Rum is a popular spirit used in many classic cocktails and mixed drinks. The two main types of rum are white rum and spiced rum. So can you substitute one for the other? Let’s take a closer look.
The Differences Between White Rum and Spiced Rum
White rum and spiced rum start off quite similar. They are both distilled from molasses or sugarcane juice. The difference comes after distillation.
White rum is aged in oak barrels for a short time to mellow and smooth out the flavors. It has subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and citrus. White rum has a light, crisp, clean taste.
Spiced rum begins aging like white rum, but spices and other flavorings are added. These may include vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and more. The spices give spiced rum a bolder, warmer taste and aroma compared to white rum.
Alcohol Content
In general, white rum and spiced rum have a similar alcohol content, in the range of 35-50% ABV. However, some spiced rums may be slightly higher in alcohol.
Sweetness
Spiced rum tends to be sweeter than white rum due to the addition of sugars and flavorings during processing. White rum has a more neutral, dry taste.
Aroma and Flavor
White rum has subtle floral and fruity notes, while spiced rum expresses aromas and flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and clove. Spiced rum has a much bolder, warming taste.
Can You Substitute Spiced Rum for White Rum?
In some cases, yes, you can substitute spiced rum for white rum. The drinks will simply have a different flavor profile.
Spiced rum works well in place of white rum in tiki-style cocktails that already contain fruit juices and syrups. The extra sweetness and spice notes blend right in. Some examples are mai tais, hurricane cocktails, and piña coladas.
Spiced rum can also stand in for white rum in hot drinks like mulled wine, spiked apple cider, and rum toddies. The warming spices already present complement the spiced rum.
Cocktails Best Made with White Rum
On the other hand, there are some cocktails that are best made with white rum:
- Mojitos – the crispness of white rum balances the lime and mint
- Rum and cola – spiced rum would make it overly sweet
- Daiquiris – the tart citrus needs clean white rum
- Ti’ punch – a simple mix of white rum, lime, and sugar
In these drinks, the subtler flavor of white rum allows the other ingredients to shine. Spiced rum would overpower them.
Should You Use Spiced Rum in Baking and Cooking?
Spiced rum can add sweetness and warmth in some baked goods and desserts. It works well in recipes already spiced with flavors like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Here are some examples of recipes that pair well with spiced rum:
- Spiced rum cake
- Bananas foster
- Rum balls
- Bread pudding with rum sauce
- Pumpkin pie with rum whipped cream
- Rum glaze for holiday ham
However, white rum is a better choice for more subtly flavored recipes like:
- Rum macarons
- Piña colada cake
- Coconut rum panna cotta
- Rum buttercream frosting
The spiced rum flavors might overpower these delicate desserts.
How to Substitute White Rum for Spiced Rum
It’s easier to substitute spiced rum for white rum than the other way around. However, in a pinch, you can make white rum work instead of spiced rum.
Add Your Own Spices
For cocktails, add a dash or two of bitters like Angostura to mimic the spice flavor. Ground cinnamon, allspice, or nutmeg also complement white rum.
Splash of Vanilla Extract
A small amount of vanilla extract can give white rum a warmer, rounder flavor, similar to spiced rum. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per drink.
Swap in Gold Rum
While not exactly the same, gold rum has more flavor intensity than white rum, so it works better as a sub for spiced rum. The oak barrel aging provides some hint of vanilla.
Make Your Own Spiced Rum
You can infuse white rum with spices to DIY your own spiced rum blend at home. Add whole spices like cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, black peppercorns, and whole cloves to rum and let infuse for 1-2 weeks before straining.
The Difference Between Dark Rum and Spiced Rum
Dark rum and spiced rum seem similar at first glance. But they are quite distinct spirits.
How Dark Rum Is Made
Dark rum gets its color and richer flavor from longer aging in charred oak barrels, which also gives it subtle vanilla and caramel hints like whiskey. No spices are added.
Key Differences
| Spiced Rum | Dark Rum |
|---|---|
| Flavored with spices like vanilla, cinnamon, ginger | No added flavors, just barrel aging |
| Sweet, bold spicy taste | Rich, smooth vanilla and caramel notes |
| Usually golden to light brown color | Dark brown to black color |
| Better for tiki drinks, holiday punches | Preferred for rum old fashioneds, rum Manhattans |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spiced rum sweeter than white rum?
Yes, spiced rum tends to be sweeter than white rum due to added sugars and flavorings like vanilla that enhance the sweetness. White rum has a crisp, neutral taste.
What has more alcohol, spiced rum or white rum?
Most spiced rum and white rum have a similar alcohol content, ranging from 35-50% ABV. Some spiced rums may go slightly higher, around 50% ABV or more.
Can I substitute spiced rum for white rum in a mojito?
It’s best not to. The flavors of a mojito are designed to highlight the crisp citrus and herbal notes. Spiced rum would make it overly sweet and clash with the mint.
Is spiced rum good for baking?
Yes, spiced rum adds great flavor to some baked desserts like spiced rum cake, bread pudding, and pumpkin pie. But white rum is better for more delicate cakes and frostings.
Can I make my own spiced rum at home?
Absolutely. You can infuse white rum with spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, and vanilla beans for 1-2 weeks before straining to make DIY spiced rum.
Conclusion
While white rum and spiced rum have some similarities, they are quite different spirits. Spiced rum can work as a substitute for white rum in some tiki cocktails and baked goods, adding sweetness and warmth. But white rum is a better fit for cocktails highlighting citrus, herbs, and lighter flavors. Try subbing one for the other, but taste as you go to achieve the best flavor balance.