Rum Old Fashioned Recipe

Master how to make the best rum old fashioned at home with this easy cocktail recipe. This homemade twist on a classic substitutes whiskey with aged rum for a sweet, smooth craft cocktail experience. Premium dark rum adds tropical depth to this timeless drink, perfect for rum enthusiasts looking to elevate their home bartending skills.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

3 mins

Cook Time:

Serves:

1 cocktail

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml aged rum (preferably 8-12 year)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 sugar cube (or 5ml simple syrup)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3 dashes Angostura bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 dash orange bitters</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">Orange peel for garnish</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 Luxardo cherry (or other premium cocktail cherry)</li> </ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

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Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Old Fashioned glass (rocks glass)</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing glass</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Bar spoon</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Large ice cube mold</li> </ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Place the sugar cube in the bottom of your mixing glass and saturate it with both Angostura and orange bitters. Using your muddler, crush the sugar thoroughly until it begins to dissolve with the bitters. If using simple syrup instead, simply add it with the bitters to the mixing glass. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the aged rum to your mixing glass. The quality of rum significantly impacts the final result – choose one with age statements between 8-12 years for optimal complexity without overwhelming oak notes. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Fill your mixing glass with ice (regular ice is fine for mixing) and stir with your bar spoon for 30-45 seconds. This gentle dilution is crucial – you're looking for the right balance of chill and dilution while maintaining the rum's character. The outside of the mixing glass should feel very cold to the touch. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Meanwhile, place a large ice cube or sphere in your rocks glass. Large format ice melts slower than regular cubes, minimizing dilution while you enjoy your cocktail. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Strain the cocktail over the large ice cube. The drink should fill the glass approximately 2/3 full, leaving room for the ice to move slightly when the glass is tilted. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cut a 5cm strip of orange peel. Hold the peel skin-side down about 5cm above the drink and pinch the edges to express the oils over the surface. You should see a fine mist of orange oil coating the top of the drink – this aromatic element is essential to a proper Old Fashioned. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Rub the orange peel around the rim of the glass to further enhance the aromatic experience, then place it decoratively in the drink alongside a Luxardo cherry. Unlike traditional whiskey Old Fashioneds, the rum version benefits from this subtle cherry sweetness that complements the rum's natural character. </li> </ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Rum Old Fashioned Recipe?

A Rum Old Fashioned requires 60ml aged rum (8-12 year recommended), one sugar cube or 5ml simple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 dash orange bitters, orange peel for garnishing and a Luxardo cherry to complement the rum's natural character.

How to make Rum Old Fashioned Recipe at home?

Learn how to make Rum Old Fashioned Recipe by muddling a sugar cube with bitters, adding aged rum, stirring with ice for 30-45 seconds until properly chilled and diluted, then straining over a large ice cube. Finish by expressing orange oils over the surface and garnish with an orange peel twist and premium cocktail cherry for an elegant presentation.

Which type of rum works best in an Old Fashioned variation?

Aged rums with 8-12 years of maturation provide the ideal balance of complexity, caramel notes and vanilla undertones without overwhelming oak influence. Premium dark or golden rums with minimal additives create a sophisticated spirit-forward cocktail with tropical depth and warmth.

Why stir rather than shake this cocktail?

Stirring achieves the perfect dilution while maintaining the drink's clarity and silky texture. Shaking would introduce unwanted aeration and excessive dilution, diminishing the rum's nuanced character. The gentle stirring process for 30-45 seconds allows the flavours to marry harmoniously.

What's the significance of the large ice cube in this rum cocktail?

The large ice cube or sphere melts more slowly than standard ice, providing consistent, minimal dilution as you sip. This preserves the cocktail's strength and flavour profile throughout the drinking experience while still keeping the drink perfectly chilled.

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