History & Heritage
“The Rum Old Fashioned represents the logical evolution of the original Old Fashioned cocktail, which dates to the early 19th century. As American whiskey's cocktail renaissance grew, it was natural that bartenders would substitute rum for whiskey in popular recipes. The rise of tiki culture in the 1930s-40s, spearheaded by Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic, elevated rum's perception from a simple mixer to a sophisticated spirit. The Rum Old Fashioned belongs to the modern craft cocktail movement (2000-present), characterized by reverence for classics, high-quality ingredients, and creative bartender expression. It challenges perceptions by presenting rum in a sophisticated, spirit-forward context, serving as a gateway for whiskey drinkers to explore rum and for rum lovers to experience their spirit in a classic preparation.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
1.5 oz
0.3 oz
3 dashes
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a heavy-bottomed rocks glass in freezer for at least 10 minutes
Combine aged rum, Jamaican rum, demerara syrup, and bitters in mixing glass
Fill mixing glass three-quarters full with large, clear ice cubes
Stir with bar spoon for 20-30 seconds until exterior is well-frosted
Place large, clear ice cube in chilled rocks glass
Strain cocktail mixture over the ice
Express orange peel oils over surface by squeezing peel skin-side down
Rub peel around rim of glass and place in drink
Glassware
Served on the rocks in a heavy-bottomed Old Fashioned glass
Garnish
2-3 inch long, 1 inch wide strip avoiding white pith, expressed over drink
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-quality aged rum as the foundation - this is a spirit-forward cocktail
The blend of smooth Barbadian and funky Jamaican rums creates complexity
Large, dense ice cubes minimize dilution while maintaining proper chill
Express orange oils properly - you should see a fine mist spray onto the drink
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Rum Old Fashioned.
Single Rum Version
Uses 2.5 oz of a single premium aged rum for simplicity.
Changes
Spiced Rum Old Fashioned
Uses high-quality spiced rum with reduced sweetener to compensate.
Changes
Pineapple Rum Old Fashioned
Modern tropical twist with fresh pineapple or pineapple-infused rum.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Rum Fruit Punch
The foundational template for mixed drinks, following the classic Caribbean formula of 'One of Sour, Two of Sweet, Three of Strong, Four of Weak' with rum as the backbone.
Bourbon Manhattan
A cornerstone of classic American cocktails, this sophisticated and spirit-forward libation elegantly balances the sweetness and spice of bourbon with the herbaceous complexity of sweet vermouth and the aromatic punctuation of bitters.
Champagne Cocktail
A timeless sparkling classic—Angostura‑soaked sugar cube topped with brut Champagne and a lemon twist.