The smooth, subtly sweet, spiced flavours of SLY DOG offer an unbeatable taste experience at any time of year, but hey, did you know that there are some specific benefits to drinking rum right now?

Here are 5 reasons why you should drink rum this winter…

It Helps You Feel Warm (sort of!)

Ok, as the scientists amongst you will know, it is a bit of a myth that alcohol keeps you warm. Bear with us while we get technical here: when you drink, your blood vessels dilate, sending warm blood to your skin. This makes your core body temperature drop - but helps your surface skin feel warm. So, if you are looking for something to warm up cold hands, a little rum might just do the trick - after all, there's nothing like a glass of spiced rum on a chilly winter evening!

There are numerous hot rum drinks to make with SLY DOG…for example, you may think that a Hot Toddy is only made with whiskey, but there are many different types of alcohol you can use instead - like SLY DOG rum…

Can Be Good For Coughs and Colds

Coughs and colds are rife during the winter months - but many find that drinking rum helps ease their symptoms. This is because rum has antibacterial properties which means rum consumption can help a common cold and soothe sore throats; others also find it can ease muscle pain and helps them relax (particularly important during the busy festive season!). However, any health benefits are associated with moderate consumption - as with all alcoholic beverages, it is important to drink responsibly. If your symptoms persist, you should always visit a healthcare professional for further guidance.

Perfect For Parties

Who doesn’t love an excuse for a party? The festive season is full of socialising and what better drink to serve than a delicious rum cocktail? That’s right, there are so many different ways to consume rum… We have a host of incredible recipes to help you explore how to drink rum - including our SLY EYE twist on an espresso martini, silky smooth Notoriously Old Fashioned and SLY-jito version of the classic Cuban Mojito. Don’t forget to try out the simple crowd-pleaser combos like our SLY'n'Coke and SLY and Ginger Beer. You could also get creative and swap the alcoholic beverage in your favourite cocktail for a shot of rum - you never know, you could come up with a new favourite!

Next Level Winter Foodie Recipes

Although we think our rum makes the best cocktails - you don’t have to stop there! Did you know that there are a host of incredible foodie recipes made with rum? That’s right… Think spiced rum cake, rum-infused chocolate truffles (perfect for homemade Christmas gifts), homemade rum and raisin ice cream (we love using condensed milk for a sneaky no-churn cheat), rich Christmas cake, seasonal stollen - the list goes on.

In fact, if you are having friends over for a meal, or looking for a special dinner party dessert, why not try a rum-infused tiramisu, caramelised rum bananas or spiced rum baba? Alongside show-stopping desserts and bakes, rum is equally delicious in simple recipes, such as a steaming mug of hot buttered rum, the perfect alternative to hot chocolate when you are tired in winter!

A Taste of the Tropics

Whilst some people love the early sunsets and cosy evenings in the depths of a dark winter, others find themselves longing for the bright and sunny days of summer - or fantasising about exotic (warmer!) destinations. Whilst we can’t physically transport you to the tropics, one of our delicious SLY DOG cocktails can take your taste buds on to sunnier climates. Discover the king of Tiki cocktails with our vivid SLY-Tai or embrace the summer vibes with our uber-refreshing SLY DOG Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri. The perfect way to beat the winter blues… 

But… How Much Rum is Good For You?

We all know that excessive alcohol consumption isn’t good for our health, however, drinking in moderation can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle. A single 25ml measure of SLY DOG ⁠— which is 40% Alcohol by Volume (ABV) ⁠— contains one unit. To make the most of the health benefits of rum, and keep the health risks of drinking too much alcohol to a minimum, it is important to follow the UK’s low-risk drinking guidelines. These guidelines are set out by the Chief Medical Officer and apply to both men and women.

They suggest that it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis. If you do drink 14 units a week, it is advised to spread your alcohol consumption over 3 or more days (having 1 or 2 heavy drinking days increases your risk of death from accidents, injuries and/or long-term illness). However, if you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, it is advised not to drink alcohol at all (in order to minimise risks to the baby). Remember, as a distilled alcoholic drink, rum has a much higher alcohol content than other alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and cider (although can be lower in sugar). 

Disclaimers

Naturally, we are big rum lovers. However, you can have too much of a good thing - after all, SLY DOG is a distilled alcoholic drink and should be enjoyed in moderation. Although our spiced rum is pretty awesome, it is no substitute for medical treatment. If you have any health concerns or are becoming reliant on drinking alcohol, please consult your healthcare professional for appropriate guidance and support. Always drink responsibly.