Like its culture, Puerto Rican cuisine is remarkably diverse. When it comes to fried food, there are no limits. It's common to spend one day enjoying an alcapurria of crab along the coast and the next eating roast pork with blood sausage and pickled green bananas near a waterfall. Depending on the chinchorreo (hopping between chinchorros) route, why not try pairing cocktails with local rums and fried food?
Below are the best cocktails to accompany a day of chinchorreo along the Ruta del Ron, along with the ingredients to make them.
1. Pairing with roast pork
Route #1: The starting point is Cayey, specifically Guavate. There you can follow the smell of crackling skin that leads to the lechón route. From there you can visit Club Caribe in Cidra, La Destilería in Jayuya, or continue on to Ponce for the Don Q Rum Tour at Castillo Serrallés.
Perfect cocktail pairing: Mai Tai
Recipe:
-0.50oz Dark Rum
-0.50oz White Rum
-1oz Aged Rum
-3/4oz Orange liqueur
-1/4oz Orgeat (almond syrup)
-1oz Simple syrup (optional)
-1oz Lime juice
Why is it a good pairing? This cocktail, with its range of flavors, both sweet and citrusy, pairs well with roast pork, especially when spit-roasted. The fatty components of the pork, combined with the sweet flavors of pineapple and the citrus notes of lime alongside the rums, deliver a broad experience on the palate. Dark rums always go hand in hand with meats, as they bring out flavors that, in combination with the rum, engage the palate.
2. Pairing with chapín empanadas
Route #2: If your Sundays involve exploring the north coast of the island, a stop in Vega Alta is likely on the itinerary. The coastal municipality has multiple kiosk spots along the roadside, perfect for eating several chapín empanadas. In the town known as the home of the ñangotaos you'll find San Juan Artisan Distillers, so a stop at this distillery is also worth it.
From Vega Alta to Cataño is a short trip! If you still have energy, the next stop is Casa BACARDÍ, and then you can wrap up the road trip at Hacienda Santa Ana in Bayamón with a tour of the Ron del Barrilito distillery.
Perfect cocktail pairing: Daiquiri
Recipe:
-2oz White Rum
-0.75oz Simple syrup
-0.75oz Lime juice
Why is it a good pairing? Cocktails with citrus and acidic bases pair well with foods that are high in fat, such as chapín empanadas.
3. Pairing with seafood salad
Route #3: One of the advantages of living on an island is that fresh catch is available around every corner. If you're in the west, you can stop by Destilería Coquí in Mayagüez and then head to Cabo Rojo. In the east, visit the Isla Nena, where you'll find Crab Island Distillery, and end your day with this pairing.
Perfect cocktail pairing: Old Cuban
Recipe:
-6 Mint leaves
-1.5oz Aged Rum
-0.75oz Lime juice
-1oz Simple syrup
-2 Dashes Angostura bitters
-2oz Sparkling wine
Why is it a good pairing? Cocktails with dry finishes and sparkling wines like the Old Cuban pair well with dishes high in protein, such as seafood salads.
¡Ronéalo! with Rums of Puerto Rico
Are you more of a coast or countryside person? No matter what your favorite chinchorro route is, there will be options. Remember that you can travel the Ruta del Ron to visit the various distilleries and call ahead to make reservations. After that, all that's left is to chinchorrear!
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
