Zanzibar, a storied archipelago lying off the coast of Tanzania, is famed for being a centuries-old centre of trade. It’s here that two university friends, Tom Pegler and Oli Rashid, chose to create a spiced rum and gin and co-founded the Zanzibar Liquor Company. I met Tom at an adventure show in London, a long way from the island which lies just south of the equator, to learn more about how the company was created and how bartenders and cocktail fans are increasingly choosing rum.
The main island has a history intertwined with the spice trade and the enslavement of East African people. Known as the Spice Island, it’s long been a major producer of cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper, which were highly sought after by European, Middle Eastern, and Indian traders. Tom and Oli have infused these spices and flavours into their drinks.
The Spiced Mojito
Tom mentioned the Spiced Mojito recipe during our conversation. The recipe is listed on their website and is, as they say, a fun twist on the classic cocktail. It features the warm, slightly sweet flavor of nutmeg. The combination of mint, lime, and sugar creates a refreshing and thirst-quenching drink, perfect for a hot day.
(Image: Spiced Mojito cocktail © Zanzibar Liquor Company)
Ingredients
6 fresh mint leaves
1/2 lime, cut into wedges
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 measure Zanzibar Spiced Rum
2 measures club soda.
Garnish & Ice
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
Ice
Slice of Pineapple (garnish)
Recipe
Squeeze/tear the mint leaves in your hands and put into the glass.
Muddle the mint leaves, lime wedges, and brown sugar in the bottom of a glass.
Add the rum, club soda, and nutmeg, and stir to combine.
Fill the glass with ice and give the mixture a final stir.
Add the pineapple (optional) to garnish, and enjoy!
Contact details for the Zanzibar Liquor Company
Website: Click here.
Instagram: Click here.
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