Fine Spirits: For the upcoming holidays, get inspired by the rum that sounds like it inspired the original “yo-ho-ho.”

“According to 17 Century legend, sailors traveling the Atlantic returned to England with casks of Mount Gay from Barbados as proof of having completed their ocean crossing. Today, sailors and connoisseurs alike regard Mount Gay Rum as proof of their good taste. The “Rum that invented Rum,” Mount Gay is the world’s oldest rum, and proudly offers a full range of classic blends appropriate for every occasion from sipping to cocktail hour.”

Mount Gay rum’s most luxurious rum is the 1703 Old Cask Selection, perfect for sipping and sharing holiday stories.

For the upcoming holidays, up the luxe factor of your eggnog with this recipe for Mount Gay Egg Nog:

• 16-cup serving (serves 18-20)
• 2 cups Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
• 10 large, grade AA eggs, separated
• 1 cup superfine sugar
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 6 tsp pure almond extract
• 6 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Separate the eggs into two bowls. Beat the yolks until stiff. Beat the whites with half the sugar until peaks form. Slowly fold the whites and yolks together. Separately, beat the cream with the almond, vanilla and remaining sugar in a bowl until stiff. Slowly fold in the cream with the egg mixture. Add Mount Gay Eclipse Rum and stir gently. Refrigerate overnight, or serve immediately over ice in a punch glass or martini glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg and ground cinnamon.

For more recipes and history of Mount Gay Rum, visit www.MountGayRum.com.