Make a ‘rum’ for Marblehead by land or by sea.
The town of Marblehead is known for its high population of sailors, hearkening back to the days when seafaring was more of a trade and less than sport. And where there are sailors, there are bottles of rum. Luckily for landlubbers, there’s The Landing pub and restaurant, a waterfront destination right in Marblehead Harbor that serves up the catch of the day and a dram or two of New England’s favorite tipple—rum.
One of the pub’s signature drinks pays homage to the community’s sailors with a blend of Gosling’s Gold and Black Seal rums, Grand Marnier, and ginger beer. Called appropriately “Three Sheets,” this spicy, citrus-tinged cocktail is garnished with lemon, lime, and orange wedges. The cocktail was coined after the sailing term “three sheets to the wind,” which is when a ship’s sheets come loose, causing the sails to flap uncontrollably and the ship to lose course. And after a few drinks, of course, the term takes on a whole new meaning
Celebrating 40 years in business, The Landing has become a local hangout and seasonal tourist destination. With sailing events almost every week from May through September, General Manager Robert Simonelli calls it Marblehead’s “public yacht club.” The open-air deck is one of the premier spots for waterfront dining on the North Shore, where you can watch your catch of the day as it is being hauled onto the docks in front of the restaurant.
With over 15 beers on tap and 30 wines by the glass, there’s no shortage of imbibing options at The Landing. Grape and grain connoisseurs flock to the pub on Monday nights for alternating Wine Club and Mug Club events. But rum is still the best seller. The classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy, made with Gosling’s rum and ginger beer, has been a staple here since 2004.
No matter what the weather, a drink at the Landing will certainly put a little wind in your sails. 81 Front St., Marblehead, 781-639-1266, thelandingrestaurant.com.
Three Sheets: Makes one serving
1 1/2 oz. Gosling’s Gold Rum
1 1/2 oz. Gosling’s Black Seal Rum
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
2-3 oz. Gosling’s Ginger Beer