What ingredients are in a Rum Old-fashioned?

1 1/2 oz Light rum, 1 tsp 151 proof rum, 1/2 tsp Powdered sugar, 1 dash Bitters, 1 tsp Water, Twist of Lime peel

What glass do you use for a Rum Old-fashioned?

A Rum Old-fashioned is traditionally served in a Old-fashioned glass.

How strong is a Rum Old-fashioned?

A Rum Old-fashioned has an estimated ABV of 27.74%.

How many calories are in a Rum Old-fashioned?

A Rum Old-fashioned contains approximately 151 calories per serving.

Rum Old-fashioned

Glass Old-fashioned glass

Difficulty Hard

Calories ~151 kcal

ABV 27.74%

Ingredients

Light rum 1 1/2 oz
151 proof rum 1 tsp
Powdered sugar 1/2 tsp
Bitters 1 dash
Water 1 tsp
Lime peel Twist of

Instructions

Stir powdered sugar, water, and bitters in an old-fashioned glass. When sugar has dissolved add ice cubes and light rum. Add the twist of lime peel, float 151 proof rum on top, and serve.

Strong Dark

The Rum Old-Fashioned is a spirit-forward variation of the classic Old-Fashioned, using light rum as the base and floating high-proof 151 rum on top, sweetened with powdered sugar, bitters, and garnished with a lime peel twist. It swaps bourbon or rye for rum while maintaining the cocktail's essential structure of spirit, sweetener, and bitters. The float of 151-proof rum amplifies both aroma and alcoholic intensity.

History & Origins

The Old-Fashioned is widely considered one of the oldest cocktails in American bartending, with documented recipes appearing in the mid-19th century. The rum variation emerged as bartenders adapted the formula to different base spirits, a common practice throughout cocktail history. The precise origin of the Rum Old-Fashioned is disputed, but rum-based riffs on the classic have appeared in bartending guides since the early 20th century.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: High-proof rum and lime peel deliver an intense, tropical-citrus nose layered over a faint bitters spice. Palate: Bold and spirit-forward, with light rum providing a clean sugarcane sweetness balanced by bitters and the sharp citrus oil of lime peel; the 151 float adds a fiery intensity. Finish: Long, warm, and drying, with lingering bitters and lime zest.

bold spicy citrus sugarcane aromatic

Pro Tip

Float the 151-proof rum gently over the back of a bar spoon to form a distinct, aromatic top layer that adds drama and intensity.

Techniques Used

Expressing Stirring

Data verified September 2017

Nutrition Facts →

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