5 Dark Rum Cocktails That Unmask The Spirit’s Full Flavour Spectrum
Dark rum is often thought of as a spirit addition to tiki-themed or tropical-themed blends alone. But it is so much more than that. The robust, molasses-rich spirit layered with caramel, spice and subtle tropical fruity notes is actually quite a layered liquor with much to offer when it is the central element in a cocktail. Such a full-bodied dark rum is definitely worthy of attention.
The drinks which highlight its flavours enable the rum’s profile to come through without turning it into a backdrop for other ingredients. These are cocktails concocted or presented in ways that unmask the full flavours of a good quality dark rum. Through these blends, the character of the spirit shines beautifully without being overshadowed by other elements.
Read on below to know more about some of the rum-forward mixes which explore the flavours of this spirit in full – revealing its many flavourful nuances:
Classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy
This classic rum-forward drink can be blended using 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice, coupled with about 50 ml ginger beer. The spicy zing of the ginger complements the dark rum’s molasses base to create a flavour profile that is fresh and robust. With this drink, what comes forth are the rich notes of the spirit, balanced out by the earthy spice of ginger beer. A lime wedge garnish introduces a hint of acidity in the blend that ties these pronounced flavours together.
Check this recipe out: Classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy
Rum Aperitif
A drink known for its caramel depth, the bitterness of an Italian aperitif liqueur and the tang of pineapple juice, this cocktail is a modern tiki favourite. Prepared by blending 25 ml of any premium rum of choice with these bitter and tangy flavours, the cocktail features the dark rum’s caramelised nuance that is balanced out by the sweet and sour flavours of pineapples. The tart notes of about 5 ml of the aperitif added to the blend complement the rum’s bitter flavours to produce a chilled drink with a layered profile.
Rum Old Fashioned
A spirit-forward drink in which the flavours of about 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice become the primary elements, this old fashioned variation is well-suited to presenting the full-bodied impact of dark rum. Removed from all distractions, dark rum reveals itself completely in this drink, accompanied only by a couple of drops of citrus bitters and a tablespoon of simple syrup. Through this cocktail, the caramelised, spice-infused notes of rum come to the fore, especially when it is served chilled. The addition of demerara sugar further builds into this caramelised nuance of the blend.
Check this recipe out: Rum Old Fashioned
Mai Tai Dark Rum Float Style
This essentially refers to a cocktail blend that is finished off with the addition of a spirit at the top. The rich colours of about 15 ml of any premium rum of choice used to top off the otherwise yellow hued mai tai make this drink shine luxuriously. This effect also lends the cocktail a layered note that manages to highlight the rum’s complexity in full. Blend and serve the mai tai over crushed ice to retain its layered structure.
Check this recipe out: Mai Tai Dark Rum Float Style
Planter’s Punch
What is actually a well-known rum cocktail, the planter’s punch is a classic Caribbean expression of the spirit’s complex notes. With 30 ml Captain Morgan Dark Rum or any other premium rum of choice as its base, the drink is rounded off using a tablespoon of lime juice, and grenadine each and 1–2 drops of citrus bitters. It is a rich, yet balanced concoction where dark rum leads the way. The punch can be strained into a glass filled with ice and garnished with fresh mint leaves whose sharpness further brings out the rum’s flavours.
Check this recipe out: Planter’s Punch
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