Paulina Konja’s rum Old-Fashioned swaps the expected simple syrup out for a “bitter blend”—a 50-50 combination of Italian amaro and French aperitif wine—that bolsters the expected aromatic bitters. It’s also meant to amplify the cinnamon and dried fruit notes that form the core of Brugal 1888.
Caribbean Heat
Paulina Konja, Kettner Exchange | San Diego

Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 2 ounces Brugal 1888
- 1/2 ounce Bitter Blend(see Editor’s Note)
- 2 dashes orange bitters
Garnish: lemon twist, orange twist
Directions
- Combine ingredients in a mixing glass.
- Add ice and stir, then strain over a large ice cube in an Old-Fashioned glass.
- Garnish with a lemon and orange twist.
Editor's Note
Bitters Blend:
¼ ounce CioCiaro
¼ ounce Byrrh Grand Quinquina