Roneria Caracas (Photo courtesy of Caracas Arepa Bar)
With increasing frequency, bars are specializing in specific categories of spirits. Mayahuel did it with agave-derived hooch, and now that Caracas Brooklyn has secured its liquor license, the arepa restaurant will be focusing on rum—and related sugarcane distillates like cachaça—at its bar, dubbed Roneria Caracas, opening officially this Thursday.
We’ve been convinced of rum’s value as an affordable sipping spirit for some time, so we’re happy to see it finally get such singular attention: The roneria will pour 30 venerated tipples from Latin America and the Caribbean, like Santa Teresa, Diplomático, Rhum Clément, Atlantico, Flor de Caña, Brugal, Mount Gay and Zacapa.
Cocktailians should also be happily quenched, thanks to drinks from consulting mixologist Orson Salicetti of Apothéke. Think rummy reimaginings of nonrum classics like the Manhattan, made here with aged rum, Carpano Antica Formula sweet vermouth, homemade bitters, bay leaves, marinated blueberries and orange zest. The mojito gets a makeover with gold rum, absinthe, mint and a spiced flambé rim, while the piña colada is redeemed (at long last!) by white rum, fresh pineapple juice, homemade coconut bitters and basil.—Michael Anstendig
