Can you use normal rum instead of extract? I will show you the best rum extract substitutes for a perfect and delicious recipe!
In the last year’s many people have begun to experiment with different – and more healthy – alcoholic beverages.
Since most of these drinks do not contain as little alcohol as possible, we need a substitute for their taste and smell. Alcoholic beverages like Rum and Brandy are used in many recipes, and they can be made at home, too.
Rum extract vs normal Rum
The rum itself does not taste strong, so you might wonder why it is necessary to use an extract. The truth is that Rum has a very specific flavor which can be difficult for some people to enjoy.
While the same may be said about some other drinks like Brandy, the difference with Rum is that adding too much of these extracts will create an overpowering alcoholic taste that spoils the drink. If you want to avoid this, it is best to use Rum extract.
Rum extract is generally made with ethyl alcohol of a certain strength, varying from 30% to 80%. This ethyl alcohol is added to water and various other ingredients.
Most people make their own Rum extract by using coconut Rum. The most common recipe calls for two parts of coconut Rum, one part sugar, and ten parts water.
If you can’t find or don’t want to use ethyl alcohol, then there is still hope for you! You may use plain Rum for your liquid, but it will result in an alcoholic liquid with a different taste and smell than what we know from Rum extract.
Can you Use Rum Instead of Rum Extract?
The answer is yes, you may use normal Rum instead of the extract if it’s available to you.
However, bear in mind that this can result in a much stronger alcoholic taste, so choose your ingredients with care. The Rum flavor will also negatively affect the taste, so do not attempt this if you want to taste the ingredients in their natural state.
If you want to prepare your drink with normal Rum instead of the extract, amend your recipe accordingly.
Remember that 1 part of Rum is equal to 2 parts of the liquid while 0.5 parts should be replaced by two teaspoons of sugar, and 0.25 parts will require one teaspoon of sugar.
As you can see, there are some big differences in the number of ingredients you will need, which is a good reason to follow a recipe instead of your judgment.
11 Rum extract substitutes: The best alternatives
1) Vanilla extract
Rum is used in many recipes, but if you do not have Rum or high-proof alcohol at home, there are other ingredients you can use to substitute this flavor.
Vanilla extract, for example, has a strong Vanilla taste which is similar to the taste of Rum. While vanilla extract tastes sweet, adding too much will make your dish or drink too sweet.
Like for rum extract, you may use regular Vanilla extract with ethyl alcohol of 30%+. If this is not available to you, so-called “Vanilla sauce” usually has the same effect, but bear in mind that it often contains corn syrup or sugar.
2) Coconut extract
Coconut extract has the same effect as Rum extract, but it tastes less alcoholic and more like coconut.
You can use “Coconut topping” if you cannot find coconut extract at home. The taste is not the same, but it still has an aroma of coconut, which makes your drink taste pretty good.
3) Coffee liqueur
Coffee liqueur tastes like Rum, and it is commonly used as a substitute for other alcoholic beverages or Rum extract.
Coffee liqueur adds the taste of coffee without adding too much sweetness to your drink. Because of this, you can use it in many dishes which require Rum but do not want to make them too sweet, such as desserts or sauces.
4) Caramel syrup
Caramel syrup may be used as a substitute for Rum extract, but bear in mind that it will not give you the same taste as using Rum itself.
The procedure is quite simple: take a bottle of caramel syrup and let some Rum burn inside the container.
This will increase the sugar content, making your syrup taste more like Rum. You can then use it to make delicious desserts or fill up your cakes instead of using Rum extract.
5) Grenadine syrup
Grenadine syrup has a strong taste that may seem too sweet for some people, but it works surprisingly well as a substitute for Rum extract in dishes or drinks you want to add a strong taste too.
Grenadine syrup is made from pomegranate juice and sugar, giving your drink or dish the natural look of Rum.
For extra flavor, you can add it to many other ingredients, such as ice cream, fruit juices, or cocktails.
6) Cinnamon & sugar
Cinnamon & sugar may be used together as a substitute for Rum extract, but bear in mind that it tastes very sweet and is used more as a decoration than to actually add any flavor to your dish.
It can be sprinkled over baked goods such as bread, desserts, and even ice cream.
7) Apple & cinnamon
Apple & cinnamon can also be used as a substitute for Rum extract, but it is very strong, and you should use just a little bit of cinnamon to avoid overpowering your dish with its taste.
You can sprinkle the mixture over baked goods or desserts, as well as mix it up together with ice cream, fruit juices, or cocktails.
8) Pancake syrup
Pancake syrup has the same effect as Rum extract, but you should bear in mind that it is not only too sweet but also has a distinctive taste of its own.
Nevertheless, it can substitute the flavor of Rum in many dishes or drinks, so you can experiment with it and see by yourself if this syrup works for you.
9) Maple syrup
Maple syrup is used to substitute for Rum extract, but it is much less sweet. You can sprinkle maple syrup over your desserts or drinks to make them look filled with Rum.
10) Butterscotch schnapps
Butterscotch schnapps has the same effect as Rum extract, but bear in mind that it tastes very sweet. So you can use it in desserts or drinks you want to add a sweet flavor, even if they are not supposed to contain Rum.
11) Root beer
Root beer has the same effect as Rum extract when mixed into other ingredients, but it makes your drink taste completely different than using Rum would do.
It may be used in drinks or desserts you want to add that distinct root beer flavor.
What is the best rum extract for baking?
The best type of rum extract for baking is dark Rum. Light Rum, which is more commonly found in stores, has a weaker flavor that does not entirely come through when mixed into ingredients.
Dark Rum, such as Myers’s or Bacardi, comes through more clearly and is the best way to add a truly ‘rummy’ flavor to any baked goods. You can find dark rum extract at most baking supply stores.
You can also use spiced Rum for baking, which will give your dish more of a cinnamon flavor.
However, spiced Rum is generally not as strong as its dark counterpart, so you may need to use more in your recipes if this is the only type you have available.
There are any Imitation Of Rum Extract?
Yes, you can use several other ingredients that will work as substitutes for Rum extract. For example, you can try using Caramel syrup or Grenadine syrup to substitute the flavor of Rum in various dishes and drinks.
Still, it is usually better just to use Rum itself if available.
Maple syrup is used to substitute for Rum extract, but it is much less sweet. You can sprinkle maple syrup over your desserts or drinks to make them look filled with Rum.
You can substitute the flavor of Rum in many dishes or drinks, so you can experiment with it and see by yourself if this syrup works for you.
Cinnamon & sugar may be used together as a substitute for Rum extract, but bear in mind that it tastes very sweet and is used more as a decoration than to actually add any flavor to your dish.
Final Words
Rum extract can add flavor or color to cocktails, desserts, or other drinks. There are several substitutes for Rum extract that you can try if it is not available in your area, but you should bear in mind that the actual final taste of your dish or drink may change if using another ingredient instead of Rum extract.
Therefore, it is best to use Rum extract in dishes meant to contain Rum, such as desserts or cocktails.
You can also try making your vanilla extract at home using vanilla beans and Vodka, another popular alcoholic beverage.
However, remember that Homemade extracts often take several months to completely develop their flavor, so you should be patient while waiting for the results before using them in your cooking.
So, what did you think about our 11 Rum extract substitutes for baking and even drinks? Feel free to leave your opinion below!
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