You guys are so cute.

You look so adorable updating your facebook profile photos with beach shots, blue skies, sand-covered feet, and smiling suntanned faces.

Methinks this icy snowy blanket is getting to you.

While I cannot call in a sunshine prescription for you, I can lift your spirits with a little tropical drink.

How does rum and a coconut flavored soda sound to you right about now?

Fill a favorite pretty glass abundantly with ice.

Add two ounces of your favorite rum.

Fill the glass with CoCo Rico cola and sip to your hearts-content while dreaming of faraway beaches with sand in your toes.

Oh. You haven’t heard of CoCo Rico cola? You must try it. It is coconut flavored carbonated soda made by the Good-O Beverage Company from the Bronx.  They started back in 1947 and they are the oldest Hispanic beverage distributor in the Northeast. Minority owned, 100% of their employees are Hispanic and Spanish speaking.  My good friend Victor said he drank this beverage all the time while growing up in Puerto Rico and he introduced me to this drink.  By itself it is quite sweet and bit overwhelming to my taste yet in a tall glass of ice with rum it is delightful.

Lucky for us in Northwest Arkansas, we can buy CoCo Rico by the can at Tangs Asian Market in Springdale.  Or, buy it by the six-pack on amazon.  Some of you lucky folks are able to find it at your local Walmart, depending on where you live.  Either way, all of us are able to purchase and keep some on hand for those day where you need a little tropical life.

One more thing.

Do you have a “favorite rum?”

If you aren’t fully committed and want to spread your wings, you may be interested in the next tasting at 28 Springs.  This month’s theme is “RUM & THE TROPICS” which means you will get a hefty education on all-things-rum with delicious food as a bonus.  Call and reserve a spot today.  The four-course tasting experience is $40 per person (taxes and gratuity excluded). You get to pick the night (February 10, 11, 24 or 25).

Hope to see you there.

Stay thirsty and keep dreaming of warm breezes, outdoor grilling, and swim parties.

Eat well, my friends. Eat well.

Lyndi