Breathe new life into an old favorite with this Rum Old-Fashioned—dark rum takes the place of whiskey and complements the sugar, bitters, and orange to create something new and exciting.
As its name suggests, the Old Fashioned is, well… old. But it has survived the test of time, thanks to its classic flavor and basic ingredients. Nope, you won’t find any du jour liqueurs in this cocktail. In fact, that’s how it got its name. Back in the early 20th century, as more and more cocktails were being invented using the latest in spirits, there were those who turned their noses up at the fruity drinks that resembled the beverages they gave their children. To combat the trend, they would demand of their bartenders, “Make me a drink… the old-fashioned way!”
This is not to say there aren’t variations on the Old-Fashioned. T&T has a number of them, including the Tequila Old-Fashioned and the Brandy Old-Fashioned. These cocktails are perfect for those who drink Old-Fashioneds but perhaps want to try something new. It’s also a great way for tequila and brandy drinkers to explore a new type of cocktail. Today, we’re continuing that trend by replacing the whiskey traditionally served as part of an Old-Fashioned with dark rum.
Which Rum Should I Use?
There are numerous types of rum, so you have a lot of options. The first time you make this though, I suggest a dark rum, as used in this recipe. Darker/aged rums possess a complexity that is perfect for a sipper like an Old-Fashioned. Look for brands like Ron Diplomático, Mount Gay, Appleton Estate, and Ron Zacapa. It will also make the transition from whiskey to rum that much easier for those longtime Old-Fashioned drinkers out there. The goal is to choose a rum with bold flavor and avoid a rum laden with sugars. The Old-Fashioned already features a sugar cube, after all. A happy middle ground can be attained with the use of a spiced rum, but again, choose wisely—some resemble liqueur more than an 80-proof spirit.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 splash water
- 1 orange peel
- 1 large ice cube
Instructions
- Place the sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Sprinkle the Angostura bitters, add a splash of water. Muddle until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add rum and stir gently to combine.
- Add a large ice cube and twist a piece of orange peel over the top of the glass to then drop it into the drink.
Nutrition
Tips & Tricks to Making a Perfect Rum Old-Fashioned
- Run the orange peel around the rim of the glass for more citrus flavor.
- Don’t think you can replace the large ice cube with several smaller cubes. The large cube won’t melt and dilute your drink as quickly. It will also keep it chilled for longer.
- Remove as much pith as possible from the orange peel—it taste bitter and may infuse in your cocktail.
- Use less sugar if you like drier cocktails.
FAQs & Tips
An Old-Fashioned glass is preferable. If you don’t have one though, use a rocks glass. In fact, save for the cut-glass ornamentation of the Old-Fashioned glass, they are pretty much the same thing.
Put the cocktail into an airtight container (a mason jar works well) then store it in the fridge for no longer than 3 days. Expect the cocktail’s flavor to have changed slightly.
There are 168 calories in this Rum Old-Fashioned. To trim that number, use a lighter rum and lose the sugar cube.
Sure. While Angostura bitters are traditionally used in an Old Fashioned, there are other kinds. Orange or chocolate bitters would work particularly well.
Simple syrup, maple syrup, honey syrup, agave nectar, demerara syrup, or even fruit puree (cherry or orange) can be used. Just start small, as these all have a distinct taste that you don’t want overpowering your drink.
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