Dark rum is a type of rum that has been aged longer than other types of rum, typically for a minimum of two years in oak barrels. The aging process gives dark rum its distinctive dark color, rich flavor, and aroma. The longer the rum is aged, the more complex and smooth its flavor becomes.
Dark rums are made from molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane, and are produced in many countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana. The flavors of dark rum can vary depending on the country of origin, but common notes include caramel, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark rum is often used in cocktails such as the Mai Tai, Dark and Stormy, and the famous Cuba Libre (rum and coke with lime). It can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks as a sipping rum.
What Can Dark Rum be Mixed With?
- Cola: Dark rum and cola is a classic combination that creates a simple and delicious drink. Add a wedge of lime for extra flavor.
- Fruit Juices: Dark rum pairs well with a variety of fruit juices, such as pineapple, orange, and cranberry. Mix together in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a glass for a refreshing drink.
- Coffee: Combine dark rum with hot coffee, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy and comforting drink.
- Hot Chocolate: Add a shot of dark rum to a mug of hot chocolate for a warm and indulgent winter drink.
- Citrus: Dark rum pairs well with citrus flavors like lemon and lime. Mix together with simple syrup and ice for a tangy and refreshing drink.
Dark Rum Cocktails Recipes
- Rum and Coke: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz. of dark rum and fill the glass with cola. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Dark and Stormy: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz. of dark rum and top with ginger beer. Squeeze in some lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Cuba Libre: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz. of dark rum and fill the glass with cola. Squeeze in some lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Hot Buttered Rum: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 1 tbsp. of butter, 1 tbsp. of brown sugar, and a pinch of nutmeg in a mug. Add hot water and stir until the butter and sugar are melted.
- Rum Punch: Mix together 1 cup of dark rum, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 cup of pineapple juice, and 1/2 cup of lime juice. Add ice and garnish with fruit.
- Mai Tai: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of lime juice, 1/2 oz. of orange curaçao, 1/2 oz. of orgeat syrup, and 1/4 oz. of simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
- Zombie: Mix together 1 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of light rum, 1 oz. of apricot brandy, 1 oz. of pineapple juice, 1 oz. of orange juice, 1/2 oz. of lime juice, and 1/2 oz. of grenadine in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with fruit.
- Dark and Dirty: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 1/2 oz. of dry vermouth, and 1/4 oz. of olive brine in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with an olive.
- Kingston Negroni: Mix together 1 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of sweet vermouth, and 1 oz. of Campari in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
- Painkiller: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 4 oz. of pineapple juice, 1 oz. of orange juice, and 1 oz. of cream of coconut in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with nutmeg and a pineapple wedge.
- Dark and Creamy: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 4 oz. of ginger beer, and 1 oz. of cream of coconut in a glass. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Bahama Mama: Mix together 1 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of light rum, 1 oz. of coconut rum, 1 oz. of pineapple juice, 1 oz. of orange juice, 1/2 oz. of grenadine, and a splash of lime juice in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with fruit.
- Hurricane: Combine 2 oz. of dark rum, 2 oz. of passion fruit juice, 1 oz. of orange juice, 1/2 oz. of lime juice, 1/2 oz. of simple syrup, and a splash of grenadine in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with fruit.
- The Kraken’s Wake: Mix together 1 1/2 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of coffee liqueur, and 1 oz. of heavy cream in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with grated cinnamon.
- Midnight in Paris: Combine 1 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of cognac, 1 oz. of sweet vermouth, and 1/4 oz. of crème de cassis in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
- Rum Old Fashioned: Muddle a sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a glass. Add 2 oz. of dark rum and ice. Stir and garnish with an orange twist.
- Pineapple Rum Sour: Mix together 2 oz. of dark rum, 1 oz. of pineapple juice, 1 oz. of lemon juice, and 1/2 oz. of simple syrup in a shaker. Shake with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
About Dark Rum
Origin:
Dark rum is believed to have originated in the Caribbean during the 17th century. It was produced by distilling molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane production, and aging it in oak barrels.
Ingredients:
The main ingredient in dark rum is molasses, which is a thick, dark syrup that is a byproduct of sugarcane processing. Yeast is added to the molasses to initiate the fermentation process, and then the resulting mixture is distilled to create a high-proof spirit. Dark rum is often aged in oak barrels, which can impart additional flavor and color to the rum.
Flavor:
Dark rum is known for its rich, complex flavor profile. It often has notes of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and oak, with a hint of sweetness. The longer the rum is aged, the more complex and nuanced the flavors become.
Proof:
The proof of dark rum can vary depending on the specific brand and how it is produced. Typically, dark rum has a proof between 80 and 100 (40% to 50% alcohol by volume).
Usage:
Dark rum is a versatile spirit that can be used in a variety of cocktails and mixed drinks. It is often used in classic cocktails such as the Dark and Stormy, Mai Tai, and Rum Punch. Dark rum can also be sipped neat or on the rocks, as its complex flavors make it a great sipping spirit.
Serving:
Dark rum can be served in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference. It can be served neat or on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail. Some people prefer to add a splash of water or a mixer to their dark rum to temper its strong flavor.
Production:
Dark rum is produced by fermenting and distilling molasses, then aging the resulting spirit in oak barrels. The length of aging can vary depending on the specific brand and type of rum. Some dark rums are aged for just a few months, while others are aged for several years or even decades.
Manufacturer:
Dark rum is produced by a number of different manufacturers, with brands from the Caribbean and Latin America being the most popular. Some of the most well-known dark rum brands include Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Myers’s, and Gosling’s.
Variations:
There are several different variations of dark rum, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most common variations include spiced rum, which is flavored with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, and black rum, which is a type of dark rum that has been heavily aged and has a very strong, rich flavor. Other variations include navy rum, which is a high-proof dark rum that was traditionally used by the British navy, and aged rum, which is dark rum that has been aged for an extended period of time to create a more complex flavor profile.