Rum Old Fashioned

The Rum Old Fashioned is a sophisticated and spirit-forward cocktail that swaps traditional whiskey for a quality aged rum. This substitution creates a drink with a complex flavor profile, highlighting the molasses, vanilla, and tropical fruit notes inherent in aged rum. Sweetened with sugar or syrup and seasoned with aromatic bitters, it's a smooth, warming sipper that appeals to both rum lovers and fans of the original classic. The result is a familiar yet distinctively different experience.
Rum Old Fashioned

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Rum Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, categorized as a spirit-forward drink. It is a direct variation of the original Old Fashioned, simply substituting the base spirit. It is typically served as a digestif or a sipping cocktail.

Serving

Served cold in a short Old Fashioned glass over a large ice cube to minimize dilution. This is a strong, spirit-forward drink designed for slow sipping.
Serving size
90-120 ml / 3-4 oz
Alcohol content
25-35% ABV (estimated)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Old Fashioned glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Rum Old Fashioned is not a drink with a single, documented origin story but rather a natural evolution of the original Old Fashioned template. As bartenders began experimenting with the classic "spirit, sugar, bitters, water" formula, rum was an obvious and delicious substitute for whiskey. Its popularity grew with the rise of premium aged rums, which offered the depth and complexity needed to stand up in this iconic cocktail format. It represents the versatility and enduring appeal of the Old Fashioned style.
Origin
The concept originated in the United States, likely in the 20th century as a variation of the original Old Fashioned from the 19th century. There is no specific creator or year attributed to it.

Rum Old Fashioned

The drink is most commonly known as the Rum Old Fashioned. It is sometimes specified by the type of rum used, such as an Aged Rum Old Fashioned. The Spanish name "Ron Añejo Old Fashioned" might also be used, translating to the same thing.
Original name
Rum Old Fashioned
Alternative names
  • Aged Rum Old Fashioned
  • Ron Añejo Old Fashioned

Characteristics overview

The Rum Old Fashioned boasts a rich, smooth texture with flavors of toffee and spice, balanced by aromatic bitters and bright citrus oils. Its warming aftertaste and deep amber color make it an inviting, all-season sipping cocktail.
Flavor
Rich, Toffee, Molasses, Vanilla, Spice, Orange, Aromatic
Aroma
Sweet, Spicy, Orange peel, Oak, Molasses
Taste balance
Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Smooth, Spicy
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Amber, Deep gold, Clear
Texture
Smooth, Rich, Syrupy
Seasonality
Warming, All-season, Autumnal, Wintery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a spirit-forward drink with moderate sweetness and bitterness, highlighted by warm spice notes from the rum and bitters. Its flavor is intense yet smooth, with no carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need a quality aged rum as the base, a sweetener like demerara sugar syrup, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. A fresh orange peel is essential for the garnish.
  • Aged Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality aged rum (e.g., from Barbados, Jamaica, or Guatemala) is recommended for depth of flavor.
  • Demerara Sugar Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Can be substituted with a sugar cube muddled with a splash of water, or simple syrup. Adjust to taste.
  • Angostura Aromatic Bitters2 dashes
    Other bitters like orange, mole, or chocolate bitters can also be used for variation.
  • Orange Peel1 piece
    A wide swath of peel is ideal for expressing oils over the drink.

Ice type

  • Large ice cube or sphere

Mixing equipments

Standard bar tools are needed, including a mixing glass and bar spoon for stirring, a jigger for accurate measurements, and a strainer.
  • Mixing glass for stirring the ingredients.
  • Bar spoon for stirring.
  • Jigger for measuring liquids.
  • Strainer for pouring into the serving glass.

Instructions

The drink is built by stirring rum, syrup, and bitters with ice in a mixing glass. It's then strained into a rocks glass containing a large ice cube and garnished with an expressed orange peel.
1. Place a large ice cube or sphere in a chilled Old Fashioned glass.
2. Combine the aged rum, demerara syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with cubed ice until it is about two-thirds full.
4. Stir with a bar spoon for about 20-30 seconds until the outside of the glass is well-chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over the large ice cube.
6. Take the fresh orange peel, hold it skin-side down over the drink, and squeeze firmly to express its aromatic oils onto the surface.
7. Rub the rim of the glass with the peel, then drop it into the drink as a garnish. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

The cocktail is traditionally garnished with a wide orange peel. The peel should be expressed over the glass to release its aromatic oils before being placed in the drink.
  • Orange peel twist, expressed over the drink to release its oils, then dropped into the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from common allergens like caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A Rum Old Fashioned is moderately caloric, primarily from the alcohol, with a relatively low carbohydrate and sugar content from the small amount of syrup used.
Calories
Averagely 180-220 kcal / 753-920 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 5-8 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 5-8 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for a relaxing evening at home, as a sophisticated after-dinner digestif, or for serving at a cocktail party. Its classic, spirit-forward nature makes it a great choice for sipping and savoring.
  • After-dinner drink
  • Cocktail party
  • Relaxing evening
  • Speakeasy-themed event

Pairing suggestions

The rich, sweet profile of the Rum Old Fashioned pairs wonderfully with decadent items like dark chocolate or a fine cigar. It also complements savory and sweet snacks such as salted nuts or grilled pineapple, which echo the rum's tropical notes. These pairings enhance the drink's warm, spicy character without overpowering it.
  • Dark chocolate
  • Cigars
  • Grilled pineapple
  • Salted nuts or almonds

The Rum Old Fashioned: A Tropical Twist on a Timeless Classic

The Rum Old Fashioned is a simple yet elegant variation on one of the world's most iconic cocktails. By substituting whiskey with a good quality aged rum, the drink takes on a warmer, sweeter character with notes of molasses, vanilla, and tropical spice. It remains a spirit-forward, stirred cocktail, perfect for slow sipping. An excellent choice for rum enthusiasts or anyone looking to explore a new dimension of a beloved classic.

Similar cocktails

Old Fashioned

The original classic, made with bourbon or rye whiskey instead of rum.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Uses reposado tequila and mezcal as the base spirits, with agave nectar as the sweetener.

Corn 'n' Oil

A classic Barbados cocktail made with dark rum, falernum (a spiced lime syrup), and bitters, sharing a similar rum-based profile.

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