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    Home » Recipe » Drinks » Rum Old Fashioned

    Rum Old Fashioned

    Published Jan 15, 2018 · Updated Aug 17, 2022 by Ginnie · Leave a Comment

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    Learn how to make a Rum Old Fashioned! This fun and tasty twist on the classic recipe is just as good as the original, and it's super simple to make!

    An overhead photo of the finished Rum Old Fashioned.

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Do you have a favorite cocktail?

    I have a few go to drinks, but the Old Fashioned will always have a soft spot in my heart. I grew up in Wisconsin where it's pretty much the official state drink, after all!

    While I love a classic Old Fashioned, sometimes it's fun to shake things up a little (my Cherry Smash Cocktail comes to mind). I usually prefer mine with whiskey, but did you know that you can make the Old Fashioned with rum, too?

    This Rum Old Fashioned is my new fave! You only need a few ingredients to make this tasty cocktail, and it's so simple to make ... I think you're going to love it, too!

    Two of the finished drinks and a rum bottle on a marble counter.

    Ingredients

    So, what's in this rum cocktail, anyway? The ingredients are pretty straightforward:

    • Dark Rum
    • Simple Syrup (this Brown Sugar Syrup would also be delish)
    • Angostura Bitters
    • Garnish - Cherry + Orange Twist

    With such basic ingredients, you'll want to choose good ones! Look for an aged dark rum, nothing spiced, flavored, or overly sweet. And make your own simple syrup ... it's so easy!

    What kind of rum goes in an Old Fashioned?

    Choose a dark rum for this drink. Avoid spiced or flavored rums.

    My husband picked up a bottle of Ron del Barrilito on our trip to San Juan last summer. It's Puerto Rico's oldest rum brand, and you can find it in the continental U.S., too. It's good stuff!

    Whatever rum you choose, get it delivered to your doorstep with Drizly in under 60 minutes! Drizly partners with your local liquor stores to deliver everything you need to make the perfect cocktail. Get $5 off your first Drizly order with code DRIZLYDEAL (minimum order $20; only valid in select states).
    A jar of simple syrup, the cocktail, and a rum bottle on a marble counter.

    How to Make a Rum Old Fashioned

    This delicious rum cocktail is simple to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's an overview of the steps:

    1. Combine rum, simple syrup, and bitters. Start by adding your dark rum and a little simple syrup to an Old Fashioned glass. Then, you're going to add four dashes of Angostura Bitters. The bitter help bring the other flavors together and will add a layer of complexity to your cocktail.
    2. Stir. Give your drink a stir. If you have a bar spoon, use it. Otherwise, a regular old spoon works, too!
    3. Add ice. After you've stirred your cocktail, add ice. I highly recommend using an ice cube mold to create those large ice cubes like you get in fancy bars. A large cube will melt a lot slower than regular ice cubes and won't water down your drink as fast. Regular ice works too though if it's all you have on hand.
    4. Garnish. Use a kitchen peeler to trim a wide strip of peel from an orange. If there's a lot of white pith on the back of the peel, remove it with a sharp knife. Gently twist the orange peel over your drink, then drop it in. For a finishing touch, garnish with a cherry. If you can find them, definitely use Luxardo Maraschino Cherries. They are so good and will forever change how you think of maraschino cherries.

    And that's how to make a Rum Old Fashioned! Wasn't that easy?

    A hand holding a bottle of Angostura Bitters.
    A hand stirring the ingredients together in a rocks glass.
    A hand garnishing the cocktail with a maraschino cherry.
    Two of the finished cocktails on a marble counter.

    I made a double Old Fashioned for my photos, so your drink will have less volume. It's a strong drink though, so short works in your favor in the long run!

    And this is not the sweet Brandy Old Fashion that Wisconsin is known for ... it's much closer to the classic Old Fashioned you'll find outside of my home state.

    This is the perfect drink for cold fall and winter days though, when a little rum can transport you to a more tropical state of mind!

    So light a fire (or turn on the Yule Log channel!) and get cozy. This easy recipe is one you'll want to repeat all winter long ... and probably in summer, too!

    This finished drink with a jigger in the background.

    Related Recipes

    If you enjoyed this Rum Old Fashioned recipe and want more ideas, here are a few other cocktails for you to explore:

    • Cuba Libre
    • Classic Daiquiri
    • Mojito
    • Strawberry Mojito
    • Blueberry Mojito
    • Dark Rum Mojito
    • Raspberry French 75
    • Spicy Paloma Cocktail
    • Strawberry Mint Gin and Tonic
    • Irish Coffee
    The finished drink served in a rocks glass.
    A Rum Old Fashioned, jigger, and liquor bottle on a marble counter.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Rum Old Fashioned

    Learn how to make a Rum Old Fashioned, a fun and easy twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail!
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time5 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 1 drink
    Calories: 187kcal
    Author: Ginnie

    Ingredients

    • 2 ounces dark rum
    • ½ ounce simple syrup
    • 4 dashes Angostura Bitters
    • 1 orange
    • 1 Maraschino cherry

    Instructions

    • Add rum, simple syrup, and bitters to an old fashioned glass.
    • Mix well, then add ice.
    • Using a vegetable peeler, trim a wide strip of peel from the orange.
    • Twist the peel over the cocktail to release some of it's oils, then add to glass.
    • Garnish with a cherry and serve immediately. Enjoy!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 187kcal
    Did you make this recipe?I love hearing from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag @HelloLittleHome or #hellolittlehome on Instagram!
    A closeup of the finished Rum Old Fashioned.

    What is your favorite cocktail?

    Rum Old Fashioned
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    About Ginnie

    Ginnie is the writer, photographer, and chief content creator behind Hello Little Home. She loves trying new things (whether that’s creating delicious vegetarian recipes, exploring a new city, trying a fun DIY project, or sharing a pretty makeup look), and she hopes to inspire you to do the same! Read more about Ginnie here.

    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)
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    Hi, I'm Ginnie! Welcome to Hello Little Home, which is all about inspiring everyday creativity! I'm excited to share my favorite things with you ... vegetarian recipes, travel inspiration, DIY projects, decor ideas, beauty and fashion tips, and more! Read more about me here!

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