Vanilla-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned
A rich, spirit-forward Old Fashioned that marries dark rum with warm vanilla and cinnamon notes for a cozy sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 5 minutes brings together dark aged rum, dashes Angostura bitters, for garnish cinnamon stick 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 210 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 dark aged rum
- 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup (1:1 sugar, water, vanilla bean)
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1, for garnish cinnamon stick
- 1 large clear ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 1 large clear ice cube into a rocks glass.
- Step 2: Pour 2 oz dark aged rum and 1/2 oz vanilla simple syrup over the ice.
- Step 3: Add 3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly into the glass.
- Step 4: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 5: Express the oils of a lemon twist over the glass surface, then discard or rim the glass with it for subtle citrus brightness.
- Step 6: Garnish by resting a cinnamon stick vertically in the glass, allowing its aroma to enhance each sip.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vanilla-Spiced 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-Spiced Rum Old Fashioned?
Refrigerate any leftover vanilla-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 Vanilla-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 Vanilla-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 Vanilla-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.
