Island Spice Rum Old Fashioned

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smooth old fashioned cocktail with Caribbean rum, infused with warm spices and a hint of rich brown sugar for depth. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs Dark aged rum, Brown sugar syrup, dashes Angostura bitters for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 195 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 195 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube in a rocks glass.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz dark aged rum, 1/2 oz brown sugar syrup, and 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly over the ice.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Express a wide strip of orange peel over the glass surface by twisting it to release essential oils, then rub the peel around the rim and drop it inside.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with a cinnamon stick resting against the inside of the glass for aroma and visual warmth.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Island Spice Rum Old Fashioned take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Island Spice 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 dark aged rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Island Spice 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 Island Spice 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 Island Spice Rum Old Fashioned?

Cocktails & Beverages 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.