I wrote a few days ago about Ben Simpson’s amazing Gunpowder Rum, here is the first of a limited series of cocktails that feature the unique spirit.
The Drake
30ml Man O’War Gunpowder Rum
20ml Havana Club 7yr
3 fresh hulled strawberries
20ml balsamic drizzle syrup (available from good deli’s)
2 dashes simple syrup
5 basil leaves
Muddle all except alcohol. Add the rums and shake resolutely.
Strain into chilled martini glass (either modern or antique cut crystal from a junk shop).
Garnish: sprig of basil and whole strawberry on rim of glass, finish with grind of black pepper.
Named after Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596), some time favourite of Queen Elizabeth I.
The combination of strawberries, balsamic and black pepper is from the Elizabethan age, while Drake was active in the Caribbean as a privateer. To the Spanish speaking peoples of the area he was known as ‘El Draque’ and famous for his exploits taking gold from the Spanish who were, in their turn, on their way home from plundering the Americas.
It is said that an early form of the Mojito was drunk in the Caribbean during the 16th Century and was called ‘El Draque’. Ben would be interested to see historical proof of this.
Everyday Drinking 
Another excellent post. As to the tagging tho, we probably have Spanish fishermen to thank for introducing the potato to Europe, and a very different privateer for taking them to Ireland. Maybe Ben might like to make a ‘Raleigh’ next? Man O’War and poteen?
quite sir, I must remember to think twice and check wikipedia
I have and it appears I was right:
In 1580, English adventurer Francis Drake introduced potatoes into England along with his other Spanish booty when he returned from his notable circumnavigation of the globe.
Raleigh didn’t depart for the Americas until 1584. He was instrumental in bringing tobacco smoking to the English people.
It appear my trust in BCC’s Blackadder for historical accuracy was well placed.
Well, shut me up, I was awfully misinformed, tho just about the English, not the Irish.