Rum DMC

The Rum DMC is a celebrated modern tiki cocktail renowned for its intricate yet balanced flavor profile. It utilizes a split base of aged and black blended rums, which provides a deep, molasses-rich foundation. Amontillado sherry introduces a layer of nutty, dry complexity, while falernum contributes sweet spice notes of almond, ginger, and clove. The cocktail is brought into perfect harmony with fresh lime and grapefruit juices, whose bright acidity cuts through the richness, creating a wonderfully refreshing and memorable drink.
Rum DMC

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rum DMC is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the tiki or tropical drink subcategory due to its rum base and citrus-forward profile. It is considered a modern classic because it was created in the 21st century but has gained significant recognition and respect in the bartending community.

Serving

Serve this cold drink in a chilled Double Old Fashioned glass or a fun tiki mug filled with crushed ice. It is a moderately strong cocktail with a complex, spirit-forward but refreshing character.
Serving size
Approximately 6 oz / 180 ml (before ice)
Alcohol content
~18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Double Old Fashioned glass or Tiki mug
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by the talented bar team at the acclaimed Trick Dog in San Francisco, the Rum DMC quickly became a standout item on their menu around 2013. The drink is a testament to the modern craft cocktail movement's approach to tiki, deconstructing classic templates and rebuilding them with innovative ingredients like sherry. Its clever, pop-culture-inspired name helped it gain notoriety, becoming a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts.
Origin
Created circa 2013 at Trick Dog bar in San Francisco, California, USA.

Rum DMC

The name "Rum DMC" is a clever pun on the legendary hip-hop group Run-DMC. This wordplay directly references the cocktail's primary spirit base, which is rum. The name is memorable and reflects the modern, creative spirit of the bar where it was invented.
Original name
Rum DMC
Alternative name
Rum-D.M.C.

Characteristics overview

This is a highly refreshing summer cocktail with a complex aroma of molasses, citrus, and toasted nuts. The flavor is a beautiful balance of sweet and sour, with a smooth texture and a warm, spicy finish.
Flavor
Tropical, nutty, spicy, citrusy, complex, rum-forward
Aroma
Molasses, toasted almond, lime, grapefruit, ginger
Taste balance
Balanced sweet and sour, nutty, spicy undertones
Aftertaste
Lingering spice, nutty sherry, warm rum
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Golden amber, slightly hazy
Texture
Smooth, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, suitable for warm weather

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is led by a bright sourness and fruity citrus notes, balanced by moderate sweetness and a noticeable alcohol warmth. Subtle spice from the falernum adds complexity to this non-carbonated drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a well-stocked bar, featuring two types of rum, Amontillado sherry, and falernum liqueur. Freshly squeezed lime and grapefruit juice are crucial for achieving the intended vibrant, balanced flavor.
  • Aged Column Still Rum1 oz / 30 ml
    A Spanish-style or other lightly aged rum works well, such as Flor de Caña 4 or Don Q Cristal.
  • Black Blended Rum1 oz / 30 ml
    A dark, flavorful rum is key. Good choices include Gosling's Black Seal or Cruzan Black Strap.
  • Amontillado Sherry0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Provides essential nutty and saline notes. Do not substitute with other sherry types.
  • Falernum0.5 oz / 15 ml
    A spiced syrup or liqueur with flavors of almond, ginger, lime, and clove. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum is a common choice.
  • Fresh Lime Juice0.75 oz / 22.5 ml
    Freshly squeezed is essential for brightness and flavor.
  • Fresh Grapefruit Juice0.5 oz / 15 ml
    Freshly squeezed white or pink grapefruit juice works well.

Ice type

  • Crushed or pebble ice for serving, cubed ice for shaking.

Mixing equipments

You will need standard cocktail equipment to make this drink. A shaker is used to vigorously combine and chill the ingredients before they are strained into a glass.
  • Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients.
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate proportions.
  • Strainer to separate ice after shaking.

Instructions

This cocktail is made by shaking all ingredients with ice to achieve proper dilution and chilling. It is then strained into a glass filled with fresh crushed ice and garnished for aromatic effect.
1. Chill your Double Old Fashioned glass or tiki mug by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Combine all ingredients (both rums, sherry, falernum, lime juice, and grapefruit juice) into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and cold.
5. Fill the chilled serving glass with crushed or pebble ice.
6. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
7. Garnish with a slapped mint sprig and a fresh grapefruit twist.
8. Add a straw and serve immediately.

Garnishing

The drink is garnished with a fresh mint sprig and a grapefruit twist. These not only add visual appeal but also contribute aromatic complexity that enhances the drinking experience.
  • Mint Sprig: Slap a fresh mint sprig to release its oils and place it in the drink.
  • Grapefruit Twist: Express the oils from a grapefruit peel over the drink and place it on the rim or in the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is typically caffeine-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but contains nuts as falernum is often made with almond extract. Verify individual ingredient labels to ensure they meet specific dietary needs, such as being vegan (some falernum may contain honey).
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie and sugar content, primarily from the rums, falernum, and fruit juices. It is not considered a low-calorie or low-sugar drink.
Calories
Averagely 230 kcal / 962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 16g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 13g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for warm-weather occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, or any tiki-themed gathering. Its refreshing and complex character also makes it an excellent choice for a sophisticated happy hour or a special weekend treat.
  • Summer party
  • Happy hour
  • Tiki-themed event
  • Poolside lounging
  • Weekend drink

Pairing suggestions

The Rum DMC pairs wonderfully with foods that have spicy, savory, or tropical notes. It cuts through the richness of fried foods like coconut shrimp and complements the spice in dishes like jerk chicken or fish tacos. Its fruity character also makes it a great match for fresh fruit salads or platters.
  • Spicy appetizers like jerk chicken wings
  • Grilled fish tacos
  • Coconut shrimp
  • Fresh fruit platters

The Rum DMC: A Hip-Hop Inspired Tiki Classic

The Rum DMC is a masterful modern tiki cocktail that exemplifies creativity and balance. It layers the deep, funky notes of a split rum base with the sophisticated nuttiness of Amontillado sherry, a combination that sets it apart. The addition of spicy falernum and fresh citrus creates a symphony of flavor that is both complex and incredibly refreshing. A must-try for any fan of rum or tiki drinks, it's a testament to the innovation of the modern cocktail scene.

Similar Cocktails

Mai Tai

Shares a rum, lime, and nutty syrup (orgeat vs. falernum) base, but the Mai Tai uses orange curaçao for sweetness, while the Rum DMC uses sherry and grapefruit for a drier, nuttier complexity.

Ancient Mariner

Both are tiki sours with a split rum base and grapefruit juice. The Ancient Mariner uses allspice dram for spice instead of falernum and lacks the complex sherry component.

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