For those of you who read my post last week about spring travel destinations and felt a little sad that a tropical getaway isn’t in your near future, I’m in the same boat. I thought I’d share some tips from BBB about enjoying your Montecristi Fino despite cold weather.

How to create a tropical island experience in the dead of winter (or a still-way-too-cold “spring”):

Step 1: Obtain several fine rums for sampling. Perhaps Zacapa (either the 23 or the Gran Reserva, or, if you’re feeling flush, both), or a Rhum Agricole from Martinique, or get the best rums you can find from several different countries of origin so at least your tastebuds can have a whirlwind tour of the tropics.

Step 2: Lay down a sonic backdrop. If you have a white noise machine or a relaxing sounds app on your smartphone (there are several free ones available, I happen to like Relax MP), choose some beach sounds to play in the background. You can also supplement this with some tropical music. Music suggestions: Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, Hawaiian slack key guitar, or some retro exotica (i.e., the music that plays in the background of every tiki bar).

Step 3: Turn up the heat. Take off your sweater and socks, go dig out some shorts, and crank that thermostat.

Step 4: Put on your Brent Black hat. Settle in. Check yourself out in the mirror. Realize you look awesome. Change into fancier shorts.

Step 5: Relax and bask in the warmth. Sip rum. Listen to your tunes. Read a great travel memoir. Compose a great travel faux-moir about the adventure you wish you were on. (Post the latter in a comment.)

Optional: If you want some suitably tropical food or cocktail suggestions, take a moment to investigate the recipes we’ve posted here.

How are you beating the winter weather this year?