Parasols, Bumbershoots & Brollies

Evidence of the earliest umbrellas reaches far into the archives of history. Though these clever gadgets were meant to shield mere mortals from sun and rain, Umbrella Day makes its mark during one of the chilliest (and snowiest) months of the year. In dead of winter, rain or shine, sleet or snow, the umbrella still performs its magic indoors in the form of dazzling cocktail garnish.

Purple Rain

1 ounce Light Rum

1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps

1 ounce Blackberry Schnapps

3 ounces Lemonade

1/4 ounce Grenadine

Cocktail Umbrella Garnish

Place ice in highball glass. Add liquids in order given except grenadine. Stir. Float grenadine on top. Garnish with cocktail umbrella.

Rain Killer

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

2 ounces Light Rum

Dash Angostura Bitters

3/4 cup ice

Cocktail Umbrella Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in blender with ice. Puree until ice is thoroughly blended. Pour into decorative glass. Garnish with cocktail umbrella.

Golden Shower

1 ounce Light Rum

1 ounce Banana Liqueur

1 ounce Sprite

Cocktail Umbrella Garnish

Fill large rocks glass with ice. Add liquids in order given, topping with Sprite last. Stir. Garnish with cocktail umbrella.

An umbrella though slightly different is also referred to as a parasol. Brolly is a colloquial term for umbrella sometimes found in British dialects. Bumbershoot is a whimsical 19th century word found in some American dialects. The spirited cocktail calendar mentions February 10 as Umbrella Day. Find more interesting daily cocktail holidays by following the link.

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist