What’s the difference between white rum vs. dark rum? Today, we’re sharing everything you need to know about the two types of rum, how to use them, and which one is best for your cocktail recipe!
From white rum, to gold rum, to dark and even flavored rum – there are so many options! So how to you know which one is the best choice for your cocktail? If you’ve ever wanted to know the difference between white rum vs. dark rum and how to use them in cocktail recipes, then this article is for you!
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In This Post
- All About Rum
- The Difference Between White Rum vs. Dark Rum
- The Best White Rum Brands
- White Rum Cocktails
- The Best Dark Rum Brands
- Dark Rum Cocktails
All About Rum
The short answer is this: rum comes from sugar. It’s a liquor that’s fermented and then distilled from the sugar in sugar cane, syrup, or molasses. Because of this, the underlying taste of rum is a sweet flavor.
The Difference Between White Rum vs. Dark Rum
So what’s the difference between white rum vs. dark rum? Dark rum is aged in charred oak barrels once it goes through the distilling process, while white rum is either un-aged or lightly aged in stainless steel barrels.
Aside from the difference in color, there’s quite a big difference between the two in taste! White rum has a light, sweet flavor, while dark rum has a deep, smoky-sweet flavor.
Can You Substitute White Rum for Dark Rum?
Dark rum is typically used for cocktails that call for a deeper, smoky flavor. It’s great in fall and winter drinks!
But can you substitute white rum for dark rum? The short answer is: Yes. As long as you keep in mind that white rum will give the cocktail a lighter, brighter flavor!
Substituting Dark Rum for Whiskey
Did you know that dark rum can be a substitution for whiskey? The deep, smoky flavor profile in dark rum makes it the ideal candidate for substituting whiskey in cocktail recipes. You can also substitute whiskey for dark rum!
The Best White Rum Brands
- Bacardi Superior – a go-to classic!
- The Real McCoy
- Havana Club Anejo Blanco
- Don Q
- Bayou White Rum
White Rum Cocktails
- Pina Colada
- Creamy Coconut Mojito
- Mai Tai
- Daiquiri
- White Rum and Coke
The Best Dark Rum Brands
- Bacardi Gold Rum
- Plantation Dark Rum
- Cruzan Aged Dark Rum
- Ron Zacapa
- Flor de Cana
Dark Rum Cocktails
- Dark ‘n Stormy
- Long Island Iced Tea
- El Presidente
- Rum Punch
- Hot Buttered Rum
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