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Rum Old Fashioned Recipe

Rum Old Fashioned Recipe

A sultry twist on the classic Old Fashioned, where aged rum brings caramel and vanilla notes that dance with aromatic bitters and subtle orange oils.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
3 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal rocks glass sits on a dark wooden bar top, golden hour light filtering through the amber liquid and illuminating the large, crystal-clear ice sphere. The rum old fashioned glows with rich mahogany hues, while droplets of condensation create a delicate pattern on the glass exterior. A fresh orange peel, twisted to release its oils, rests elegantly on the rim, with a luxurious Luxardo cherry partially submerged below. The background features blurred bottles of premium aged rum, creating depth as soft, warm light catches the edges of the glass and highlights the subtle swirl of oils on the surface.

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>

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>
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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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:
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🥑 Fat:
🧈 Saturated Fat:
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🍗 Protein:
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Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

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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