Put a Twist On a Classic Cocktail With These Rum-Based Old Fashioned Recipes Logo

Santa Teresa 1796 Old Fashioned cocktail

When it comes to classic cocktails, the Old Fashioned stands tall with poise, class and style. It's a hearty glass that lets the taste of a fine bourbon or whiskey shine through, but what if you took the standard and livened it with a twist?

Since 1796, Santa Teresa has been crafting world-class rum from its homebase in Venezuela, and the storied brand isn't afraid to make a daring statement. In celebration of Old Fashioned Week, which runs from Oct. 15 to 24, Santa Teresa 1796 puts a twist on the classic Old Fashioned, replacing the usual bourbon or whiskey with its super-premium, bottle-aged rum processed using the artisanal Solera method in lieu of traditional scotch and whiskey.

See also: You Can Now Buy Rare Whiskey Via NFT: Find Out How

The old fashioned was first developed in 1862 by bartender and Bourbon aristocrat James E. Pepper. He reportedly invented the drink in Louisville before taking the recipe to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel bar in New York City. The recipe’s popularity has endured, as the drink is still one of the most ordered in the U.S.

Santa Teresa 1796’s dryness resembles that of a scotch or whiskey rather than a typical rum. This quality makes it an innovative match for the classic, spirit-forward cocktail. The blend adds notes of wood, dark chocolate, leather and cinnamon, with blends aged from four to 35 years in bourbon oak barrels that offer a smooth and balanced finish.

If rum isn't your alcohol of choice, all of these recipes can be modified to use your favorite liquor. No matter what your flavor, we're sure you'll enjoy these four takes on a favored classic.

Santa Teresa 1796 Old Fashioned

Santa Teresa 1796 Old Fashioned cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1½ parts Santa Teresa 1796 rum
  • ¼ part Demerara Syrup (1 part water / 1 part sugar in the raw)
  • 4 dashes Angostura® bitters

Garnish: Orange Twist

Method:

  1. Build all ingredients in a mixing glass.
  2. Stir for 30 to 40 seconds.
  3. Pour over ice in a double old-fashioned glass.

Cantinero Coffee Bitter Old Fashioned

Santa Teresa Cantinero Old Fashioned cocktail

(The cocktail kit, featuring the bottle, is now available on ReserveBar here)

Ingredients:

  • 1½ parts Santa Teresa 1796 Rum
  • ¼ part Demerara Syrup (1 part water / 1 part sugar in the raw)
  • 4 dashes Cantienro Coffee bitters

Garnish: Orange Twist

Method:

  1. Build all ingredients in a mixing glass.
  2. Stir 30 to 40 seconds.
  3. Pour over ice in a double old-fashioned glass.

Old Cuban

old cuban cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz Santa Teresa 1796
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz demerara syrup
  • 5 to 6 mint leaves
  • Sparkling wine
  • 2 dashes of angostura bitters

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients into shaker tin minus the sparkling wine.
  2. Add ice, shake and double strain into cocktail coupe.
  3. Add sparkling wine.

The Colada Old Fashioned

Santa Teresa Colada Old Fashioned cocktail

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Santa Teresa 1796
  • ½ oz Colada Syrup
  • 2 dashes of Santa Teresa 1796 Cantinero Bitters
  • 2 dashes of Orange Bitters

Garnish: Orange zest

Method:

  1. Add all ingredients into mixing glass.
  2. Stir for 20 seconds.
  3. Pour in rocks glass, then add ice.

Learn more about Santa Teresa 1796 and order some for yourself at santateresarum.com.