A Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned is a smooth, rich twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. Instead of whiskey, this version uses rum paired with a touch of brown sugar syrup and aromatic bitters. The result is a warm, slightly caramel-like cocktail that’s perfect for slow sipping.
If you enjoy simple cocktails that feel a little special without requiring a long ingredient list, this one is for you. The brown sugar brings out the natural molasses notes in rum, while a twist of fresh orange peel brightens the entire drink.
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This is the kind of cocktail I love making at home when I want something cozy and relaxed. It’s easy, elegant, and honestly… just a little bit RIDIC-ULICIOUS.
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Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned
There are so many reasons this cocktail deserves a spot in your rotation.
It’s incredibly simple to make. You only need a few ingredients and about two minutes.
The brown sugar syrup adds a warm depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with rum.
And finally, this cocktail looks beautiful in the glass. A large ice cube and a twist of orange peel make it feel like something you’d order at a cocktail bar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything needed to make one Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned.
- 2 oz rum (dark rum or spiced rum both work well)
- ¼–½ oz brown sugar simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 strip orange peel for garnish
How to Make Brown Sugar Simple Syrup
Making your own syrup takes only a couple minutes and makes a big difference in flavor.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat while stirring.
- Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How to Make a Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned
Step 1 – Add the syrup and bitters
Add ¼–½ oz brown sugar syrup and 2 dashes Angostura bitters to a rocks glass.
Step 2 – Add the rum
Pour in 2 ounces of rum.
Step 3 – Add ice
Place a large ice cube in the glass.
Step 4 – Stir
Stir gently for about 20 seconds to chill the cocktail.
Step 5 – Express the orange peel
Hold a strip of orange peel over the drink and squeeze gently to release the citrus oils.
Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the cocktail.
Serve and enjoy.
Nettie’s Tips for the Best Rum Old Fashioned
Use a large ice cube
Large cubes melt slower and keep your drink from getting watered down.
Adjust the sweetness
Start with ¼ ounce syrup, then add more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail.
Try spiced rum
Spiced rum adds warm notes of vanilla and cinnamon that pair beautifully with the brown sugar.
Express the orange peel
Don’t skip this step. Those citrus oils add incredible aroma to the drink.
Make it look bar-style
A simple orange peel twist is all the garnish you need. It keeps the drink looking clean and classic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spiced rum in a Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned?
Yes! Spiced rum works wonderfully in this cocktail. The spices complement the brown sugar syrup and create a warm, flavorful drink.
Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds deeper caramel and molasses flavor that really enhances the rum.
Does the glass need to be full?
No. An Old Fashioned style cocktail usually fills the glass about half to two-thirds full, especially when using a large ice cube.
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Brown Sugar Rum Old Fashioned
Ingredients
For the Cocktail
- 2 oz rum dark rum or spiced rum
- ½ oz brown sugar simple syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 large ice cube
- 1 orange peel strip
For the Brown Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
Make the Brown Sugar Syrup
- Combine brown sugar and water in a small saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool before using.
Make the Cocktail
- Add the brown sugar syrup and bitters to a rocks glass.
- Pour in the rum.
- Add a large ice cube to the glass.
- Stir gently for about 20 seconds to chill the drink.
- Hold a strip of orange peel over the glass and squeeze gently to release the citrus oils.
- Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and drop it into the drink.
- Serve immediately.