Yum. Gimme Some Rum!

Mount Gay Rum Punch. (Photo: Mount Gay Rum)

Get excited.

August 16 is National Rum Day.

Yeah, mon. The first thought that came into my mind when I found out about this momentous occasion is to get to Ja'Grill in Lincoln Park ASAP.

The Ja' Rum Punch is a potent concoction that's made of Appleton white rum, Myer's dark rum, Malibu coconut rum and tropical juices.

Tuesday nights are also popular with a young professional neighborhood crowd that comes out for deejay entertainment in the lower-level lounge. We just need to warn you: Limit yourself to two glasses of Ja' Rum Punch because you might not wake up in time for work on Wednesday!

More cocktails to indulge on National Rum Day:

Over at Benny's Chop House, bar manager Deidre Hays has created two cocktails for the special occasion that you can check out at the bar or make at home:

Shh...Rum's the Word (Modern Mai Tai)

2 heaping bar spoons homemade orgeat syrup
1/2 oz Cherry Heering
1/2 oz lime juice
3/4 oz Cruzan Blackstrap
3/4 oz Ron Barcelo
3/4 oz Ron Matusalem Rum

Directions: Shake with crushed ice, dump into DOF, garnish with a sprig of mint (do not spank) and a cherry.

Stormy Weather (Dark and Stormy)

1 1/2 oz Goslings Black Strap Rum
1/4 oz Zwack Liqueur
1/2 oz blood orange
1/2 oz lime juice
Lime

Directions: Shake and strain into Pilsner glass, top with ginger beer, drizzle half ounce of Cruzan over the top and garnish with a lime wheel flagged.

South Loop Club's Josh Davis gets props for his latest creation, the Pirate's Treasure. It blends the bold, unexpected flavors of Blackbeard spiced rum and St. Germain. Arrr!

Muddle 4 to 5 raspberries
1 1/4 oz Blackbeard spiced rum
1 oz Cointreau
3/4 oz St. Germain
1/2 fresh squeezed lime
1/2 simple syrup

Directions: Add all ingredients; top the glass with a Woodchuck Hard Cider float.

And Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar's Revae Schneider features yet another yummy rum cocktail that'll make you want to book a trip to the Caribbean immediately:

The Misty Redeemer

1 1/4 Leblon Cachaça
3/4 St. Germain
1/2 lemon
1/2 simple
1/2 Dolin Dry Vermouth
Chichicapa Mezcal glass wash

Directions: Shake and double strain ingredients into coupe glass.