Hart of Darkness

Hart of Darkness by Jeff Berry

Joseph Conrad’s famous novel Heart of Darkness seemed an appropriate reference for this toast, and provided the perfect cocktail. Jeff “Beachbum” Berry is a well known cocktail historian who has done extensive research in the tiki canon. Some credit him with the revival and survival of these drinks, which he resurrected from old menus, lost recipes and even the backs of matchbooks, to publish in his “Sippin’ Safari” series of volumes. He has been called a cocktail “archeologist” and many of these forgotten drinks can now be enjoyed at his landmark New Orleans bar, Latitude 29.

This could put your lights out

His “Hart of Darkness” cocktail (Beachbum Berry Remixed 2010) was a homage to one of his favorite rums, Lemon Hart 151. Lemon Hart and Sons rums are bourbon barrel aged and produced in the Demerara region of Guyana using the same centuries old techniques started at their founding in 1804. In his book Jeff explains, and I paraphrase, that although he loves this rum, it is so potent that drinking it straight could lead to waking up in a country where no one speaks your language, but you still understand they are all disappointed in you for some reason. He created this cocktail with that in mind. It dilutes things delightfully and deliciously. Even so, be careful – you have been warned. Cheers!

“The mind of man is capable of anything.”

― Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness

Lights in the Darkness

Hart of Darkness by Jeff Berry

½ oz fresh lime juice

¼ oz fresh lemon juice

½ oz passion fruit syrup

½ oz honey mix (half honey, half water)

¼ oz soda water

1½ oz Lemon Hart 151 Demerara Rum

8 oz crushed ice