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Cocktails

Blackstrap, Beyond the Dark ’n’ Stormy

June 01, 2022

Story: Punch Staff

photo: Lizzie Munro

Cocktails

Blackstrap, Beyond the Dark ’n’ Stormy

June 01, 2022

Story: Punch Staff

photo: Lizzie Munro

The rum’s robust molasses character adds richness to tropical classics and balance to challenging bitter and herbal flavors.

Blackstrap rum rarely takes center stage. Instead, the spirit is often relegated to supporting roles alongside funkier rums or more bracing ingredients. In part, this stems from the nebulous nature of the rum—in fact, few can agree on what defines the category—but with its signature molasses character and robust, earthy flavors, blackstrap rum adds richness and complexity to a variety of cocktails. 

As a supporting character, blackstrap rum pairs well with spice and herbaceousness, as evidenced by the classic Dark ’n’ Stormy, where it’s topped with spicy ginger beer in the perennial summer standby. In the drink’s lighter counterpart, the Session Dark ’n’ Stormy, the rum portion is dialed back for a lower-proof serve, but its caramel notes still provide a rich backbone to the cocktail, which is rounded out with Amaro Montenegro. The Stygian Mojito, too, benefits from blackstrap rum’s richness of texture and flavor, bolstered by Demerara simple syrup and complemented with minty, herbal Branca Menta.

Blackstrap Rum
Articles

What Is Blackstrap Rum, Anyway?

A growing number of bottles are being labeled “blackstrap rum,” but almost no one can agree on what it really is.

Because of blackstrap’s sweet, viscous quality—it’s sometimes compared to maple syrup—it’s particularly favored alongside bitter ingredients. For example, the spirit holds its own against a Ferrari blend (Fernet-Branca mixed with Campari) in The Black Stallion Sets Sail, overproof brandy and amaro in The Revenant, and cold-brew concentrate in the Wipeout. In the latter, the rum is used “to enhance the flavor of other rums,” according to the drink’s creator, Death & Co.’s Tyson Buhler, exemplifying its ability to excel even when it’s not the star. 

low proof dark 'n' stormy recipe
Recipes

Session Dark ‘n’ Stormy

Amaro Montenegro plays the role of the base spirit in this low-proof spin on the Dark 'n' Stormy,

Blackstrap Rum Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Recipes

Stygian Mojito

The dark and funky duo of blackstrap and Angostura come together with cooling Branca Menta.

Blackstrap Rum Recipe
Recipes

The Black Stallion Sets Sail

A neo-tiki Negroni, made with blackstrap rum and "Ferrari."

Where blackstrap rum does take a leading role, it’s a dramatic one: In the Corn ’n’ Oil, a float of the rum sits atop a combination of Velvet Falernum, bitters and lime juice. The spirit’s dark hue, calling petroleum to mind, acts as the “oil,” adding a visual flair before being stirred into the mixture, where it adds fortifying structure and a signature rich profile. As Buhler explains, “It’s not a rum that I particularly want to enjoy on its own, but it’s a flavor that we can’t find anywhere else.”

Revenant Cocktail Recipe Blackstrap Rum
Recipes

The Revenant

Cognac, Ramazzotti, Pamplemousse and blackstrap rum make for an unexpectedly balanced drink.

Wipeout Blackstrap Rum Recipe
Recipes

Wipeout

This tropical-style drink combines a blend of rums with pineapple juice and cold-brew concentrate.

Corn n Oil
Recipes

Corn ’n’ Oil

The “oil” in this Bajan drink is a reference to its aged rum base.

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