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Cocktails

Rum Old-fashioned

Served in a Old-Fashioned Glass

Reviewed by , Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic40.1% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
125 cal40.1% ABV1.30 US std1.4g sugar1.4g carbsAbout these numbers

Difficulty

Moderatelayered drink

Why: 6 ingredients, layered drink

Best for: Tropical Food, Aperitif, Happy Hour

Ingredients

BaseModifierSweetenerMixerGarnish
  • 1 1/2 ozLight RumBase
  • 1 tsp151 Proof RumBase
  • 1/2 tspPowdered SugarSweetener
  • 1 dashBittersModifier
  • 1 tspWaterMixer
  • Twist ofLime PeelGarnish

How to Make It

StirGarnish
  1. Stir powdered sugar, water, and bitters in an old-fashioned glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
  2. When sugar has dissolved add ice cubes and light rum.
  3. Add the twist of lime peel, float 151 proof rum on top, and serve.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.

Best For

AperitifHappy HourAfter Dinner

Food Pairings

Tropical Food

Diet & Lifestyle

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Make it your way

Adjust this drink

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.

Swap notes

Base spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.

Explore next

Cocktail recipesMocktail alternativesFood pairingsFlavors

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Rum Old-fashioned?
The Rum Old-fashioned is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 40.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 125 calories.
What does a Rum Old-fashioned taste like?
Rum Old-fashioned has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Vanilla, Bitter. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
What food goes well with a Rum Old-fashioned?
Rum Old-fashioned pairs well with Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
How strong is a Rum Old-fashioned?
The Rum Old-fashioned has an ABV of approximately 40.1%. That's approximately 1.30 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 125 calories, 1.4g sugar, 1.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
When is a Rum Old-fashioned typically served?
Rum Old-fashioned is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour, After Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
What drinks are similar to a Rum Old-fashioned?
If you enjoy Rum Old-fashioned, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
Can I make a Rum Old-fashioned at home?
Yes. The Rum Old-fashioned uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Rum Old-fashioned with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.