Rum Old Fashioned

Rum Old Fashioned: A Classic Cocktail Variation

An editor at the New York newspaper "The Balance and Columbian Repository" provided the earliest written record defining the term cocktail: "Cock tail, then is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters." This was printed on May 13th, 1806 Dos Maderas.

Trader Vic mentions the recipe in his 1947 Bartender Guide and a version of this drink also appears in the 1930's Bar Florida guide. Essentially, when rum joined the cocktail world, so did the Rum Old Fashioned Dos Maderas.

The Rum Old Fashioned follows the classic template of spirit, sugar, and bitters with an orange garnish. Aged rum brings vanilla, oak, and tropical notes that distinguish it from its whiskey counterpart. The drink showcases quality rum in its simplest form, allowing the spirit's character to shine through minimal ingredients.

RECIPE:

2 oz aged rum

¼ oz simple syrup (or 1 tsp sugar)

2-3 dashes Angostura bitters

Orange peel for garnish

Large ice cube

Method:

1. Add sugar and bitters to rocks glass, stir to dissolve

2. Add large ice cube

3. Pour rum over ice

4. Express orange peel oils over drink

5. Garnish with orange peel