Rum extract adds bold, sweet rum flavor without the alcohol to recipes. A little goes a long way in providing that authentic rum taste in things like cakes, icings, puddings, milkshakes and more. With so many rum extracts on the market, how do you choose the best rum extract to buy?
This guide will walk you through what to look for when shopping for rum extract. We’ll cover how rum extract is made, the different grades available, and what to watch out for regarding artificial flavors and colors. After reading, you’ll know what makes for high quality rum extract and be able to select the right brand and type for your baking and cooking needs.
McCormick Rum Extract With Other Natural Flavors
If you love the rich, warm flavor of rum but want an alcohol-free way to infuse it into recipes, McCormick’s rum extract is a great option. With no artificial flavors, colors, or corn syrup, this gluten-free extract captures the robust flavor of rum beautifully. Just a few drops can impart a lovely rum taste to desserts, beverages, and more without discoloring batters.
You’ll appreciate how a small amount of the highly concentrated rum flavor goes a long way. Use less than you would real rum to achieve the intended taste. While it won’t add color, the rum notes come through wonderfully in the finished recipe. This versatile bottle is convenient for both baking and cooking. The flip-top allows you to quickly dispense a bit at a time or pour out larger amounts when preparing big batches.
Overall, McCormick’s imitation rum extract makes it simple to create rum-infused treats without alcohol. The quality natural and artificial rum flavors ensure you get an authentic, rich rum taste minus the booze. This affordable and consistent product takes the guesswork out of adding rum flavor to recipes.
LorAnn Rum Baking Emulsion
LorAnn’s rum emulsion is a top choice for boosting rum flavor in recipes without adding alcohol. The rich, natural rum taste shines through beautifully in desserts, frostings, and more. With a smooth, syrup-like consistency, a small amount will pump up rum notes in your baked goods or beverages.
Appreciate the versatility of using LorAnn’s emulsion for rum flavor versus extracts. While potent, extracts can impart bitterness if overused. This emulsion blends in seamlessly to amplify taste without overwhelming. The thick, concentrated syrup also contains natural coloring to tint batters, frostings, etc. for an authentic rum hue.
Made in the USA, LorAnn’s rum emulsion contains quality ingredients and concentrated rum flavor. A little goes a long way, making this 4 oz bottle last and allowing you to create rum-flavored treats affordably. You’ll get the most authentic rum flavor without artificial tastes. This versatile emulsion works for both home bakers and professionals.
Overall, you can’t go wrong infusing recipes with LorAnn’s rum emulsion. A small amount delivers big, bold rum flavor minus the alcohol burn. The thick consistency blends in smoothly without bitterness.
OliveNation Pure Rum Flavor
If you want to add lovely rum essence to recipes without alcohol, OliveNation’s rum flavoring is an excellent choice. Made with quality Myers rum extractives, the flavor profile authentically captures smooth, deep rum notes. You’ll appreciate how a few drops impart a lovely hint of rum or use more for a bolder rum taste.
This rum flavoring contains a short, clean ingredient list of rum extractives, water, and alcohol. No artificial flavors or colors are used, resulting in a natural-tasting rum profile. The slight alcohol gives it versatility for infusing into baked goods, ice creams, beverages, and more.
The convenient 4 oz bottle makes it affordable to add rum flavor to diverse recipes. A little goes a long way thanks to the concentrated extractives. The tasted profile has depth and nuance just like real rum, without the alcohol burn. For cost-effectiveness and quality rum flavor, OliveNation’s pure rum extract is tough to beat.
Overall, this rum flavoring brings authentic, smooth rum notes to recipes without booze. The concentrated formula means a small amount can provide a lovely hint of rum or a bolder taste as desired. Made in the USA, the quality and purity of the rum extractives really shine through.
McCormick Culinary Imitation Rum Extract
For consistently adding rich, smooth rum flavor without alcohol, McCormick Culinary’s imitation rum extract is a top choice. The proprietary blend of natural and artificial rum flavors captures the true taste profile beautifully. With a lovely orange hue and appealing aroma, you’ll enjoy working this versatile 16 oz bottle into diverse recipes.
A small amount of the concentrated rum extract goes a long way. Use about half the amount you would real rum to achieve the intended flavor. You’ll appreciate how a few teaspoons can provide a lovely rum essence or use more for bold, authentic rum notes in desserts, sauces, cocktails and beyond.
Made for commercial kitchens, this kosher, gluten-free extract delivers on quality and consistency every time. The convenient packaging makes it easy to quickly dispense as needed. Always have rum flavor on hand without worrying about alcoholic extracts going bad.
Overall, McCormick Culinary’s imitation rum extract takes the guesswork out of adding smooth, robust rum flavor to recipes. The natural and artificial rum flavors create an authentic taste consistently. Add lovely rum notes without worrying about alcohol or extracts expiring.
Watkins Rum Extract With Other Natural Flavors
For pure, rich rum flavoring without alcohol, Watkins rum extract is a top choice. Made from quality natural rum extractives, it captures the true warm, sweet essence of rum beautifully. You’ll love how a few drops can impart lovely, smooth rum notes without overpowering a recipe.
Containing rum extractives, water and a bit of alcohol, the short ingredient list results in a natural rum taste. No artificial flavors or colors are used. The alcohol ensures the extract infuses well into diverse recipes from baked goods to beverages and more.
Convenient 2 oz bottles make it easy to add rum essence affordably. A little bit goes a long way thanks to the concentrated formula. You can subtly enhance recipes with a hint of rum or use more for a bolder flavor. The authentic taste rivals real rum without the high alcohol content.
Overall, Watkins rum extract delivers on pure, smooth rum flavor without the burn of liquor. The concentrated formula means you only need a small amount to impart a lovely rum profile. For home bakers wanting quality, alcohol-free rum flavoring, Watkins rum extract is a top choice.
Cook’s Choice Pure Rum Extract
Cook’s Choice Pure Rum Extract adds delicious authentic rum flavor to your baking and cooking. With just a teaspoon or two, you can impart a rich, smooth rum taste to cakes, cookies, frostings, and more. Made from fine Meyer’s Rum, this all-natural gluten-free extract provides 100% pure rum flavor that will take your recipes to the next level.
You’ll love the convenience of this 8oz bottle – it’s the perfect size to keep stocked in your pantry. Cook’s uses only premium ingredients, so you can trust you’re getting an extract of the highest quality. Whether you’re making classic rum cake, spiked eggnog, or experimenting with new rum-infused dishes, Cook’s Pure Rum Extract is sure to become your go-to for whenever a recipe calls for real rum flavor.
LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor
LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor perfectly captures the taste of hot buttered rum in a sweet, smooth liquid extract. With a rich, buttery flavor complemented by warming spice notes, this flavoring adds decadent rum character to all kinds of baked goods and candies.
A little goes a long way with these concentrated 1 dram bottles. Just a drop or two is all you need to impart bold butter rum taste. You’ll love enhancing everything from cupcakes, cookies and cakes to frostings, fudge, and hard candy. It also makes a delicious addition to coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes and more.
Made in the USA, this kosher flavoring contains no gluten or GMOs. For endless inspiration, keep these two 1 teaspoon bottles stocked in your pantry. LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor is sure to become a go-to for giving your treats and drinks a cozy, indulgent flavor.
Spice Supreme Imitation Rum Flavor
Spice Supreme Imitation Rum Flavor adds rich, sweet rum taste to recipes without any alcohol. Great for baking, this kosher OU certified flavoring provides a smooth, mellow rum profile that enhances cakes, cookies, frostings, and more.
The convenience of this 2-pack makes it easy to always have rum flavor on hand. Each 2oz bottle contains concentrated flavor that goes a long way. Just a teaspoon or two is enough to impart tasty rum character without overpowering.
Made in the USA, this high-quality imitation rum extract is perfect for cooks wanting rum’s signature flavor without the alcohol. Keep it stocked for anytime a recipe calls for rum. From holiday baking to everyday treats, Spice Supreme Imitation Rum Flavor is sure to become a staple.
OliveNation Rum Flavor
OliveNation Rum Flavor captures the authentic taste of Caribbean rum in a convenient liquid extract. Made from a blend of top-shelf rums including Myers, this flavoring adds rich, smooth rum character to all kinds of baked goods, beverages, and more.
A little goes a long way thanks to its highly concentrated formula. Use just a teaspoon or two to impart tangy, tropical rum flavor without overpowering food. You’ll love enhancing everything from cakes, pies and cookies to cocktails, milkshakes and smoothies.
This gluten-free, kosher flavoring contains no GMOs or added colors. The 2oz size is perfect for keeping on hand to add rum taste anytime inspiration strikes. Made in the USA, OliveNation Rum Flavor is a must-have for bakers, mixologists and anyone wanting real rum flavor without the alcohol.
LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor
LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor perfectly captures the taste of hot buttered rum in a sweet, smooth liquid extract. With a rich, buttery flavor complemented by warming spice notes, this flavoring adds decadent rum character to all kinds of baked goods and candies.
A little goes a long way with these concentrated 1 dram bottles. Just a drop or two is all you need to impart bold butter rum taste. You’ll love enhancing everything from cupcakes, cookies and cakes to frostings, fudge, and hard candy. It also makes a delicious addition to coffee, hot chocolate, milkshakes and more.
Made in the USA, this kosher flavoring contains no gluten or GMOs. For endless inspiration, keep these two 1 teaspoon bottles stocked in your pantry. LorAnn Butter Rum Flavor is sure to become a go-to for giving your treats and drinks a cozy, indulgent flavor.
Rum Extract Buying Guide
When searching for the best rum extract, here are the key factors to consider:
Type of Rum Used
Rum extracts are made by soaking ingredients like vanilla beans in rum to infuse the flavor. The type and quality of rum used impacts the taste.
Dark rums like blackstrap rum will impart richer, deeper molasses and caramel flavors. Light or white rums make for a more clean, neutral rum flavor. Study the label or description to understand what the rum source is to set expectations for the taste.
Alcohol Content
Most rum extracts contain 35% alcohol since a higher alcohol content does better at pulling out flavors from the source ingredients. However, you can also find quality non-alcoholic rum extracts if you need to avoid alcohol entirely.
Check the alcohol percentage listed – a higher amount will translate to a more pronounced rum presence. If making recipes for children, pregnant women or people avoiding alcohol, look for alcohol-free varieties.
Ingredients
Pure rum extract should only contain two ingredients – rum and the flavoring source like vanilla beans. artificial colors, flavors or additives should be avoided.
Companies may use thickeners like corn syrup or caramel color to simulate a richer rum flavor – but these extra ingredients usually make for lower quality, artificial tasting extracts. Stick to pure ingredients for the truest rum taste.
Grades: Imitation vs Pure vs Natural
There are different grades of rum extract to be aware of:
- Imitation rum extract is the lowest quality, made from artificial rum flavorings or essential oils. The rum taste will be noticeably fake.
- Pure rum extract is distilled directly from rum, providing authentic flavor. This is a higher quality grade than imitation.
- Natural rum extract uses real rum as the solvent for extracting flavors from ingredients like vanilla, resulting in a rich, natural rum presence. Natural extract is the highest grade.
For the most genuine, premium rum experience, always choose natural or pure rum extract whenever possible. Stay away from imitation varieties with artificial flavors.
Bottle Size
Rum extracts typically come in 1-2 ounce bottles. Since only a small amount is needed to provide rum flavor, most recipes call for 1-2 teaspoons.
Consider your planned usage – occasional use may warrant a smaller 1 oz bottle, while frequent baking may justify buying a larger 2 oz or 4 oz size. Larger sizes generally offer better value for money, but you want to finish the extract within 1-2 years for optimal freshness.
Price
Expect to pay $5-$15 for a good quality rum extract. Gourmet brands or larger sizes will land on the higher end. If you see an extract that seems unusually cheap, it likely indicates low quality or imitation grade.
Be wary of any artificial tasting extracts that seem like a bargain – you get what you pay for when it comes to authentic rum flavor. Paying a little more for natural or pure extract is worthwhile.
Brand Reputation
As with any ingredient, buying from a reputable, well-known brand is recommended whenever possible. Trusted brands stake their reputation on quality so you can be assured you’re getting a genuine product that lives up to the label.
Some top makers of rum extract include McCormick, Rodelle, OliveNation, Frontier Co-op, and Durkee. But don’t be afraid to experiment with lesser known brands – just be sure to vet customer reviews first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rum Extract
What recipes use rum extract?
The most common uses for rum extract include:
- Cakes, cupcakes, muffins – add to batter or frosting
- Cookies like rum balls
- Puddings, custards, ice cream
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Icings and fillings
- Warm desserts like bread pudding or rice pudding
- Punch, winter cocktails, and mocktails
Any recipe calling for rum can substitute about 1 teaspoon extract per 1 tablespoon of rum. Extract allows you to get the flavor without worrying about the alcohol cooking out.
Can you substitute real rum for extract?
Yes, you can substitute about 3-4 tablespoons of real rum for every 1 teaspoon of rum extract called for. However, keep in mind that the alcohol will cook off in baked goods, so you may get better rum flavor using the concentrated extract instead.
How long does rum extract last?
Unopened, rum extract will stay fresh for 2-3 years stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Once opened, it’s best used within 1-2 years. Over time, the rum flavor will fade and the extract can start tasting artificial.
For optimal freshness and rum potency, buy small bottles you can use up quicker after opening. Always make sure bottles are sealed tight between uses.
What’s the difference between rum extract and rum flavoring?
Rum extract is made by actually soaking ingredients like vanilla or spice in rum to infuse the flavor. This provides an authentic, natural rum taste.
Rum flavorings are artificially created in a lab to mimic rum flavor using essential oils or chemical compounds. The taste is not as real or nuanced.
Always choose real extracts over artificial flavorings when possible for better results in your baking and drinks.
Conclusion
With so many rum extract options on the market, knowing what to look for makes it easier to select the best quality. Seek out trusted brands focused on all-natural ingredients, pure grades, and authentic rum flavor. Avoid artificial imitations or flavors. A little rum extract goes a long way, so buy a small bottle and experiment to find your favorite for baking at home.
Resources:
- Native Vanilla – Rum Extract
- This website offers pure rum extract, which is a great alternative for flavoring cakes and pastries. It provides more flavor with less alcohol than actual rum. It also mentions some popular treats that can be made using rum extract, such as banana foster, eggnog, and tiramisu.
- Delighted Cooking – What is Rum Extract?
- This article explains what rum extract is and provides a picture for reference. It describes rum extract as a cooking ingredient made from rum, with a concentrated rum flavor but without the high alcohol content.
- McCormick – Rum Extract
- McCormick offers rum extract as one of their flavor extracts. The page provides the ingredients used in their rum extract and includes an allergen statement.
- RecipeTips – Rum Extract – Definition and Cooking Information
- This page provides a definition of rum extract and its use as a flavoring typically made from rum. It mentions that there are non-alcohol based extracts available for those who prefer it.
- McCormick Culinary – Imitation Rum Extract
- McCormick Culinary offers an imitation rum extract that delivers the sweet flavor of rum without the alcohol. The page provides a recommended measurement for using their imitation rum extract in recipes.