Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic Old Fashioned cocktail elevated with aromatic bitters and a hint of citrus zest for a sharp, balanced drink. This general-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 2 minutes brings together dark rum, dashes aromatic bitters, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 2 min Serves 1 General cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1/2 tsp simple syrup and 3 dashes aromatic bitters into an Old Fashioned glass. Stir gently with 2 oz dark rum until combined.
  2. Step 2: Fill the glass with large ice cubes and stir for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  3. Step 3: Express oils from 1 large strip of orange peel over the glass by bending it skin-side down, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it into the drink.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately, savoring the complex bitterness layered with dark rum sweetness and fresh citrus aroma.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail take to make?

Total time is about 2 minutes (2 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover bitters-spiced rum old fashioned cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bitters-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned Cocktail?

General cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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