BACARDI toasts the VMAs and 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with cocktails

The VMAs have produced some of the most iconic pop culture and music moments over the years. As the music world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop, BACARDÍ is raising a glass to the infectious beats and lyrical stylings that impacted people’s lives.

As the first ever spirits partner for the 2023 VMAs, the liquor brand has released a limited-edition BACARDÍ x VMA bottle. While the spirit inside the bottle is the classic rum that people always enjoy, the styling honors the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop. With the classic Moon Man trophy is front and center, the bold graphics captivate the eye. It invites people to open the bottle and raise a glass to all those influential songs.

While many people are happy to pour their favorite Cuba Libre or daiquiri, the iconic rum brand has created some special Hip-Hop inspired cocktails for the special event. Even though the flavors can be a touch familiar, the names capture the spirit of the celebration.

BACARDÍ, VMAs, and Hip-Hop deserve a spirited celebration

Given that Jay-Z is a legend, many people, even those who are not as well-versed in Hip-Hop, know the song reference for this particular rum cocktail. While it is a nod to the traditional mojito, a few additional ingredients make for a bigger flavor punch. Sometimes a little more can be a good thing.

BACARDÍ Mojito Mo-Problem

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz BACARDÍ Superior Rum
• 3/4 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz Monin Mojito Mint syrup
• 1/2 Real Passion Fruit syrup
• 2 oz club soda
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves

Method:

• Combine BACARDÍ Superior Rum, lime juice, syrups and mint leaves in a shaker tin with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a cup over fresh ice and top with a splash of club soda, stir to incorporate. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Sometimes in the middle of a song, there is a lyric or a beat that is surprising. It is similar to a burst of flavor that just hits right in a cocktail. In this cocktail, the fiery Tajin brings a little rise in flavor that has drinkers feeling alive.

BACARDÍ That Mango Fuego

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz BACARDÍ Mango Chie Rum
• 3 oz grapefruit soda
• Tajin & lime wedge

Method:

• Fill a cup with ice. Combine BACARDÍ Mango Chile Rum, lime juice, and grapefruit soda in glass and stir to incorporate. Garnish with a lime wedge and sprinkle of Tajin over top.

Sometimes a cocktail can take a nuanced approach to flavor. It might not be the most likely ingredient, but it is one that makes people sip, ponder, and sip again.

A great song has the same impact. Listening to it the first time around can be the song track of summer, but 10 to 20 years later the lyrics and beat are rediscovered with a greater appreciation.

BACARDÍ 808

Ingredients

• 2 oz BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum
• ¼ oz Giffard Banane du Bresil Liqueur
• 3 dashes Angostura bitters
• Orange half wheel

Method:

• Combine BACARDÍ Reserva Ocho Rum, Banana liqueur and bitters into a cup, add ice and stir to chill. Add more ice to top and garnish with an orange half wheel.

One of the special VMAs bottles can be purchased online. It is available while supplies last.