Celebrate National Rum Day August 16 With South Florida Distillers and Tap 42

With South Florida's year round tropical clime and endless vacation-style weekend vibes, none of us needs an excuse to kick back, relax, and enjoy a tropical rum drink. It's kind of Florida's official state sport. But just in case you like to justify your afternoon boozing to yourself, this Sunday is National Rum Day.

To help you celebrate on August 16, Tap 42 has partnered with FWAYGO rum, a locally-crafted product from Fort Lauderdale's South Florida Distillers. The event will take place at both the Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale locations, and will feature signature cocktails including the Pineapple Express, made with FWAYGO rum, Mint, Amaretto, and bitters.

There will also be a surprise craft cocktail created by the restaurant's in-house mixology team, as well as an all-day special on FWAYGO shots for $4.20 each.

South Florida Distillers is a joint venture between childhood friends, Joe Durkin and Avi Aisenberg, who grew up together in Weston. Together, they launched Broward County's first distillery based in Fort Lauderdale, and last year launched their first product, a white rum they named FWAYGO.

With Aisenberg's background in electrical and computer engineering, and Durkin's experience with fermenting and distilling, the duo has achieved early success, awarded a gold medal during the 2015 RumXP International Tasting Competition held at the Doubletree by Hilton in Miami this April as part of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.

In addition, the duo has started placing FWAYGO in influential bars and restaurants throughout South Florida including Tap 42, which stands as one of the first local establishments to support the brand.

"We are very excited to be teaming up with Tap 42 to celebrate National Rum Day," said Aisenberg, also South Florida Distillers's CEO. "We handcraft FWAYGO right here in Fort Lauderdale, and [it's] the perfect local bar in which to showcase it."

Tap 42 Fort Lauderdale, is located at 1411 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, and Tap 42 Boca Raton is located at 5050 Town Center Circle, Boca Raton. Visit facebook.com/sofladistillers.

Nicole Danna is a food writer covering Broward and Palm Beach counties. To get the latest in food and drink news in South Florida, follow her @SoFloNicole or find her latest food pics on the New Times Food & Drink Instagram.