Credit for this popcorn-infused spin on the rum Old-Fashioned goes to bartender Glendon Hartley. The fat-washed rum—made by soaking buttery popcorn in rum and then freezing the combination so it’s easy to remove fats and solids by straining—is shelf-stable and should be a golden orange color with a caramel-butter aroma and flavor.

　　Note: For the 2:1 Demerara Sugar Syrup, measuring the ingredients by weight rather than by volume is more accurate. Heat 100 grams water over medium-high heat just until a light steam is visible, then stir in 200 grams demerara sugar until dissolved. Let cool and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate until ready to use.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 cocktail

　　

For the popcorn-infused rum

1 bag microwave butter popcorn

　　750-ml bottle Bacardi Ocho Rum

　　

For the cocktail

2 oz. popcorn-infused rum

　　1 dash Angostura bitters

　　1 dash Regan’s orange bitters

　　½ oz. Demerara Sugar Syrup (2:1, see note at top)

　　Garnish: Orange zest or twist and freshly popped popcorn

　　

Make the popcorn-infused rum

Step 1

Pop one bag of microwave butter popcorn and place contents into a large Ziploc bag.

　　

Step 2

Pour in one 750mL bottle of Bacardi Ocho Rum to infuse overnight at room temperature. Seal competely.

　　

Step 3

After one night, place the bag in the freezer until all fats and solids are frozen. (This willl take approximately 4 to 6 hours.)

　　

Step 4

After all fats and solids are frozen, cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and strain through a coffee filter. Using multiple coffee filters will yield best results.

　　

Make the cocktail

Step 5

Place large ice cube into a tumbler or old-fashioned glass.

　　

Step 6

Add popcorn-infused rum, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, and demerara sugar syrup to a mixing glass, fill with ice and stir until diluted and well chilled. Strain into prepared glass and garnish with fresh popcorn and orange zest.

　　Reprinted with permission from Black Mixcellence by Tamika Hall with Colin Asare-Appiah. Copyright © 2022 by Tamika Hall. Published by Kingston Imperial. Buy the full book from Kingston Imperial or Amazon.