I love rum. Kind of in the same way I love Scotch--taste aside (and to me, rum tastes much better than Scotch), there's a whole romance associated with it that appeals to me...pirates and palm trees and rum runners--oh, my. Plus, there's summer and beaches.

History we'll save for another day--right now, let's talk beach drinks!

Palms is one of the best values around (under $15 for the 750ml bottle--but on sale until June 4 for $9.99 here or in our stores). And there's a flavor for every drink: try the Pineapple, Coconut or Banana in orange juice or make a quick pina colada with the Coconut and pineapple juice...or a PC shot with Coconut and Pineapple flavors layered.

One of my favorite drinks is the Painkiller (originally made with Pusser's). Almost any good dark rum will do, but adding an ounce of flavored rum to the mix is a tasty addition. I generally make it with 2 parts dark rum, 1 part pineapple or coconut rum (if desired), 4 parts pineapple juice (from the original recipe), 2 parts orange juice. Pour into shaker and shake until blended--or whip up in the blender--and pour over ice. The kicker is the nutmeg. This drink is garnished with grated nutmeg over the top, and it is worth the trouble to freshly grate your own.

You can also jazz up an ordinary pina colada with Charlie Noble spiced rum and some Michael's Irish Cream. Whatever recipe you generally use, swap out the rum for the Charlie Noble Spiced, and add another 1/2 part Irish cream (so if you use 2 oz. rum, add another ounce of the Irish cream).

Don't bother with a calendar--summer's here! (Just remember to celebrate responsibly.)