fudge before turning to the flavors of fruit and baking spices. And the finish is smooth with a surprising lack of after burn.

If you are a rum fan, this summer we think your drink of choice is going to be a glass of Diplomático Reserva with a nice big cube of ice. And if you’re looking to expand your rum horizons, then you can try the Diplomático Daiquiri. We’ve included the recipe below.

The Diplomático Daiquiri

2 oz Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

1 oz Simple Syrup (or agave)

1 oz Fresh Squeezed lime juice

2 cups ice

Place the 2 cups of ice into a cocktail shaker. Pour the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup over the ice, cover, and shake well. Remove the ice from your serving glass and strain the drink into it. Serve immediately.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Matt Domino is a writer living in Brooklyn. His fiction has appeared in Slice and The Montreal Review, while his non-fiction…

Food & Drink

I learned the secrets of the Mai Tai at Hawaii’s most iconic beachfront bar

You can try three variations of a classic Mai Tai

Mai Tai Bar

The Mai Tai is one of the most popular Tiki drinks in the world, known for its sweet and slightly almond-flavored flavor. Until I visited the Royal Hawaiian, I had no idea just how much history lies behind this fruity cocktail. Initially created by "Trade Vic" Bergeron in 1944, the Mai Tai drink later made its way to Hawaii in 1953.

When Bergeron was hired to develop menus for the Royal Hawaiian, he introduced the classic Mai Tai recipe to Hawaii's most iconic beachfront bar, now known as the Mai Tai Bar. During my visit to the Royal Hawaiian, I stopped by the Mai Tai Bar for a special look at how the bartending team makes three of the most popular Mai Tai variations available on their menu today. You can't go wrong with any of these three drinks -- whether you prefer something more subdued or something fruity and sweet.

Food & Drink

Luckin Coffee opens in NYC, bringing its Starbucks rivalry to the U.S.

The first two U.S. locations of this Asia-based coffee chain are now open

Luckin Coffee

Starbucks appears to have a new rival in town in the U.S. market. The first two US locations of China's fastest-growing coffee chain, Luckin Coffee, are now open in NYC. Luckin' Coffee opened two NYC locations yesterday: Greenwich Village near the NYU campus and NoMad. Founded in 2017, Luckin' Coffee has taken off across China, catering to younger guests in China, Singapore, and Malaysia. The chain has over 24,000 locations across Asia but has entered the U.S. market. The chain is known for its simplified menu and "bare-bones" stores, which accept only cashless payments and mobile orders.
For the launch of the first two U.S. locations, Luckin announced steep promotions such as $1.99 drink deals and 50% off beverages for the grand opening, as well as free tote bags for the first guests to enter the store. The menu at this Asia-based coffee shop offers everything U.S. coffee and tea drinkers are used to, from cold brew coffees to matcha drinks to flavored lattes. The menu also includes a small selection of light bites and pastries. Per the brand's website, Luckin Coffee uses only the finest Arabica coffee beans that are sourced directly from renowned coffee-producing regions. Other menu specialty coffees include the Apple Fizzy Americano and Pomelo Americano.
Though Luckin may only have two U.S. locations at the moment, rumours suggest the brand plans to expand quickly in the U.S. market. With low prices and an app-based model, the chain can keep prices low and could soon become a strong competitor for Starbucks.

Food & Drink

These coffee cocktails are the unexpected summer drinks you’ll crave all season

Summer coffee cocktails that aren't another espresso martini

Mr Black

I could sip on espresso martinis and frozen espresso martinis year-round, but sometimes, on hot summer days, you need something a bit sweeter and fruitier. These fruit-inspired summer coffee cocktails blend traditional summer flavors, like pineapple and strawberry, with Mr Black Coffee Liqueur for a caffeinated and alcoholic twist on your standard summer iced coffee.

Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, made with 100% specialty arabica coffee, Australian wheat vodka, and a touch of cane sugar, is the perfect base for creating unique summer cocktails with a caffeine boost. My favorite is the Café Colada, a drink that makes a great choice when you can't decide whether you want a fruity, frozen drink or an iced coffee (a frequent predicament I face). Here's how to make three fruity, summer coffee cocktails using Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur.