The Rum Old Fashioned, a sophisticated twist on a timeless classic, is the perfect cocktail to savor on a chilly evening. This recipe elevates the traditional Old Fashioned with the rich, warm notes of aged rum and the subtle sweetness of Demerara sugar. Surprisingly simple to make, even novice home bartenders can master this elegant drink.
Choosing the Right Rum for Your Old Fashioned
While budget-friendly spirits often work well in cocktails with bold flavors, a Rum Old Fashioned relies heavily on the quality of its base ingredient. Reserve your less expensive rums for drinks like Jungle Birds, Sea Monsters, or Dark ‘n’ Stormys. For this recipe, opt for a high-quality, golden, aged rum to truly experience the depth and complexity this cocktail offers. Consider this your excuse to splurge on that special bottle you’ve been eyeing!
Demerara Sugar: The Perfect Sweetener
A traditional Old Fashioned uses a sugar cube, but Demerara sugar is a natural complement to the warm notes of rum. Its rich molasses flavor adds a layer of complexity that simple syrup can’t match. You can use Demerara sugar directly or create a Demerara simple syrup, which also lends itself beautifully to other cocktails like Mai Tais and even your morning coffee. Turbinado sugar offers a similar flavor profile if Demerara is unavailable.
The Importance of Bitters and Garnish
While sometimes tempting to skip, the orange peel garnish is crucial for a Rum Old Fashioned. It provides a bright citrus aroma and subtle flavor that balances the sweetness and spice. Similarly, bitters, often overlooked, are essential. Think of them as the seasoning for your cocktail. A few dashes of aromatic bitters add depth and complexity, elevating the drink to a new level. Experiment with orange, cardamom, or even chocolate bitters to create unique variations.
Crafting Your Rum Old Fashioned: The Method
This cocktail doesn’t require a shaker. Traditionally, spirit-forward drinks are stirred in a mixing glass with ice to chill and dilute without over-dilution. If you don’t have a mixing glass, the cup part of your cocktail shaker works perfectly.
Rum Old Fashioned Recipe Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz aged rum (good quality)
- 1/4 oz Demerara syrup or 1 tsp Demerara sugar
- 3-4 dashes aromatic bitters
- Orange peel, for garnish
Rum Old Fashioned Recipe Instructions:
- Combine the rum, Demerara sugar or syrup, and bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir vigorously for 20-30 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
- Twist an orange peel over the glass to express the oils, then drop it into the drink.
Enjoy Your Rum Old Fashioned!
This meticulously crafted cocktail is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic recipes. The Rum Old Fashioned, with its warm spice, subtle sweetness, and bright citrus notes, offers a truly satisfying drinking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
