Spiced Rum Espresso Old Fashioned

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

A bold twist on the classic Old Fashioned, combining rich espresso with warming spiced rum and a hint of maple syrup. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs spiced rum, freshly brewed espresso (cooled), maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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 cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a mixing glass with large ice cubes.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 2 oz spiced rum, 1 oz cooled freshly brewed espresso, 0.5 oz maple syrup, and add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  3. Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
  4. Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass over a single large clear ice cube.
  5. Step 5: Express the oils of 1 orange peel strip over the surface by holding it skin-side down and twisting, then rim the glass with the peel and rest it on the ice as garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Rum Espresso 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 Spiced Rum Espresso 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 spiced rum from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Rum Espresso 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 Spiced Rum Espresso 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 Spiced Rum Espresso Old Fashioned?

Cocktails 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.