The Rum Fashioned features the tropical flavors of Tiki in Old Fashioned style.

The classic Old Fashioned cocktail is made by muddling sugar with bitters then adding whiskey, usually bourbon or rye, and served in a short, round "Old Fashioned" glass over ice. Most often you'll find orange and cherry muddled in as well, and perhaps a splash of club soda.

This recipe calls for the same method, but to give it a fun makeover we will borrow a few ingredients from the Tiki arsenal.

If you're curious about Tiki culture you can read more about it here.

First, rum! The selection of rum is important and can be altered to suit the drinker's preference. A good blended rum such as Denizen Merchant's Reserve works best as blended rums lend the cocktail subtle tropical notes while keeping the oaky tradition of the Old Fashioned. We'll infuse the muddle with fresh pineapple, and we'll add a little spice in the form of cinnamon bitters and a touch of ginger brew.

Ingredients:

1 chunk of pineapple, plus more for garnish

2 orange wedges, plus more for garnish

1 maraschino cherry, plus more for garnish, preferably Luxardo

1 sugar cube

5 drops cinnamon bitters, such as Infuse Cassia Bark Bitters

2 oz blended rum, such as Denizen Merchant's Reserve

Ginger beer

Denizen Merchant's Reserve is aged for 8 years in once-used American Oak bourbon barrels giving this sipping rum a lovely smoothness that is perfect for an Old Fashioned style cocktail.

To make the Rum Fashioned muddle:

1 chunk fresh pineapple

2 orange wedges

1 maraschino cherry

1 sugar cube

5 drops cinnamon bitters

Add the muddled ingredients to the glass and use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to press and twist, releasing all the juices and oils and dissolving the sugar.

Instead of sugar you can substitute coconut syrup for an added tropical note.

Add ice and pour 2 oz rum.

Stir.

Top with a splash of spicy ginger beer for effervescence.

Any type of Tiki cocktail calls for an over-the-top garnish, so be sure to save your pineapple leaves for extra flair.

Garnish with pineapple, orange, and cherry on a pick, and add some pineapple leaves and a fresh flower

It's so pretty you (almost) won't want to drink it!

You definitely should, though.

The Rum Fashioned...

Cheers!