Vanilla-Cardamom Rum Old Fashioned
A smooth old fashioned with warm vanilla and exotic cardamom notes layered over rich aged rum. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together aged rum, vanilla simple 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 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
- 0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- a light pinch ground cardamom
- 1 wide strip for garnish orange peel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 oz aged rum, 0.5 oz vanilla simple syrup, 3 dashes Angostura bitters, and a light pinch of ground cardamom into a mixing glass filled halfway with large ice cubes.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.
- Step 3: Strain into a rocks glass over one large clear ice cube.
- Step 4: Express the oils of one wide orange peel over the surface, twist it to release more aroma, then rim the glass and lay it flat on top as garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla-Cardamom Rum Old Fashioned take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Vanilla-Cardamom Rum Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover vanilla-cardamom 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 Vanilla-Cardamom 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 Vanilla-Cardamom 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 Vanilla-Cardamom 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.
