First Shot Rum
Premium Aged Rum: Limited Edition Release
An ultra-premium aged sipping rum created for Lexington History Museums, First Shot Rum takes its name from the famous musket blast that rang out in the early morning of April 19, 1775, on the Lexington Town Common, beginning the war for American Independence. Join us in our exploration of history, connected not only through story, but through taste.
Limited Edition Release
Why Rum?
In the 1700s, rum was one of the American Colony’s most popular spirits, and a staple in homes and taverns alike.
Lexington locals of the era would have gathered at taverns Buckman and Munroe, where neighbors met to exchange news, debate politics, and raise a glass.
First Shot Rum is not a recreation of that era, but a modern tribute to the spirit woven into everyday life in Lexington on the eve of the American Revolution.
Crafted from a unique blend of aged rums by Waltham-based importer and distributor, Raising Glasses, our First Shot Rum is a refined sipping experience to be enjoyed in tavern or home. Bottles of 375 ml are available at 50% ABV and formatted for a structured experience with depth and character.
The Spirit
With a label designed by local artist Ariel Cohen Blair, we blend our past and our present to distill our own identity through bold modern graphics pulled from and inspired by our history.
Availability
Retail (Massachusetts)
Nick’s Beer Wine & Spirits
1666 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA
Retail (Massachusetts)
Whiskey and Wine Lexington
55 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
Retail (Massachusetts)
Burlington Wine and Spirits
43 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA
Online (Ships to 41 States)
Raising Glasses Webstore
Importer/Distributor of Single Cask Rum
Historic Cocktails
Rum Flip
A favorite in colonial taverns, the Rum Flip dates back to the 1600s. Made with rum, egg, sugar, and warming spices, it was a rich, frothy drink enjoyed as a comforting winter treat.
IngredientsRum: 1.5 to 2 oz of First Shot Rum
Heavy Cream: 0.5 oz
Sweetener: 0.5 oz of Demerara syrup (or 1 tsp granulated/brown sugar)
Egg: 1 whole fresh egg
Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg
InstructionsCombine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously without ice for 8–10 seconds to emulsify the egg and create a foam. Add ice and shake again for 10–12 seconds until well chilled. Double-strain into a glass and finish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Rattle Skull
Popular in colonial taverns, the Rattle Skull combined rum, brandy, dark beer, lime, and nutmeg into a robust, warming drink. Its colorful name reflected its potent reputation.
IngredientsRum: 1 oz First Shot Rum
Spirit: 1 oz Cognac or Brandy
Lime Juice: 0.75 oz
Sweetener: 0.5 oz of Demerara syrup (or 1 tsp granulated/brown sugar)
Beer: 12 oz porter or stout
Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg
InstructionsCombine the rum, cognac, lime juice, and syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake briefly for 5–8 seconds. Pour the beer into a large mug or glass, then strain and pour the shaken mixture on top to build a thick head. Finish with freshly grated nutmeg.
Stone Fence
A colonial New England favorite, the Stone Fence mixed rum with hard cider for a warming tavern drink. Popular with farmers and travelers, it was an easy way to mellow cider with a splash of stronger spirit.
IngredientsRum: 2 oz First Shot Rum
Cider: 4 to 5 oz hard apple cider (chilled)
Bitters: 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Garnish: Fresh mint sprig or grated nutmeg
InstructionsFill a highball glass with ice. Add the rum and a dash of bitters—then top with hard apple cider. Stir gently to combine and finish with a fresh mint sprig or a dusting of nutmeg.
Must be 21+ to purchase and enjoy.
Please drink responsibly.