We’re just going to come out and say it: rum makes for a better Old Fashioned than the traditional whiskey. You can argue with us as long as your like over a few as it’s Rum Day 2017 this Wednesday 16th August! Let’s see where to celebrate the sweet-hearted spirit in Melbourne.

—

Naturally we begin our journey at The Rum Diary Bar (pictured above). Sunday evening – tonight! – they kick off festivities by hosting the Australian launch party for Indonesia’s Nusa Cana Rum. A masterclass at 6pm will be followed by a mystery ingredient team cocktail competition at 7pm. Later, special cocktails and rum shots will be on offer to a soundtrack by DJ Zanna and DJ Beardface Dammit.

–

The Nelson are extending the celebration to host Rum Week! Their ‘The South East Way’ cocktail (Plantation 3 Star silver rum, Campari, lime) will be available for only $15 all this week. Plus they’re offering two-for-one rum Old Fashioneds on Friday.

–

Beginning Monday, The Rum Diary Bar will be showcasing a different, history-steeped cocktail starting with Glasgow Punch. Tuesday serves up the Crimean Cup A La Marmora, Wednesday is Navy Grog, Thursday showcases the classic Daiquiri, on Friday it’s time for Hemmingway’s Daiquiri and Saturday finished with a Dark ‘n’ Stormy bang. Get ’em for $12.

–

Monday afternoon sees a Rum Revolution invade Beaufort & Ike’s (for hospitality industry types only). Paramount Liquor and 100 Proof will showcase over a dozen different international rums – like Matusalem, Goslings, Cargo Cult, Stolen, Havana Club, Angostura, Kraken, Kirk & Sweeny, Atlantico, Rum Diary, Pussers, Dictador, Bacardi, Santa Teresa and Sailor Jerry – via cocktails, tastings and classes. RSVP essential.

–

On the actual Rum Day this Wednesday, Waterslide Bar will be mixing up a trio of classics. Sip a Dark ‘n’ Stormy, Old Cuban or Daiquiri for just $12 all night long. We hear whispers you can also find $12 Daiquiris at Jungle Boy and $15 Ginger Mai Tais at The Palm Royale.

–

And if you’ve not yet had your fill, come Friday, Glamorama welcomes Rum Diary Spiced Rum to their bar for a free masterclass.

–

To wrap up the week, next Sunday, The Rum Diary Bar are letting Southsiders The Palm Royale and The Rum Authority take over their drinks menu to give Fitrovians a chance to sample the Richmond bar’s Cuban-influenced wares. It’s a tiki takeover!

—

We’d love to see which delicious rum-filled adventures you might get up to this week. Tag us @drinkmelbourne so we can spy on you.