Palmetto Hotel Celebrates Charleston's Rum Legacy with Espresso Martini Twist

The hotel's rum-based espresso martini honors the city's 18th century spirits trade ahead of America's 250th anniversary.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 2:37am

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As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Palmetto Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina is honoring the city's rich history in the global spirits trade with a unique take on the popular espresso martini cocktail. Instead of the traditional vodka base, the hotel's version features Caribbean rum, a nod to Charleston's role as the top importer of spirits during the 18th century.

Why it matters

Charleston has a deep connection to the spirits trade, especially rum from the Caribbean, dating back to the colonial era. The Palmetto Hotel's rum-based espresso martini pays homage to this legacy as the country gears up to celebrate its 250th birthday, highlighting how the city's past continues to influence its present.

The details

The Palmetto Hotel's director of beverage, Gregory Wingloski, says the inspiration for the cocktail comes directly from Charleston's history as a bustling port city filled with sailors, merchants and traders. During the 18th century, Charleston was the top importer of spirits, particularly madeira and rum from Barbados. The hotel's espresso martini blends this old history with the modern popularity of the espresso martini trend.

  • Charleston was the top importer of spirits, particularly rum, during the 18th century.
  • The Palmetto Hotel is celebrating National Espresso Martini Day on March 15, 2026.

The players

Gregory Wingloski

The director of beverage at the Palmetto Hotel and a self-described history buff.

Palmetto Hotel

A hotel in downtown Charleston, South Carolina that is celebrating the city's rich history in the global spirits trade with a unique rum-based espresso martini cocktail.

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What they’re saying

“Charleston has a very, very rich history. It was actually the number one importer of spirits during the eighteenth century, leading up to the American Revolution.”

— Gregory Wingloski, Director of Beverage (abcnews4.com)

“We actually have the oldest liquor store in the nation at the Tavern at Rainbow Row. We were known at that time for importing both madeira and rum, specifically from Barbados.”

— Gregory Wingloski, Director of Beverage (abcnews4.com)

“Here at the Palmetto, if you come in for an espresso martini, you're not going to get your typical vodka or tequila-based espresso martini. You're actually going to get a Puerto Rican or Caribbean-based rum, which is tied to the rich history here in the city.”

— Gregory Wingloski, Director of Beverage (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

The Palmetto Hotel is celebrating National Espresso Martini Day on March 15, 2026, where guests can enjoy the signature rum-based cocktail for $10 from noon to 4 p.m.

The takeaway

The Palmetto Hotel's rum-based espresso martini is a unique blend of Charleston's colonial-era spirits trade legacy and the modern popularity of the espresso martini, honoring the city's rich history while looking ahead to the country's 250th anniversary celebration.