You probably already know that rum is an alcoholic drink. However, it can also be a great ingredient for many recipes. With a little creativity, you can infuse many dishes with rum flavors without using actual rum. Instead, you will use rum extract.
In a nutshell, rum extract is a concentrated rum flavor without the high alcohol content. Alcohol-free versions are available, although there are also some that make rum extract with a little alcohol.
What if the recipe calls for rum extract but it isn’t available? Read on and we’ll list down some of the top options for rum extract substitute.
Using Rum Extract in Your Recipes
First, you need to know that you will find two types of rum extract in the market. The first is natural. It is made using real rum, which gives it a full and complex flavor, which is what you can expect from the real alcoholic rum.
Alternatively, there are also imitation rum extracts. They use artificial ingredients, so the flavors are not as complex. They are cheaper, but if you want the real deal, they might not be the best option for you.
Using rum extract delivers a plethora of benefits. Among others, one of the best is that it has a concentrated flavor. A little drop goes a long way in terms of the distinct taste it can incorporate in any dish.
To add, rum extract is space-efficient. You do not need a large bottle of rum cramping your kitchen. It has a small container but packs a punch of flavors.
The versatility of rum extract is another good reason to always have it available in the kitchen. You can use it in many ways, although the most popular is for desserts. You can even incorporate it in savory dishes.
Our Favorite Rum Extract Substitutes
If you cannot get your hand on a bottle of rum extract, no worries. You can replicate the flavors and effects with several substitutes, including those that we’ll be talking about below.
1. Rum
Nothing beats real rum when it comes to delicious flavors, especially if your goal is to use it for baking, such as for making tiramisu and brownies. If you drink rum at home, then you will most probably not have any problem accessing this ingredient when necessary.
In case you do not know, rum is a liquor that results from the fermentation of sugarcane molasses or juice. It also undergoes distillation. It is aged in oak barrels, which is also the one responsible for giving the drink a distinct flavor.
A rum’s flavor will depend on many things, including its grade, type, and where it is from. In most instances, however, rum is slightly sweet with a balanced flavor. It is also rich, smooth, and smoky.
The measurements for this substitution will depend on the specific type of rum you are using. For instance, if the recipe needs two tablespoons of rum extract, you will need one tablespoon of dark rum. Meanwhile, one tablespoon of rum extract is equal to five tablespoons of light rum.
One rule of thumb when using rum as a substitute for rum extract – pick a high-quality brand. Cheap rums will taste bitter, which can make the flavor of your dish off.
2. Bourbon
Aside from rum, bourbon is another alcoholic beverage that you can also use as a substitute for rum extract. From cookies to cakes, it can infuse great flavors.
The vanilla and smoky caramel flavors of bourbon make it a favorite in the kitchen. It is a great addition to sweet and savory dishes. Some ingredients that will go well with bourbon include pork, ham, peaches, pears, apples, vanilla, chocolate, pecan, and mint.
Find the right type of bourbon that you can incorporate in a dish that originally calls for a rum extract. For instance, if you want to cook quickly and not overpower the original flavor of the other ingredients, then you should use low-proof bourbon.
Meanwhile, if you want sweet and warm flavors, you should use wheated bourbon. Such is a great addition to desserts, jellies, and jams.
3. Cachaca
Another great option for an alcohol-based substitute for rum extract is cachaca. It is the most popular spirit in Brazil and is made from distilled sugarcane juice. The sugarcane must be grown exclusively in Brazil.
Cachaca is often confused with rum, especially because for the uninitiated, the flavors are almost the same. Nonetheless, one of the main differences is that cachaca is from sugarcane while rum is from sugar by-products, such as molasses.
When it comes to flavor, cachaca has a subtle sweetness, which is not as pronounced as rum. There are also less fruity notes. You might want to add more if you want to achieve a flavor close to rum extract.
4. Vanilla Extract
If you want a substitute for rum extract, it is hard to go wrong with vanilla extract. It has a unique flavor that will go well when added to pies, cookies, and cakes.
The vanilla extract is a result of soaking vanilla beans in alcohol to release its compounds. The Food and Drug Administration rules that there should be at least 35% alcohol in every 100 grams of vanilla beans per liter.
While most people will use vanilla extract for baking, there are other ingenious ways to make the most of is flavors. For instance, it is a great addition to cocktails and craft coffee drinks. You can also use it for grilling, and even for savory sauces.
In terms of the measurements, you can use the same exact amount of rum extract that is needed. For instance, if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of rum extract, then you can use one tablespoon of vanilla extract.
5. Coffee Extract
Do you love coffee? Then you will love using coffee extract when rum extract is unavailable. It is alcohol-free, but it can add the same robust flavor to various recipes. One of the biggest similarities between rum and coffee extracts is that they both have rich and smoky flavors.
It does not have the same taste as rum extract, but if you have no choice, it will suffice. Such will especially work for ice cream and baked goods, among others where you would like to infuse coffee flavors.
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