Charred Orange Spiced Rum Old Fashioned
A smoky twist on the Old Fashioned with charred orange peel and warm spices complementing aged rum. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together aged dark rum, demerara syrup, dashes Angostura bitters 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 195 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged dark rum
- 1/2 oz demerara syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 wide strip orange peel
- 1 pod star anise
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes to chill.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz aged dark rum, 1/2 oz demerara syrup, and add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 4: Using a lighter or kitchen torch, carefully char one wide strip of orange peel until the oils lightly smoke.
- Step 5: Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
- Step 6: Express the charred orange peel over the glass surface by twisting it to release oils, then rim the glass with the peel and drop it inside.
- Step 7: Garnish with one star anise pod resting on the ice for aromatic warmth.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Orange Spiced Rum Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Charred Orange Spiced Rum Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover charred orange spiced rum old fashioned 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 Charred Orange Spiced 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 Charred Orange Spiced 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 Charred Orange Spiced Rum Old Fashioned?
Cocktails 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.
