Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned
A warm twist on the classic Old Fashioned with aromatic cardamom and smooth vanilla notes. This cocktails & drinks-inspired quick meals ready in about 3 minutes pairs aged rum, vanilla syrup, dashes angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum
- 1/2 oz vanilla syrup
- 2 dashes angostura bitters
- a pinch ground cardamom
- 1 large clear ice cube
- 1 wide strip orange peel
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz aged rum, 1/2 oz vanilla syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a pinch of ground cardamom directly into the glass.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and combine without excessive dilution.
- Step 4: Express the oils of 1 wide strip of orange peel over the surface, twist it to release oils, then rub it around the rim and rest it on the ice cube.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 3 minutes (3 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep aged rum from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned?
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 Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned 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 Cardamom-Spiced Vanilla Rum Old Fashioned?
Cocktails & Drinks quick meals 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.
