Paul Kushner
The Old Fashioned may be old, but its appeal is as obvious now as it was over a century ago. You just don’t mess with a good thing.
Or do you? We’ve set out to convince you that maybe change isn’t such a bad thing. We’re going to let the smooth richness of the Rum Old Fashioned make that argument for us.
How to Make a Rum Old Fashioned
You can make this Old Fashioned in whatever fashion takes your fancy. Try saying that five times fast after a sip of this cocktail! We like this version for its dark, burnt caramel sweetness, and for the inclusion of fruity orange and spicy Angostura bitters.
Rum Old Fashioned
Rum provides just the right amount of tangy zest. We think even the purists will fall in love with this twist on the good old Old Fashioned, finding plenty of familiarity with the original, with a delicious and exotic twist.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of dark rum
- 1 tsp of allspice dram
- 2 splashes of orange bitters
- 2 splashes of Angostura bitters
- 1 teaspoon demerara syrup
- Garnish with a twist of orange
Instructions
- Take an Old Fashioned glass and add one large ice cube
- Add dark rum, allspice dram and both bitters
- Add 1 tsp demerara syrup, or more if desired
- Stir until well-chilled
- Garnish with a twist of orange
Traditionalism
Popular around the globe, this classic drink is enjoyed by purists who enjoy its traditionalism, as well as those who simply know a good drink when it hits them in the tastebuds.
Known as the drink of the man’s man, it has been sipped and stirred since the 19th Century in smoky bars and lounges in both the finest and commonest of company. The great equalizer, this aristocratic drink can be enjoyed by anyone with the know-how to knock it together with just a few simple ingredients.
To Whiskey or Not to Whiskey?
Some Purists will tell you that an Old Fashioned must be made with whiskey. But, like the commoners of old, we sometimes like to shake tradition up a bit. Many have played with the Old Fashioned’s classic cocktail template and created some very tasty spinoffs.
You can customize this drink to your heart’s content, basing it on the simple cocktail formula of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters.
People have been making this drink their own since the very beginning of its popularity, and we approve. So set aside the idea that only whiskey maketh an Old Fashioned. As Shakespeare noted, any other spirit will smell as sweet. Close enough anyway.
Such magical perversions of the original include the must-try tequila and mezcal-based Oaxacan Old Fashioned. They also include this tantalizing rum-based concoction. Don’t forget about the Wisconsin Old Fashioned, either!
A hint of tannin and oak comes through from the dark rum, a throwback to the original whiskey Old Fashioned. The allspice dram and Angostura bitters add a spicy complexity to the drink.
Instead of simple syrup, we recommend a dark, rich syrup made from demerara sugar. The hint of molasses left in this partially refined sugar really makes the drink. The addition of citrus in the form of orange bitters cuts through this rich and spicy drink, balancing out what could otherwise become cloying or overpowering.
Cheers!
Old Old Fashioned, move over! We love the new delicious creations that have come from playing with this drink. We hope you enjoy this rich exotic version of the old classic as much as we do!
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