Aged Rum Old-Fashioned

The Rum Old-Fashioned is a simple twist on a classic cocktail that is easy for beginners yet creates a drink with complex flavors. Your favorite aged rum packs a punch in this spirit-forward sipper.

About this Rum Old-Fashioned recipe

There’s something special about transforming a classic recipe. Don’t get me wrong, I love a classic old-fashioned (not to brag, but I’ve pretty much perfected the recipe.)

But, when you switch out an ingredient or make a small change and all of a sudden you’re left with this new drink that hits all the right taste buds, it’s pretty amazing. That’s exactly what happened with this Rum Old-Fashioned. A bottle of aged rum has been staring at me from the bar cart ^*, just begging to be used.

My banana old-fashioned uses banana and rum to give a tropical twist, but in this drink, the rum shines all on its own. Since rum is made from sugarcane, a homemade demarara syrup brings out the molasses and caramel undertones from the spirit. My very official taste tester (AKA my husband) thought it was a hit and I hope you do too!

More old-fashioned recipes: Brandy Old-Fashioned • Scotch Old-Fashioned • Oaxaca Old-Fashioned with Mezcal • Tequila Old-Fashioned

Tools & glassware

If you order an old-fashioned at a restaurant, chances are that it will be served in rocks glasses ^* or old-fashioned glasses ^*. You can really use any glass you prefer — I find that a large ice cube (which is perfect for an old-fashioned) fits better in a rocks glass ^*.

Outside of the glass you choose, an old-fashioned doesn’t require much. You’ll just need a basic bar set that includes a mixing glass ^* and bar spoon ^*.

favorite rocks glasses

striped old-fashioned glasses

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hobnail rocks glasses

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minimalist rocks glasses

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^*

Ingredients

If you’re already a fan of old-fashioned cocktails, I’m guessing you have most of the ingredients on-hand already. Be sure to check out your bar cart ^* for these fixings before hitting the store!

• Aged rum: Aged rum has an incredible flavor, whereas white rum is more clean and crisp. The aging provides deeper, more complex notes that work well in an old-fashioned, a drink that is so spirit-forward.
• Demerara syrup: Although it sounds fancy, demerara syrup is just simple syrup made with demerara sugar, which is widely available. It provides a nice molasses and caramel undertone to the rum and the best part? You can make it at home.
• Bitters: Angostura bitters ^* are popular in many old-fashioned recipes and work well here, too, given its Caribbean origin in Trinidad. If you want a more subtle enhancement, Peychaud’s would be a good alternative.

Garnishes

To compliment the deep, rich flavors in this drink I kept it simple, traditional and bright with a piece of orange zest.

You could add a cocktail cherry ^* — try making your own cocktail cherries using rum — for a nod to the classic recipe or opt for something a bit more fun like a dehydrated orange slice or even a cocktail pick with fruit slices like pineapple and oranges.

Best rum for an old-fashioned

Bourbon, or bourbon whiskey, is the typical spirit found in an old-fashioned. This recipe replaces the whiskey with aged rum, which provides earthy notes thanks to the flavors absorbed from the barrel it was aged in.

White or silver rum is commonly used in classic recipes like a mojito or a daiquiri. Its light, crisp flavor is great for fruit flavors, but isn’t ideal for this recipe.

The best way to find your favorite is to try a few rum old-fashioneds when you are at craft cocktail bars. Jamaican aged rums are deliciously funky and robust with spicy and earthy flavors. Hampden Estate and Appleton Estate make two of my favorites.

Substitutions & variations

Non-alcoholic version: Turn this into a non-alcoholic Rum Old-Fashioned by using a zero-proof spirit alternative and non-alcoholic bitters ^*. Try this old-fashioned mocktail as a good starting place.

Sweetener swaps: Try brown sugar simple syrup instead of Demerara syrup in a pinch. It will add notes of molasses and caramel to your drink. Plain simple syrup works too.

Spiced rum old-fashioned: Add a bit of spice by using spiced rum instead of aged rum. I like to make homemade spiced rum so I can control the levels of spice.

Bitters variations: Shake up the taste by swapping out the bitters for your favorite bitters.

Instructions

The Rum Old-Fashioned comes together in just a few easy steps. It’s a great drink to make when you’re ready to get straight to cocktail hour!

First, you’ll want to make your demerara syrup. Pour the sugar and water into a small saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high and stir until the sugar dissolves, being careful not to let the mixture boil. Once the sugar has completely dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool before using in your drink.

For the Rum Old-Fashioned, begin by filling a mixing glass ^* with ice. Add the rum and syrup, stirring gently to combine and cool the mixture.

Strain from the mixing glass into your preferred glass with a large ice cube.

Grab your bitters to complete your drink. Bitters are measured in dashes (about 10 drops) — add a little or a lot depending on your tastes. Top with your garnish and enjoy!

Extra demerara syrup? A batch of Demerara Syrup is super versatile! Use it to add a touch of sweetness to your coffee or tea in place of sugar or honey. You can also try it instead of syrup on top of pancakes, waffles and ice cream. It will work wonderfully in cocktails made with barrel-aged spirits, especially because of its dark amber color, like the Jungle Bird.

Food pairings

Since the Rum Old-Fashioned is spirit-forward, pair it with something savory to balance it out. Crunchy cheese straws or pizza dough breadsticks are a great salty, savory option.

If you need more of a meal, this mouthwatering blackberry bacon grilled cheese would be superb. For dessert, try peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies or a tart and tasty lemon bar.

FAQ

More rum cocktail recipes

• Fish Bowl Drink
• Hurricane Cocktail
• Zombie Drink