Substitutes for Rum: 10 Best Alternatives that Work in Baking and Cooking!

Alcohol isn’t just for drinking; you may also utilize it in the kitchen. When you add it to your dish while cooking, it releases a beautiful aroma and enhances the flavor.

Rum is one of the world’s most popular drinks, and it’s also used in a variety of sweet and savory foods. It’s a strong alcoholic beverage made from sugar cane. Rum manufacturing is well-known in the Caribbean.

Rum can be light or dark in color. It can be consumed straight or combined into various cocktails and incorporated into pastries or fillings. Is there an option that will work just as well if you don’t enjoy adding alcohol to your cuisine or just don’t have it on hand?

Brandy, gin, cognac, tequila, sherry liquor, rum extract, apple juice, orange juice, white grape juice, and apple cider are the best rum alternatives.

Also, we’ll tell you what you can substitute for rum in tiramisu, as well as what you can substitute for rum extract.

Substitutes for rum

There are two ways to replace rum in a recipe. You can either use another rum-like alcoholic beverage or something that isn’t alcoholic at all. We’ve compiled a list of ten ideas, along with some facts, to assist you in making your decision and make your meals even more delectable!

No. 1 Brandy

It is a distilled wine or fermented fruit mash-based alcoholic beverage. The flavor varies depending on the fruit it is produced from and how old it is, but it is sweet and has a dried fruit flavor. Brandy works nicely in exotic-tasting foods, such as meat and sauces. In several recipes, you can use brandy instead of rum. When substituting, use a tablespoon.

No. 2 Gin

Gin is another spirit you may use to produce cocktails and a substitute for rum in the kitchen. It is a good alternative, especially in savory foods like pasta or seafood and sweet dishes and sweets, because it is made by distilling various spirits with juniper berries and adding additional extracts.

No. 3 A glass of cognac

Cognac is a brandy that comes in various flavors (fruity, spicy, or sweet). It’s usually used to prepare cocktails, but it can also substitute for rum in various recipes. Cognac adds depth to recipes and goes well with meat. You can use it in savory and sweet meals. You can also mix cognac with fruit, olives, and nuts.

No. 4 Tequila

Tequila is manufactured from the blue agave plant found around Guadalajara, Mexico. It is another alcoholic substitute for rum in cooking. Tequila’s flavor varies based on the brand, but it’s usually moderate and sweet. When cooking, substitute equal amounts of the ingredients. The best pairing for tequila is fish.

No. 5 Sherry is a type of liqueur

Sherry liquor can be used as a substitute, especially when baking pastries. It is a fortified wine created from white grapes grown in Spain. It has a delicate acidity and manzanilla flavor, hinting at sweetness. You can add a nutty and sweet flavor to your dinner by substituting sherry.

Rum substitutes that aren’t alcoholic:

No. 6 Rum extract

Rum extract is a natural substitute for rum and can be used in any recipe that calls for it. When stored in a dry environment, the extract can last for a long time.

There are two types: natural rum and rum imitating rum. Because the natural one is prepared with rum, it has a rich flavor comparable to that of actual rum. Because it is concentrated, you only need a small amount to bring out the flavors in the dish; just a little goes a long way.

Try substituting rum extract in cakes, cocktails, and other recipes that call for rum. For every two tablespoons of rum, use 1.5 tablespoons of rum extract.

No. 7 Juice from an apple

Apple juice is another excellent option. It’s sweet, acidic, and excellent in salads, dressings, and dips. The flavor is similar to that of rum, and you can replace it with 12 cups of apple juice for every one tablespoon of rum.

No. 8 Orange juice

Orange juice is another good option that will do the job well. It has a natural and well-balanced sweetness with acidity. It may have a trace of bitterness, but it’ll work in many dishes. Use it to make marinades, seasonings, and other dipping sauces. For every tablespoon of rum, use 12 cups of orange juice.

No. 9 Juice from white grapes

White grape juice is a healthful and non-alcoholic alternative. It has a light, sweet flavor that you may use in various recipes that call for rum, including sweet and savory foods and various beverages. For every tablespoon of rum, use 12 cups of white grape juice.

No. 10 Apple cider

Apple cider, another apple product, is an excellent substitute for rum in cooking. It is an unfiltered apple juice with a more intense flavor than regular apple juice. Most recipes may substitute it for rum, but make sure to use the proper amount because it has a more robust flavor. It’s better to start with a small amount and increase as needed.

You can make tiramisu without the rum

Tiramisu, a delectable and well-known dessert, contains rum. Use the same amount or adjust to your personal preference - you can always add more if the flavor isn’t strong enough. It doesn’t matter if you use dark or white rum. If you don’t want to use rum or have any, you may always use coffee liqueur, brandy, or cognac instead.

A substitute for rum extract

Of course, you can use rum if you don’t have rum extract on hand. Vanilla extract is an additional choice that is relatively modest.

Vanilla extract will give your recipe a subtle touch and a pleasant scent (which will be very similar to rum). First, add one tablespoon of vanilla extract. Then add a little more if you want a more extraordinary flavor and aroma.

Related questions:

Is it possible to make a recipe with whiskey instead of rum?

Sure. It’s arguably one of the most acceptable options, given that it’s both a strong liquor and a common cooking ingredient. It has a similar sweet flavor and can be used to bake with.

What’s the best rum to use in a recipe?

The best rum for cooking is dark, aged rum. It has a robust flavor that will enhance the flavor of your food. It’s very good with meat in stews.

Is rum a sweet alcoholic beverage?

Yes! On the other hand, white rum can be dry and bitter, whereas dark rum is typically sweet.