Arranged Rum with Mango, Passion Fruit, and Chilli
This exotic and unique recipe combines the sweetness of ripe mango and passion fruit with the subtle heat of chili, all brought together with the smoothness of white rum. This vibrant arranged rum is perfect for sipping, gifting, or adding a tropical twist to your cocktails. Here’s the full recipe:
Time for Preparation:
- Preparation: 30 minutes
- Maceration: Minimum 2 months
- Refining: A couple of weeks more for flavor development
Ingredients:
- 1L of agricultural white rum (50° preferred)
- 1 well-ripened mango
- 2 passion fruits
- 1 small red pepper (bird pepper type)
- 2 vanilla pods
- 100g cane sugar (or honey as an alternative)
- 1 untreated orange zest
Steps for Preparation:
1. Preparation of the Fruits:
- Mango: Peel the mango and cut it into small pieces.
- Passion fruit: Cut the passion fruits in half and scoop out the pulp.
- Vanilla pods: Slice the vanilla pods in half lengthwise to expose the seeds.
- Orange zest: Wash and dry the orange before using a zester to remove the zest, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith underneath.
2. Assembly:
- In an airtight bottle or jar, place the following ingredients:
- The mango pieces
- The pulp from the passion fruits
- The split vanilla pods
- The orange zest
- The whole red pepper (do not cut it to control the spiciness)
- The cane sugar or honey
- Pour the white rum over the mixture, making sure the fruits and spices are fully submerged.
- Gently mix everything together, ensuring the sugar dissolves into the rum.
3. Maceration:
- Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering.
- Store the container in a dark, cool place for a minimum of 2 months. The longer it sits, the richer the flavors will become.
- Stir the container gently every few days to mix the ingredients.
- After 2 months, taste the rum and, if desired, adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or honey as needed.
4. Finalization:
- After maceration, filter the rum through a sieve or cheesecloth (stamine) to remove the fruit and spice solids.
- Transfer the strained rum into a clean bottle.
- Let the arranged rum sit for an additional couple of weeks to allow the flavors to fully refine and harmonize.
Tasting Notes:
This arranged rum offers a deliciously complex blend of flavors:
- Mango: Sweet and fruity, lending a smooth tropical base.
- Passion fruit: Adds a tart, citrusy note to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla: Offers a warm, aromatic sweetness that complements the fruit.
- Chili: A gentle spicy kick that enhances the depth of the drink without overwhelming it.
Tips for Success:
- Ripe Mango: For the best flavor, ensure the mango is perfectly ripe, as it will offer a richer sweetness.
- Control Heat: Do not cut the chili pepper to keep its heat manageable. You can always remove the pepper later if it’s too spicy.
- Clean Container: Use a perfectly clean and airtight jar or bottle to ensure the infusion stays pure and free of contaminants.
- Adjust Sweetness: After maceration, you can adjust the sugar levels to suit your preference for sweetness.
Enjoy your Arranged Rum with Mango, Passion Fruit, and Chilli after the refinement period, or gift it in beautifully labeled bottles for a thoughtful and flavorful present!