A Twist on a Classic: Try a Rum Old Fashioned

Traditionally an Old Fashioned cocktail is made with whiskey, but have you tried it with rum?

Try this twist for a delicious Rum Old Fashioned!

As far as cocktails go, the old-fashioned is as classic as they come. Served around the world since 1862, it's still a popular choice for many. 

A classic old-fashioned may be made from bourbon, but that can get stale. Why not jazz up your next cocktail night and try making a rum old-fashioned? 

Keep reading to get the scoop on why rum is so good in this classic cocktail and stick around till the end for the only recipe you'll ever need.

What's In An Old Fashioned? 

The history of rum is a long and fascinating one, but there are always going to be purists who scoff at the idea of putting anything non-whiskey related into an old-fashioned. However, if you look at any cocktail recipe, you'll always see a template more than a set of hard and fast rules. 

Traditionally, an old-fashioned is made from a spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. Yes, whiskey acts as the spirit in this drink, but this cocktail can be liberally customized, and one of our favorite methods is using rum.

Making A Rum Old Fashioned

With hundreds of different rum flavors, variants, and types to choose from, your journey will never be dull. Our version calls for a dark rum, but your favorite will certainly do just fine.

A dark rum brings a rich oakiness to the drink, which will appeal to the whiskey drinkers, and the warm allspice flavor brings another layer of complexity and spice. 

Any simple syrup will work, but play around with different flavors, too. We like a demerara syrup for a rich taste and smooth mouthfeel. To round it out, we double up on bitters for balance.

The Only Rum Old-Fashioned Recipe You'll Ever Need 

Use this recipe as a guide, not a rule. If you prefer something sweeter, add fewer bitters. Add an extra orange peel if you want more freshness. The world is your proverbial oyster.

• 2 ounces of dark rum
• 1 sugar cube or 1/4 ounce syrup
• 3 dashes bitters 
• Orange peel for garnish
• 2 maraschino cherries for garnish

1. If using a sugar cube, place it at the bottom of your glass and crush it. Otherwise, measure out your syrup and pour. 
2. Add your bitters and muddle until completely combined.
3. Add ice to your mixing glass, then pour in the rum.
4. Stir well and strain into a tumbler or low ball glass.
5. Garnish with your orange peel and cherries.

Once you've mastered this simple new recipe, why not try new and fun variations? Substitute some orange bitters for extra zing, or add a flavored syrup like caramel or smoked sugar. 

You can combine different rums for extra depth of flavor. You never know, maybe a pineapple rum old-fashioned is going to be your new favorite!

The only thing we'll say is that you want to make sure your rum is of a high standard, as it is the showstopper in this cocktail.

Your New Staple

We're positive a rum old-fashioned is going to become a permanent fixture in your life. With its smokey sweet flavor and warming power, there is truly nothing better. 

Put your feet up after a long day, take a sip, and enjoy.