Cocktail & Other Recipes By Spirit Rum Cocktails

Rum Dum

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Liquor.com
Liquor.com

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Updated 07/24/22
A highball glass is filled with a light gold cocktail topped with foam. The drink rests on black marble, and the background is solid black.

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

This take on a rum sour was created more than 40 years ago by one Wilfred Sands. At the time he was the bartender at the exclusive Lyford Cay Club in New Providence, Bahamas. Reportedly, he adapted the recipe for a guest that wanted a rum drink that was “not too sweet.” Today, he still serves the drink, now as the Head Mixologist at the Red Turtle Tavern at John Watling’s Distillery in Nassau, Bahamas. According to the John Watling’s Distillery website, he is affectionately and respectfully known as Uncle Will there.

The closest relative to the Rum Dum is the iconic Daiquiri. However, the Rum Dum substitutes lemon juice for lime and plain sugar for simple syrup. It also adds an egg white for extra foaminess and a silky mouthfeel. While using a blend of rums in drinks is a common practice, here you’ll want to refrain, instead floating the darker amber rum on top, which adds layers, figuratively and literally, to the drink.

As with any sort of rum drink, there is always an opportunity to play with whatever rum you have on hand. After all, John Watling’s rum was not available when Sands first invented the Rum Dum in 1971. What is advisable, however, is to use a light rum for the base of the drink and a darker pot still rum for the float. Pot still rums often have what is referred to as a “funk,” an aromatic richness and earthiness that many rum fans adore. Using such a distinct rum for the float means that the Rum Dum transforms as you drink it. It starts with the bold wildness of the pot still, then goes into the more gentle, sweet and sour elements of the drink itself. Eventually what remains of the float will naturally incorporate into the drink, further transforming it as the flavors meld. The float also provides a visual treat with the layer of rum separate from the rest.

Layering the rum can be a bit tricky. One tip is to place a spoon upside down against the top of the drink, and slowly pour the rum down the backside of the spoon so the added rum doesn’t break the cocktail’s surface.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 ounce John Watling’s pale rum
  • 1 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 ounce egg white
  • 1/2 ounce John Watling’s amber rum

Steps

  1. Add the pale rum, lemon juice, sugar and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice).

  2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.

  3. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.

  4. Gently pour the amber rum on top as a float.

Raw Egg Warning

Consuming raw and lightly cooked eggs poses a risk of food-borne illness.