Rum Old-Fashioned

To the traditionalist, the Old-Fashioned is the classic worldwide drink going back more than a century and is whiskey based. But its recipe is also a guide that allows personalization and some opportunities that could be missed. The RUM OLD-FASHIONED is one such drink and should appeal to whiskey enthusiasts. It has oak notes from either the golden or dark aged rum due to rum’s aging in barrels. So when a smooth golden or dark aged rum is handy, this recipe should please both the whiskey traditionalist and the rum enthusiast. If nothing else, it gives us a chance to experience the versatility and complexity of rum.

Requirements: Aged golden or dark rum, Demerara syrup, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, orange peel

• 1.5 oz. aged rum (dark or golden)
• 1/4 oz. Demerara syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• orange peel for garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 30-60 seconds and strain over a large ice cube in an Old Fashioned glass. Twist an orange peel over the drink to release the oils, then use it for garnish.

Comments: I used El Dorado 15-year aged rum and New Orleans’ Cocktail & Sons Spiced Demerara in my Rum Old-Fashioned. After my first taste, I imagined that it might be an $18 drink at a NY or New Orleans restaurant or bar. It was GOOD. If you buy or are gifted a smooth, aged bottle of golden or dark rum, this is a great opportunity to enjoy it without interference from juices or other rum mixers.