Gold Rum substitutes
The closest substitute for Gold Rum is Aged Rum, which works and barely changes the drink. Deeper and oakier. Dark Rum and White Rum also work.
What to use instead of Gold Rum
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
Aged RumAlmost the same Deeper and oakier. Same amount | Same amount | 40–46% ABV |
Dark RumWorks, tastes different Heavier molasses notes. Same amount | Same amount | 40–50% ABV |
White RumWorks, tastes different Lighter. Same amount | Same amount | 37.5–47% ABV |
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.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Gold Rum, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Airmail
30ml (1 oz) Gold Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Ancient Mariner
30ml (1 oz) Gold Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Barracuda
45ml (1½ oz) Gold Rum → 45ml (1½ oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Don's Special Daiquiri
30ml (1 oz) Gold Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Navy Grog
30ml (1 oz) Gold Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Nui Nui
60ml (2 oz) Gold Rum → 60ml (2 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Pago Pago
45ml (1½ oz) Gold Rum → 45ml (1½ oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Pearl Diver
45ml (1½ oz) Gold Rum → 45ml (1½ oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
- Shrunken Skull
30ml (1 oz) Gold Rum → 30ml (1 oz) Aged Rum
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Gold Rum | Aged Rum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 37.5–40% ABV | 40–46% ABV |
| Taste | Smooth, Caramel, Vanilla, Light spice | Rich, Complex, Dried fruit, Chocolate, Oak |
| Aroma | Caramel, Vanilla, Light oak, Tropical fruit | Oak, Dried fruit, Toffee, Spice, Vanilla |
| Finish | Medium, Sweet, Warming | Long, Warming, Sophisticated |
| Property | Gold Rum | Dark Rum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 37.5–40% ABV | 40–50% ABV |
| Taste | Smooth, Caramel, Vanilla, Light spice | Rich molasses, Brown sugar, Baking spices, Dried fruit |
| Aroma | Caramel, Vanilla, Light oak, Tropical fruit | Molasses, Caramel, Dried fruit, Spice, Vanilla |
| Finish | Medium, Sweet, Warming | Long, Warming, Sweet, Spiced |
Already have one of these?
If you have Havana Club Añejo Especial, Bacardi Gold or Mount Gay Eclipse, you don't need a substitute: they are all Gold Rum. How they differ
What is Gold Rum?
Gold rum is a medium-bodied rum with amber color from brief aging or added caramel. It bridges the gap between white and dark rum in flavor and color.
Got Gold Rum? It also replaces
Questions about Gold Rum substitutes
What is the best substitute for Gold Rum?
Aged Rum is the closest substitute for Gold Rum and barely changes the drink. Deeper and oakier. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Gold Rum in a Barracuda?
Aged Rum: swap 45ml (1½ oz) of Gold Rum for 45ml (1½ oz) of Aged Rum.
Which Gold Rum brands can I use?
If you have Havana Club Añejo Especial, Bacardi Gold or Mount Gay Eclipse, you don't need a substitute: they are all Gold Rum. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Aged Rum instead of Gold Rum change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 9 drinks on this page that use Gold Rum, Aged Rum changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Gold Rum?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.