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Dark Rum substitutes

The closest substitute for Dark Rum is Aged Rum, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, less molasses. Gold Rum also works. In a pinch, use Overproof Rum or Smoked Rum.

Swap it in 31 drinksLow and zero proofQuestions

What to use instead of Dark Rum

Substitute

Aged RumWorks, tastes different

Lighter, less molasses.

Same amount

Gold RumWorks, tastes different

Lighter, less molasses.

Same amount

Overproof RumLast resort

Much stronger, so use less.

Use ¾ the amount

Smoked RumLast resort

Adds a smoky, whisky-like note.

Same amount

Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.

Swap it in your drink

Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Dark Rum, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

  • Ancient Mariner

    30ml (1 oz) Dark Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Bahama Mama

    30ml (1 oz) Dark Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Bahama Mama Slush

    170ml (5¾ oz) Dark Rum → 170ml (5¾ oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Bitter Mai Tai

    22.5ml (¾ oz) Dark Rum → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Bushwacker

    30ml (1 oz) Dark Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Cobra's Fang

    45ml (1½ oz) Dark Rum → 45ml (1½ oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Corn n Oil

    60ml (2 oz) Dark Rum → 60ml (2 oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

  • Dark 'n' Stormy

    60ml (2 oz) Dark Rum → 60ml (2 oz) Aged Rum

    Same strength

How they compare

Dark Rum vs Aged Rum
PropertyDark RumAged Rum
Strength40–50% ABV40–46% ABV
TasteRich molasses, Brown sugar, Baking spices, Dried fruitRich, Complex, Dried fruit, Chocolate, Oak
AromaMolasses, Caramel, Dried fruit, Spice, VanillaOak, Dried fruit, Toffee, Spice, Vanilla
FinishLong, Warming, Sweet, SpicedLong, Warming, Sophisticated
Dark Rum vs Gold Rum
PropertyDark RumGold Rum
Strength40–50% ABV37.5–40% ABV
TasteRich molasses, Brown sugar, Baking spices, Dried fruitSmooth, Caramel, Vanilla, Light spice
AromaMolasses, Caramel, Dried fruit, Spice, VanillaCaramel, Vanilla, Light oak, Tropical fruit
FinishLong, Warming, Sweet, SpicedMedium, Sweet, Warming

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Dark Rum: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Already have one of these?

If you have Gosling's Black Seal, Appleton Estate Signature, El Dorado 12 Year, Myers's Original Dark or Appleton Estate 12 Year, you don't need a substitute: they are all Dark Rum. How they differ

What is Dark Rum?

Dark rum is a rich, full-bodied spirit with deep caramel, molasses, and spice flavors from extended aging. Essential for tiki drinks and warming cocktails.

All 31 drinks with Dark Rum

Got Dark Rum? It also replaces

Questions about Dark Rum substitutes

What is the best substitute for Dark Rum?

Aged Rum is the closest substitute for Dark Rum, though the drink will taste a little different. Lighter, less molasses. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Dark Rum in a Planter's Punch?

Aged Rum: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Dark Rum for 45ml (1½ oz) of Aged Rum.

How much Overproof Rum do I use instead of Dark Rum?

Use ¾ the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Dark Rum becomes 22.5 ml of Overproof Rum.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Dark Rum?

Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Dark 'n' Stormy and Mai Tai made with non-alcoholic bottles.

Which Dark Rum brands can I use?

If you have Gosling's Black Seal, Appleton Estate Signature, El Dorado 12 Year, Myers's Original Dark or Appleton Estate 12 Year, you don't need a substitute: they are all Dark Rum. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.

Does Aged Rum instead of Dark Rum change how strong the drink is?

Barely. In the 31 drinks on this page that use Dark Rum, Aged Rum changes the strength by less than one percentage point.

More spirit substitutes

Out of Dark Rum?

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