Sailing with the Captain and Cream Soda

Some of the best things come by accident. Something potentially bad happens and it turns out to be great - a hidden discovery! It's kind of like a Eureka moment. This is how the Cream Soda was born. Although there are many variations to the recipe, not all use a favorite rum, Captain Morgan's. The Captain has been with many of us since our first days of drinking, I mean since we were 21. This spiced rum has the ability to mix well with any crowd. However the favorite way of consumating with the Captain is the classic Captain & Coke.

Working a busy night at the bar one evening, I was getting my fair share of Capt' & Coke calls. This was when I was working at a great venue near the coast of Maine called Marlintini's. This local spot was one of the only places that did live music around and I hosted a clan of dedicated regulars. The music was rocking, girls are smiling and everyone is drinking. I pour the Captain in a glass, and instead of hitting the 'C' button on the Wunder Bar, I miss and hit 'L'. Out comes the Sprite and I don't catch it until the glass is almost full. At the last second, as my brain catches up with my thumb, I switch it up and top off with Coke. Delivering the finished drink to the waiting patron (no wounded soldiers in my bar!), I wait for the reaction fully expecting to have to mix a new cocktail. Instead I get a great big smile, like a kid in the candy store.

"Delicious," they say, "what is this drink?" Having to fess up, I say I don't know. It was a mistake. "Tastes just like a Cream Soda!" Hence the name, and drink, was born. Now I actively introduce this to every Captain drinker I meet. They get their first round of Capt' & Coke and I make their second round a Cream Soda. To this day, I can count on getting great big smiles in return. Give it a try next time you are out.

• Captain Morgan's spiced rum
• Sprite
• splash Coke

Pour Captain Morgans over ice in to preferred glass and mix with Sprite. Top off with a splash of Coke. Tastes just like creme soda. Drink and enjoy!