Several of us in the test kitchen were fortunate enough recently to get a visit from Joy Spence, Master Blender for Appleton Rum. Not only did she bring her warm Jamaican disposition, but she also brought two fantastic Jamaican rums from their Estate line of super-premium rums.

Both the 12-year-old and the Estate Reserve were ultra-smooth and rich with aromas of orange, vanilla, honey and nutmeg. While the 12-year-old is best enjoyed neat, perhaps with a little splash of club soda, the Estate Reserve makes some of the tastiest cocktails I’ve consumed in a long time.

These perfect summer beverages are a refreshing relief from overly sweetened tropical drinks. And there’s just something about the scent of rum combined with the classic Caribbean favorites like Ting, lime and ginger that instantly transports me to the beach.

I put these cocktails to the test over the weekend. The result? Instant summer. All my friends needed was some white sand and an ocean breeze.

Fill a highball glass with ice. Combine the rum with the lime, agave and soda in a cocktail shaker with some ice. Stir gently and pour into a highball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit peel.

Muddle ginger in a pint glass, then add the rest of the ingredients. Add ice, shake and strain over fresh ice, then garnish with a slice of lime.