Snowfall in Montego Bay

In the year 1919, troops were finally returning from WWI, following the Treaty of Versailles, and so many people around the world were filled with hope and determination. This was also the year F. Scott Fitzgerald penned a letter to his good friend, P. G. Wodehouse, signing off "Yours till hell freezes over." This might be the first recorded use of the phrase, but it was one which would stay with us long after. So what kind of horrific events might have to take place, for the underworld pits of fire to actually freeze? We might not have definitive proof of an actual hell, but I've certainly heard some people refer to the heat in the Caribbean as such.

Hello again my most thristy of readers. To say it's been "interesting" lately would be a bit too much of an understatement, even for my sarcastic self. If you live in my country, there's a good chance you're asking yourself "What the hell is happening, and how do I stop it?!?" Things we never thought possible, and quite frankly never wanted to be possible, seem to be happening all around us, and there's this underlying feeling of treading water. We just keep kicking our legs, waiting for the next shark to appear beneath us, hungry for another bite. Sometimes, when something extremely sinister happens, Hell might just freeze over afterall.

For as long as we've been watching, snow in the Caribbean has been an event so rare, it's something most people have never witnessed. Even though it's this unlikely, on January 21, 2025, videos circulated social media, with claims of snow falling in Jamaica. Though these claims were later found to be false, there's no denying the extremely unusual weather which occured that day. In my former home of New Orleans, the city saw it's first snowfall since 2009, and unlike the last time, this snow had staying power! Photos of people skiing down Bourbon street and snowball fights in Jackson Square were all over, bringing joy, while also making many say "Something is very wrong here." Now what could have happened to make "Hell freeze over?"

The day before these wintery occurances, something rather dark and sinister took place indeed. I still can't understand exactly how anyone thought this was a good idea, but on January 20, the worst president in the history of the United States was sworn in and returned to the White House. As I write the words, it's still painfully difficult to accept this as reality. Perhaps a little bit of cane-fueled escapism is in order.

When I first made this drink, I imagined a scenario where I'm back in Jamaica, enjoying the beach and sun, when all of a sudden the weather takes a turn for the worst. Snowfall begins on the beaches of Montego Bay, and everyone loses their mind. Being a native-born northerner, I just throw on another layer, tell everyone to calm down, and settle in to my hotel, where we shake up some seasonally appropriate rum tipples. Just like the winter which has befallen us in reality, it looks like we might be here for awhile, so let's get to mixing.

Snowfall in Montego Bay

1.25oz Clove-Infused Jamaican Overproof Rum

0.25oz Banane du Brésil

0.5oz Cinnamon Syrup

0.25oz Rosemary Honey

0.5oz Lemon Juice

0.5oz Cream of Coconut

1oz Apple Cider

Large Camping Mug

Shake with ice and pour unstrained.

Top with shaved ice, like a snowball.

Garnish with Rosemary, Orange Slice, Torched Cinnamon Stick, and Grated Nutmeg.

Clove Rum

1 750ml bottle Jamaican Overproof

2 tablespoons Whole Cloves

Combine rum and cloves in a blender.

Blend on high for 20 seconds.

Fine strain with coffee filter.

Will we will all find ourselves in a neverending vacation, filled with rum, happiness, and a little less doom? I know a lot of you out there have been having a pretty rough first month. You may recall those days, five years ago now, then we were shaking cocktails from the vault daily. The one positive note I can try and take from all of this, is perhaps we will all come together again, sharing our love of rummy drinks with a little side of humor. I just want to let you know, I'm here for all of your libation-laden needs, and I'm sure you'll be needing them for the road ahead. I'll see you here soon, same shaker time, same shaker station. Until we meet again, my thirstiest of friends, don't let the world bring you down too much. As we always say here, stay angry and keep shaking.