Pussers Rum Substitute – Your Best Options To Consider

Thinking about the best Pussers rum substitute?

For starters, Pussers rum got the reputation as a painkiller because of what it does. But at the same time, there is more to this rum that many people do not know.

So, today we will cover a few interesting topics – what is Pussers rum, the best substitute for Pussers rum, and how to make one just like a pro! Let’s get right into it.

What Is Pussers Rum

Pussers rum resembles a drink that was quite popular over 40 years ago at the famous Soggy Dollar Bar located in the British Virgin Islands. But eventually, it was trademarked as Pusser’s Painkiller, which we come to know today.

The Pussers rum is a popular drink in the Virgin Islands. In fact, you can find a version of this drink at just about any bar or restaurant there.

pussers rum substitute

It is even more well-known as a summer drink or even during the winter when you want to daydream of a tropical vacation. 

If you are looking to make a substitute of Pussers rum or with to reinvent it with your own style, then keep reading, because we have a few suggestions for you!

Pussers Rum Substitute

Let’s talk about great substitutes for Pussers Rum. Here are just some of the best ones you may want to try:

We have found that Smith & Cross works pretty well because of its higher proof and gaminess of the flavor. But if you can’t find one, then you can also use Appleton Estate Extra, as well as the Cruzan Single Barrel. Bacardi 8 and even Mount Gay Eclipse are also suitable options for a substitute.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce Cruzan Single Barrel rum
  • 1 ounce Smith & Cross rum
  • 4 ounces pineapple juice (unsweetened)
  • 1 ounce coconut cream
  • 1 ounce fresh orange juice
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Crushed ice

Garnish options: pineapple spear, orange or lime wheel, or cinnamon stick

Procedure: 

In a cocktail shaker, combine the juices, rum, and cream and add ice. Shake well for 10 seconds until chilled and pour into a glass. Garnish the top and serve immediately.

Expert Tips to Making Pussers Rum Substitute

The best way to create the finest Painkiller cocktail is by applying the correct ratio, which is 4:1:1. What this means is that you combine 4 parts of pineapple juice with 1 part cream and 1 part orange juice. Then, you need to add your choice of rum.

substitute for pussers rum

The result is just the right flavor, creaminess, and tangy taste you want!

Now, when choosing your ingredients, it helps to go for optimum quality. 

You can use either freshly juiced pineapple, but canned pineapple juice is okay, too. 

For the coconut cream, you should be able to find it in the drink mixer section, usually in a can.

As for the orange juice, always opt for pulp-free since you would want your drink to be smooth.

And for the rum, any dark rum whether Myers, Smith & Cross, and the like should be okay if Pusser’s is not available.

Great Options For Pussers Rum Substitute

Now, let’s talk about the best rums you can use to make the Pusser’s rum. Here are the ones we recommend.

1. Pusser’s Rum Gunpowder Proof

Pusser’s Rum Gunpowder Proof

The original admiralty strength is a suitable choice as it is a recreation of the infamous high-proof rum typically served on Royal Navy ships for over 3 centuries. It is a blend of Guyana and Trinidad rums and it carries a NAS or No Age Statement.

The smell features dark sugar and molasses notes, along with a buttery aroma, creamy and hints of dried fruits and vanilla. There are also some tropical spice hints such as ginger, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg with a touch of clove.

As for the taste, it is sweet and fruity, which is reminiscent of banana and melon flavors with some date, prune, and orange peel. You can also detect some hints of coffee and anise or licorice, and overall, it is quite peppery.

Lastly, it comes with a caramel finish that simply lingers in your mouth with a bit of peppery and bitter flavor to it.

2. British Navy Pusser’s Rum

British Navy Pusser’s Rum

Next up, we have the British Navy, which is an entry-level rum that comes with a milder flavor and based on the similar blend but less alcohol that the Gunpowder proof.

The scent is similar to that of brown sugar with molasses and a tropical smell such as banana. There is also some furniture polish smell that seems to linger around.

The British navy Pusser’s Rum is sweet and peppery but significantly less peppery and bitter as the Gunpowder. The quality is custard-like and tropical. And it has a long, peppery, and sweet finish with some tropical and fruity notes.

3. Pusser’s Rum Original Admiralty

Pusser’s Rum Original Admiralty

And then we have the Original Admiralty, which is a blend of rums from Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, and Guyana. About 50 percent of the rum’s blend is crafted from a wooden pot.

The rum has a drier smell to it with more evident hints of spice notes such as vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. 

Just like the other ones we have mentioned earlier, it is sweet with a long finish and some tropical spice and peppery notes, followed by a sweetness of dried fruits and some bitterness.

If you like to use any of the rum we have mentioned, this video can guide you on how to make the best Pusser’s Rum substitute:

Conclusion

Now that you know more about how to make the best substitute for Pusser’s rum – it’s your turn to get started! We hope this has been helpful in guiding you to create the perfect Pussser’s rum using these alternative options. 

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