No one knows exactly why certain alcoholic drinks are called spirits, though one theory is that the vapors emitted in the distilling process were referred to as “spirits.” Some people say these drinks lift your spirits! For all practical purposes, liquor and spirits are two terms for the same thing: unsweetened, distilled alcoholic beverages, such as vodka, gin, brandy and tequila. Spirits are produced by distilling ethanol produced by fermenting grain, fruit or vegetables and have an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) content of at least 20 percent.
Many restaurants offer a variety of alcoholic drinks, but our waterfront restaurant in the Cayman Islands is known for offering a variety of spirits most popular with customers. Relax in a cozy private room or choose a seat on our waterfront deck, enjoy the view and browse a menu of our premium spirits.
Below are four types of spirits among the many we have on offer. Try them while you are relaxing over drinks with a friend, or in advance of fine dining in the Cayman Islands.
1) Vodka
The term “vodka” originated in Eastern Europe in the 15th century, when it referred to medicines. Traditionally, vodka is distilled from fermented cereal grains or potatoes.
Vodka is odourless and colourless and sometimes flavoured or coloured by adding fruits, herbs or spices. It has no distinct taste and differs from brand to brand.
Some of the popular vodka brands are:
2) Gin
One of the broadest categories of spirits, gin has many flavour profiles, all based around the main ingredient - juniper. This spirit evolved in the Middle Ages from a herbal medicine. Similar to vodka, gin is clear and colourless. It differs from vodka in that it gets its distinctive flavour from juniper berries and botanicals.
Some of the popular gin brands are:
3) Tequila
This eponymous spirit from the city in Mexico was first produced in the 16th century. It is distilled from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant and may have an alcohol content between 31 percent and 55 percent.
Tequila ranges in colour from clear to dark amber brown, depending on the ageing process and the type of wood used for storage. The taste also varies depending on the particular agave and on the ageing process, which can be anywhere from two months to three or more years.
Below are some of the best-selling Tequila brands in Cayman:
4) Rum
Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts, such as honey or molasses, or from sugarcane juice through a process of fermentation and distillation. It is aged in oak barrels for at least a year, though many are aged longer, and its colour varies depending upon several factors, including time in the barrel and location of the barrel (the temperature of the Caribbean accelerates the ageing process).
Rum may be light, golden or dark.
Some of the popular rum brands are:
Explore the spirit options at our restaurant and find out what will tickle your taste buds. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you with your selection. Enjoy your meal by the water accompanied by premium wines in Cayman. We extend an open invitation to come and visit us.