Using rum extract in place of rum is a common substitution for recipes when you don’t have rum on hand or want to avoid using alcohol. Rum extract provides the distinctive rum flavor without the alcohol content. While it’s easy to swap in rum extract, there are some important considerations when using rum extract instead of regular rum.
What is Rum Extract?
Rum extract is a concentrated liquid that is distilled from rum. It captures the rich, sweet, spicy, and complex flavors of rum in a highly concentrated form. The processing removes most of the alcohol, leaving behind powerful rum flavor and aroma without the high proof of rum itself.
You can find rum extract sold on its own or as part of larger flavoring sets. Brands like McCormick and Watkins sell individual rum extracts. These are relatively inexpensive and readily available in most grocery stores. You can also find rum extract in some baking or cocktail flavoring kits. These provide an assortment of extracts ideal for customizing baked goods, drinks, and more.
How is it Different from Vanilla Extract?
At first glance, rum extract may seem similar to vanilla extract. Both are concentrated flavor liquids derived from their namesake ingredients. However, there are some notable differences between rum extract vs. vanilla extract:
- Ingredients: Vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol. Rum extract starts with distilled rum as the main ingredient.
- Flavor profile: Vanilla extract has a single dominant flavor. Rum extract provides a complex blend of sweet, spicy, and fruity notes.
- Alcohol content: Pure vanilla extract must contain at least 35% alcohol. Rum extract has minimal alcohol due to further processing and distillation.
- Uses: Vanilla works well in both sweet and savory dishes. Rum extract is best for desserts, drinks, and baked goods.
Substitution Ratio for Rum Extract
Rum extract is much more concentrated than regular rum. As a general rule of thumb, use 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract for every 1 tablespoon of rum called for in a recipe. Start with 1/4 teaspoon first then adjust to taste. You can always add a bit more extract if needed.
Here is a simple substitution ratio to follow when using rum extract instead of rum:
| Rum | Rum Extract |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 1/4 to 1/2 tsp |
| 1/4 cup | 1-2 tsp |
| 1/3 cup | 1 1/2 – 2 tsp |
| 1/2 cup | 2-2 1/2 tsp |
| 2/3 cup | 1 Tbsp |
| 3/4 cup | 1 1/2 Tbsp |
| 1 cup | 2 Tbsp |
When using larger volumes of rum, you may need to add a splash of water along with the rum extract to thin out the consistency. Avoid using too much extract or the flavor will become overpowering.
Why Substitute Rum Extract for Rum?
There are a few reasons why cooks and bakers use rum extract rather than regular 80-proof rum in recipes:
- Avoid alcohol – Using rum extract allows you to skip the high alcohol content of rum while retaining the flavor.
- Kid-friendly – Recipes made with rum extract can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
- No supply – You may be out of rum or somewhere rum isn’t available. Rum extract can fill in when needed.
- Flavor enhancement – The concentrated flavor of rum extract can provide an intensified rum taste.
- Economical – Extracts typically cost less per use than buying rum by the bottle.
Does Rum Extract Work the Same as Rum?
Rum extract can mimic the flavor of rum quite closely in many applications. However, there are some important ways that rum extract and regular rum differ:
- Rum extract does not add alcoholic content. Any recipe relying on rum for its alcohol percentage or heating properties will be altered.
- Extracts lack the depth and nuance of real rum. The flavor may be one-dimensional or seem artificial in some dishes.
- Recipes baked with rum extract will not have the same flambé effect as rum-based dishes set alight.
- Dishes like rum cake may not absorb or distribute flavor evenly with rum extract vs. rum soaked directly into the cake.
- Rum extract may taste too harsh or concentrated if not used in the right proportions.
Test rum extract in small batches of a recipe first before preparing a large quantity. You may need to tweak amounts of extract or complement it with spices like nutmeg or vanilla to achieve the ideal rum-infused flavor.
How to Cook and Bake with Rum Extract
When using rum extract in place of regular rum, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with a small amount of rum extract first then add more to taste.
- Combine the rum extract with a liquid ingredient like milk or water for better distribution.
- Add a little extra spice or flavor if the rum taste needs a boost.
- Reduce other liquids slightly to account for the syrupy consistency of the extract.
- Consider soaking rum extract into layers or components versus mixing into batter.
- Complement rum extract with vanilla or almond extract for a more rounded flavor.
Baking
When baking, rum extract can be used to flavor items like:
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Bread pudding
- Pies
- Pound cake
- Muffins
- Fruitcake
- Rum balls
Try brushing rum extract over layers or soaking cake layers with a sprinkling of extract for pronounced rum flavor. Add a teaspoon of rum extract into cookie and cake batter for a spike of rum taste. You can also use rum extract in buttercream frostings and glazes.
Drinks
For beverages, rum extract can flavor options like:
- Milkshakes
- Lattes
- Hot chocolate
- Root beer floats
- Tropical cocktails
- Punch
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
Mix a few drops to teaspoons of rum extract into cold drink recipes. For warm drinks, stir in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon rum extract or simmer gently for a short time to avoid losing flavor.
Other Uses
Rum extract also works well in dessert sauces, yogurt, ice cream, puddings, and more. Use it to quickly elevate the flavor in:
- Bananas foster
- Crème brûlée
- Caramel sauce
- Panna cotta
- Jell-o
- Rice pudding
- Pudding shots
Recipe Ideas with Rum Extract
Here are some recipe ideas that use rum extract in place of regular rum:
Rum Balls
Mix crushed cookies with rum extract, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Roll into balls and coat in chopped nuts or sprinkles.
Piña Colada Smoothie
Blend pineapple, coconut milk, banana, ice, and rum extract for a frothy, tropical drink.
Rum Glazed Ham
Brush ham with a glaze made from brown sugar, butter, cloves, and rum extract before and during baking.
Bananas Foster Cupcakes
Make spiced cupcakes with rum extract in the batter. Top with caramel frosting and sautéed bananas tossed in extra rum extract.
Rum Spiked Coffee
Add a teaspoon of rum extract to hot coffee along with sweetener and cream for a cozy brew.
Where to Buy Rum Extract
Rum extract is easy to find at most grocery stores. Look for rum extract near the vanilla extract and other flavorings like almond extract. You can find rum extract sold by brands like:
- McCormick
- Watkins
- Spice Islands
- Durkee
- Stonewall Kitchen
- OliveNation
- Rodelle
- Nielsen-Massey
Check the baking aisle, spice section, or search on the baking extracts area. Larger grocers may stock rum extract in the liquor or beverage section as well. You can also find rum extract at warehouse stores like Costco.
Besides grocery stores, rum extract is also readily available online. Search on Amazon, baking supply sites, or directly through brand websites to purchase rum extract. Extracts typically cost $3 to $6 for a small 1-2 ounce bottle.
Can You Make Your Own?
While you can purchase commercial rum extract, it’s also possible to make a homemade version. This allows you to customize the flavor and avoid preservatives or artificial ingredients found in some extracts.
To make DIY rum extract at home, all you need is:
- 1 cup white rum
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (optional)
Combine the rum, water, and vanilla bean pieces in a glass jar. Let this mixture steep for 2 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally. After 2 weeks, remove the vanilla bean. You can now use the infused rum liquid as rum extract.
Store homemade rum extract in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Your extract should keep for several months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rum extract non-alcoholic?
Most commercial rum extracts are non-alcoholic or contain minimal traces of alcohol. The distillation process removes nearly all of the alcohol content of the original rum, leaving behind concentrated flavor and aroma.
How long does rum extract last?
An unopened bottle of rum extract will stay fresh for 2-3 years in the pantry. Once opened, rum extract lasts about 1-2 years stored in a cool, dark place. Write the date you opened it on the bottle. Over time, the flavor may fade in old extracts.
Can you substitute rum extract for vanilla extract?
Rum and vanilla extract have very different flavor profiles and are not directly interchangeable. Vanilla provides a sweet, mellow base note while rum gives a spicy, bold punch. Substituting one for the other would significantly alter a recipe’s intended flavor.
Why is my rum extract separating?
Like vanilla extract, rum extract can sometimes separate into distinct layers over time. This is caused by the natural settling of components like flavor oils and water. Simply shake the bottle well before each use to re-blend the extract.
Can I use rum extract in icing?
Yes, rum extract adds great flavor to icings and frostings. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract per 1 cup of prepared icing or frosting. Fold it into buttercream or cream cheese frostings for rum flavor without alcohol.
Conclusion
Rum extract lets you impart rum flavor to recipes without needing to use alcohol. While it lacks some nuances of real rum, the concentrated convenience of rum extract makes it an easy 1:1 substitute in most baked goods and beverages. Keep rum extract’s highly concentrated nature in mind and adjust amounts as needed. With the proper proportions and complementary mix-ins, rum extract can mimic the taste of rum beautifully.