Puerto Rico’s love affair with rum has endured for centuries. Among its best distillers are the Serrallés family, who have been on a constant quest to perfect the art of rum making since 1865. Their commitment to the techniques and eco-friendly processes that define Don Q Rum make them the unquestionable favourite on the island, which leads the world in rum production. In fact, it was Don Q Rum that went into the first-ever Piña Colada, Puerto Rico’s national drink, when it was concocted in 1954 at the Beachcombers Bar in San Juan’s Caribe Hilton hotel.
Condé Nast Traveller was proud to celebrate this history with a dinner hosted with Discover Puerto Rico. At our supper club-style event, guests were welcomed to Vauxhall’s Brunswick House, a Georgian mansion juxtaposed against the modern city skyline, complete with candle-lit chandeliers and many architectural gems. An interactive Don Q Rum station greeted guests, where they could try their hand at making their own Piña Colada, overseen by the expert eye of the Trailer Happiness team.
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With Chef Mario Pagán flying in from Puerto Rico specially for the event to curate a bespoke menu alongside London legend Jackson Boxer, the food was always going to be spectacular. Highlights included the Adobo Suckling Pig Wellington, a decadent take on the classic with moreish salty Chicharrón adding a perfect crunch. With Don-Q cocktail pairings flowing throughout, Puerto Rician music and bright florals by Blooming Haus, the island's spirit was certainly brought to London, even if for only one night.
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The menu
SERENATA
English pea coconut chilled soup, bacalao frito, radishes, quail egg
MORCILLA
Queen sea scallop, morcilla pudding pegaíto rice, avocado, cilantro lime aïoli
LECHÓN
Adobo suckling pig wellington, yuca anise buñuelo, tamarind emulsion, chicharrón
BUDÍN
Almíbar guineíto budín, Don Q Reserva 7-Year, earl grey ice cream, toffee sticky sauce
