Rum Fix

The Rum Fix is a historic cocktail from the 19th century, belonging to the "Fix" family of drinks. It's a straightforward and delightful concoction that highlights the base spirit, balanced by the tartness of fresh lemon juice and a touch of sweetness. Served over a mound of crushed ice, it's an incredibly refreshing drink, perfect for a warm day. The choice of rum and sweetener allows for wide variation and personalization.
Rum Fix

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rum Fix is classified as a classic cocktail, originating in the 19th century. It falls under the "sour" category due to its core components of spirit, citrus (sour), and sugar (sweet). It is a foundational drink that predates many more complex classic cocktails.

Serving

This short drink is served very cold in a chilled Old Fashioned glass packed with crushed ice. It has a moderate alcohol content, making it a refreshing but not overly potent sipper.
Serving size
120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
~20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The "Fix" was a popular style of drink in the mid-1800s, described in Jerry Thomas's seminal 1862 "How to Mix Drinks." It's one of the earliest forms of the sour, essentially a spirit, citrus, and sugar built directly in the glass over crushed ice. While other "Fix" variations existed (Brandy, Gin, Whiskey), the Rum Fix was a popular choice, showcasing the rich flavors of early rums.
Origin
United States, mid-19th century. The recipe was famously codified by Jerry Thomas in his 1862 book, "How to Mix Drinks or The Bon-Vivant's Companion."

Rum Fix

The name "Rum Fix" is quite straightforward, belonging to the historic "Fix" family of cocktails from the 19th century. The term "Fix" referred to a simple sour-style drink, built with a spirit, citrus, and sugar, served over crushed ice. Sometimes the name is modified, like "Jamaican Rum Fix," to specify the origin of the base spirit used.
Original name
Rum Fix
Alternative name
Jamaican Rum Fix

Characteristics overview

The Rum Fix is a visually appealing and highly refreshing cocktail with a straightforward flavor profile balancing rum, sweet, and sour. Its aroma is dominated by fresh lemon and sugarcane, leading to a crisp, clean taste perfect for warm weather.
Flavor
Rum-forward, citrusy, sweet, refreshing
Aroma
Zesty lemon, sugarcane, molasses
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, short
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light gold to amber, cloudy, served over white crushed ice
Texture
Cold, light, crisp
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is bright and straightforward, with a pleasant balance of sour citrus and sweetness supporting the primary rum notes. Its strength is moderate, making it an easy-sipping but flavorful drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires just three core ingredients: a good quality rum, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a sweetener like simple syrup. The choice of rum greatly influences the final taste.
  • Jamaican Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    A characterful, lightly aged Jamaican rum offers classic flavor, but any good quality gold or aged rum works well.
  • Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is essential for the best flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio. Can be substituted with pineapple syrup, raspberry syrup, or a liqueur like curaçao.

Ice type

  • Crushed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set, including a shaker, jigger, and strainer. A good citrus juicer is also recommended to get the most out of your lemons.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling
  • Jigger for measuring liquids
  • Citrus juicer for fresh juice
  • Strainer for separating ice

Instructions

The preparation is simple: shake the rum, lemon juice, and syrup with ice, then strain into a glass filled with fresh crushed ice. Finish with a lemon garnish and serve right away.
1. Fill an Old Fashioned glass or a small goblet to the brim with crushed ice and set it aside to chill.
2. Add the rum, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice and seal it tightly.
4. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass filled with crushed ice.
6. Garnish with a lemon wedge or wheel.
7. Serve immediately with a short straw.

Garnishing

Garnish simply with a fresh lemon wedge or wheel to complement the drink's primary citrus note. A few fresh berries can be added for a pop of color and flavor, as suggested in historical recipes.
  • Lemon wedge or wheel placed on the rim or atop the ice
  • Seasonal berries (optional) scattered on top

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from most common allergens, including dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, provided a plant-based sugar is used for the syrup.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail contains a moderate number of calories, primarily from the rum and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content can be adjusted by altering the amount of simple syrup used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 11 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a perfect warm-weather drink, ideal for casual sipping on a patio, at a summer barbecue, or during a relaxed happy hour. Its refreshing nature makes it a great choice for any laid-back social gathering where a simple, cooling beverage is desired.
  • Summer party
  • Afternoon drink
  • Happy hour
  • Casual get-together

Pairing suggestions

The Rum Fix's bright, citrusy profile makes it an excellent companion for light and flavorful dishes. It pairs particularly well with grilled seafood and the vibrant spices of Caribbean cuisine. It also works as a refreshing counterpoint to simple, salty snacks.
  • Grilled shrimp or fish tacos
  • Spicy Caribbean food like jerk chicken
  • Fresh fruit platters
  • Salty plantain chips

The Rum Fix: A Refreshing Taste of Cocktail History

The Rum Fix is a criminally underrated classic cocktail from the dawn of mixology. It's a simple, elegant, and incredibly refreshing drink that puts the spotlight on a good rum, balanced perfectly by fresh citrus and a hint of sweetness. Served over a mound of crushed ice, it's the ideal antidote to a hot day and a fantastic introduction to the historic "Fix" category of drinks. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it's a recipe every home bartender should know.

Similar Cocktails

Gin Fix

Uses gin as the base spirit instead of rum.

You May Also Like

Elderflower Sour

A refreshingly elegant and floral twist on the classic sour, balancing sweet elderflower liqueur with tart citrus and a spirit of your choice.

Chartreuse Swizzle

A refreshingly complex and herbal tiki-style cocktail featuring Green Chartreuse as the star.

Agua de Valencia

A refreshing and potent Spanish punch made with fresh orange juice, cava, gin, and vodka.

Vodka Gimlet

A crisp, clean, and refreshing cocktail that balances the sharp tang of fresh lime with the smooth neutrality of vodka.

Have You Tried These Yet?

Rose Cocktail

An elegant, aromatic pre-Prohibition cocktail with a delicate pink hue and a complex, fruity flavor profile.

Holland House Cocktail

A crisp, aromatic pre-Prohibition cocktail featuring genever or gin, balanced with dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lemon juice.

Blood & Honey

A sophisticated and balanced modern bourbon sour featuring the rich sweetness of honey and the floral notes of Lillet Blanc.

Charlie Brown Cocktail

A sophisticated, bourbon-based twist on the Perfect Manhattan, balanced with two types of bitters for added complexity.