[imagesource: Racool Studio]

We’ve had much of the same over the last couple of months – too much of the same, if you ask me.

Thankfully, the seasons are changing, the blankets are being shoved back into the closet, and it’s possible to get outside a little more, even if that just means chilling on your patio with a cold drink in hand.

Summer is the time to reassess what we enjoy on a sunny afternoon, especially when it comes to tipple.

Yeah, you can stick to the tried and tested favourites, like that old summer classic, the rum and Coke, but life is short, and now is as good a time as any to mix things up.

How? With a fresh take on an old favourite, and a few ideas from VinePair.

They’ve put together a handy list of mixers that will take your rum-based beverage in a new direction.

Club Soda

For a light, refreshing rum highball, squeeze a bit of lemon into your drink and top it up with Club Soda.

The citric acid from a lemon complements the body of an aged spirit, adding complexity to the taste. Club Soda works to bring out a rum’s inherent nuttiness and can temper the heat of a spiced rum.

Tonic Water

While most of us associate tonic water with a G&T, it also compliments the sweetness of rum, playing off its flowery and woody notes. Choose a finely crafted Indian Tonic to get the most out of the flavour.

Fitch & Leedes stock a sugar-free option if you’re on a health kick.

Ginger Beer

Not just any Ginger Beer – Fiery Ginger Beer.

This is an iconic companion to rum and especially white rum. Ginger Ale also works well if you prefer something a little lighter.

Cola

If after trying the above options, you miss your classic rum and Coke, you can mix it up with a Craft Cola to elevate the experience.

Fitch & Leedes have you covered with the above. After all, their superb range of authentic bespoke mixers is made with quadruple filtered water for ultimate purity, perfectly balanced and delicately carbonated, which means that your rum will be in good company.

Go on, have a second and third toot. Live a little.

[source:vinepair]