Caramelized Rum Old-Fashioned

Alex Cuper | Chicago

The cocktail program at El Che in Chicago honors the restaurant’s South American heritage, including this adaptation of the Buenos Aires-style Old-Fashioned in which the inside of the glass is coated with a paste of Demerara sugar and Angostura bitters set on fire.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 2 1/2 ounces overproof rum, preferably Plantation O.F.T.D.
  • 2 1/2 ounces overproof rum, preferably Plantation O.F.T.D.
  • 1/2 ounce Curaçao, preferably Pierre Ferrand
  • 1/2 ounce Curaçao, preferably Pierre Ferrand
  • 1/4 ounce caramelized bitter syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 1/4 ounce caramelized bitter syrup (see Editor's Note)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 2 dashes orange bitters
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

Garnish: flamed orange twist

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in an Old-Fashioned glass.
  2. Add ice and stir until chilled and slightly diluted.
  3. Garnish with a flamed orange twist.
Editor's Note

Caramelized Bitter Syrup
2 cups Demerara sugar
1 cup water
1 to 2 tablespoons Angostura bitters
1 tablespoon orange bitters
3 whole cloves
2 to 4 orange swaths

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Stir frequently for 4 to 5 minutes, enough to let the water reduce slightly. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Tagged: Old Fashioned

Drink with us.

Get our freshest features and recipes weekly.