Who else loved Friends growing up? The show definitely set me up with a dream of sharing an apartment with my best friends, living across the hall from each other, and meeting up every day in a coffee shop where we always had the same spot. Unfortunately, my reality has been quite different, as I find myself far from friends and family, living with someone whose job requires frequent moves. Despite this, I still watch those episodes with fond nostalgia. What I particularly admire are the episode titles—they give a hint about the plot without revealing too much.

This latest cocktail is my ode to Friends. While the title suggests that rum is a key ingredient, it only hints at the complexity of the drink. Aged rum and Chartreuse blend to create a rich depth, balanced by the sweetness of pineapple and the brightness of lime juice. A surprise awaits at the back of the palate with the addition of cold brew coffee and tiki bitters, resulting in a smooth and sophisticated concoction. I imagine this might be what the friends were drinking in Barbados when everyone ended up leaving with someone other than who they arrived with!

Don’t feel guilty about indulging, though—Chartreuse is still made by monks in France with a recipe that’s closely guarded, so a little of this elixir feels like your drink has been blessed by the divine.

Ingredients

2 oz Planter’s 5 Year Aged Rum
1 oz Green Chartreuse
1 oz Cold Brew Coffee (or chilled espresso)
1 oz Pineapple Juice
1 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
4-5 dashes Tiki Bitters
Lime Wheel (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with all ingredients except the garnish. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until the shaker is cold and frosty.
2. Strain the mixture into an old-fashioned glass with one large ice cube or a highball glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!

Notes:

• Planter’s Rum is one of my favorites for rum cocktails, but feel free to use any aged rum you prefer.
• If you opt for espresso instead of cold brew, ensure it’s cold before adding it to prevent excessive ice melt during shaking.