I love to drink cocktails—and talk about them, and ask other people to make me them—but the true barman in my household is Jarrett, and he introduced me to this handsome, brooding twist on the beloved traditional. It’s smooth, warm, and sophisticated, just like Jarrett (!), but luckily Jarrett doesn’t do #content, so I have stolen it and here it is.
Is it really better than a regular Old Fashioned? I think so. (Though I love regular Old Fashioneds, too.) Wanna fight about it on social media? Let’s do it.
How to Rum Old Fashioned
Simple and straightforward, the Rum Old Fashioned would make a great house cocktail for beginners and experienced barmen and women alike. The key is this: Choose a complex, smooth, aged sipping rum that’ll serve as the backbone of the drink. Go to a cool liquor store and look for bottles marked añejo, viejo, or reserva, in the $50–$75 range. Bonus if you can find something that’s aged in an interesting way, like in sherry barrels. If you’re into rum, grab two or three options so you can experiment.
Some people like Old Fashioneds with muddled orange and Maraschino cherry, but I happen to believe that’s a disgrace, especially if you’re using an interesting or special spirit that will only be overpowered by too much fruity sweetness. Stick with the classic and elegant garnish: an orange twist and a brandied cherry.
Time: Five minutes or so
Serves: One cocktail
1. Combine rum, simple syrup, and bitters over ice.
The bigger the cubes, the better, so you won’t dilute the drink.
2. Stir with a long spoon until very cold.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a brandied cherry and an orange twist.
