Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar
A rich and smooth rum old fashioned balanced with demerara sugar and aromatic bitters, stirred to silky perfection. This recipe, ready in about 7 minutes, brings together aged rum, demerara sugar, aromatic 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 190 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 rum
- 1 tsp demerara sugar
- 3 dashes aromatic bitters
- 1 strip orange peel
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 tsp demerara sugar into a mixing glass and add 3 dashes aromatic bitters.
- Step 2: Add a splash (about 0.25 oz) of water and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice and pour 2 oz aged rum over it.
- Step 4: Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 5: Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
- Step 6: Express the oils of 1 strip of orange peel over the drink, rim the glass with it, and drop it in as garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar 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 Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar?
Refrigerate any leftover rum old fashioned with aromatic bitters and demerara sugar 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 Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar?
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 Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar 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 Rum Old Fashioned with Aromatic Bitters and Demerara Sugar?
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.
