Super Premium Venezuelan rum, Diplomático has teamed up with one of Sydney’s best-loved bars, Old Love’s, to call time on Australia’s most popular rum drink officially: the classic rum & cola. The duo is kicking off a bold month-long break-up that swaps cola for a line-up of five refined “Rebound Cocktails” designed to help Aussies discover a better match.
Launching on Tuesday 26 August, the Cola Break Up will see cola dropped from the menu at Old Love’s, replaced with a rotating series of premium rum cocktails that showcase the versatility and complexity of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva – one of the world’s most awarded dark rums.
The move comes as new insights reveal 7 in 10 Australians still pair dark rum with cola, a stat that Old Love’s and Diplomático rum agree is in desperate need of a refresh.
Callum Marra (or ‘Squid’ as he is better known), General Manager of Old Love’s, said of the initiative: “We’ve always loved rum – Old Love’s is dedicated to celebrating the spirit – but we think that it deserves better than the old-school cola stereotype it’s become known for. We’re so excited to be joining forces with the masters at Diplomático rum to be calling time on the basic mixer and rewriting a love letter to rum done right.”
In place of rum & cola, Old Love’s will be introducing the Café Venezuela, A rich and zesty take on an Espresso Martini inspired by a guarapo – a traditional Venezuelan drink made with coffee, lime and papelón. Plus, four additional “rebound” rum cocktails will roll out weekly throughout the month ranging from fresh takes on iconic serves to unexpected flavour flings.
Ensuring there’s a little rum love for every taste and palate, these include:
- Una Noche (aka One Night): A rich and refreshing cola-esque highball that pairs the smooth flavours of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva with cold brew and falernum – a spicy, complex Caribbean syrup with tonka bean and vanilla plus a zesty lime finish.
- Monte Exclusiva: A robust riff on a traditional Monte Carlo featuring the ever-aromatic D.O.M. Benedictine herbal liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters and orange oil for a boozy sip with old world charm.
- Love Boat: A bright, fruity modern take on a daiquiri that balances Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva’s rich notes with fruity passionfruit, lemongrass, falernum and lime.
- Jungle Fever: A seductively spicy spin on the classic Jungle Bird cocktail combining bittersweet Campari and Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva with Old Love’s signature caramelised spiced pineapple, lime and fiery pimento.
Eulalie Lazaro, Brand Manager at Diplomático, Brown-Forman, added: “Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is one of the most awarded dark rums in the world — a complex, versatile spirit that deserves more than the same old basic mixer. But in Australia, rum is still too often stuck in that past and most commonly still paired with cola. Together with Old Love’s, we’re hoping to rewrite the rules and encourage Aussies to rethink what a rum cocktail can be: stylish, unexpected, and full of flavour – no sugary sidekick required.”
From Tuesday 26 August, The Cola Break Up will run for one month exclusively at Old Love’s – available only to those who know to ask for the secret menu. Sydneysiders are invited to leave their ex-mixer on read and discover their next rum match.
Old Love’s
Basement, 199 Clarence St
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
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