March is Women’s History Month, and we’re back with another new cocktail recipe called the Gentleman Pirate. Last week, we shared the recipe for the Rye-Napple Express.

But before we get to this new rum-based recipe, a bit of the holiday’s history. Every year, March is a dedicated month to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to U.S. history.

According to History.com, the celebration of Women’s History Month started with a week-long celebration of women’s contributions to culture, history and society, which was organized in 1978 by the school district of Sonoma, California, back in 1978.

That initial celebrations saw presentations given at schools, students participating in a “Real Woman” essay contest and a parade in downtown Santa Rosa.

The spirit of that initial celebration caught on within other communities, school districts and organizations around the U.S. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women’s History Week.

Congress followed suit the next year, passing a resolution establishing a national celebration. Six years later, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand the event to the entire month of March.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, FredMinnick.com will share some cocktail recipes for the remainder of March. Specifically, we will share a few recipes submitted by Shaker & Spoon.

Founded in 2015 by two designers with no hospitality experience, Shaker & Spoon is a majority woman-owned brand that has sent millions of cocktails across the nation. Enjoy, and happy Women’s History Month.

Gentleman Pirate

Recipe by Caer Maiko, Top Four in 2022 and 2023 for the Spirited Awards’ US Bartender of the Year, for Shaker & Spoon

2 oz sesame oil fat–washed aged rum 

1/2 oz banana syrup

3 dashes chicory bitters

1 banana chip

Prep: To fat-wash your aged rum, combine 1 oz sesame oil with 8 1/2 oz aged rum. Give it a shake, then transfer the combination to the freezer for a minimum of 8 hours (overnight will work great—and for more sesame flavor, you can let it sit longer). Once the oil has separated (it will rise to the top and freeze), skim off the solids. Strain any remaining solids out using a cheesecloth or fine strainer. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and use 2 oz at a time for this drink.

1. Add all the liquid ingredients to a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Use a bar spoon to stir until the glass feels ice-cold (20–40 seconds).
2. Garnish by placing the banana chip atop the ice cube.

Cocktail kit also available for purchase.