Powder Keg: Spectacular Dark Rum and Campari Cocktail
Aug 31, 2025
If you want a cocktail with real drama, Powder Keg delivers. It is bold, spicy, and unforgettable. This dark rum and Campari cocktail leans tiki with a fierce little spark. Light it on fire if you feel theatrical or keep it simple and let the flavors do the talking. Either way, it will stop a party in its tracks.
Powder Keg balances overproof rum, Campari, and our Fuego Bitters for a spicy sweet profile with real backbone. It is rich. It is bitter. It is fiery. Y’all will love it.
What is the Powder Keg Cocktail?
Powder Keg is a tiki style drink built for people who like big flavor. Campari brings bitterness. Dark rum brings depth. Overproof rum adds heat and spectacle. Fuego Bitters and Black Pepper Syrup create a spicy sweet foundation that keeps the drink from leaning too heavy. Polynesian Kiss Bitters add tropical lift. It is layered and lively and perfect for hosting.
How to Make the Flaming Rum Cocktail
Makes one cocktail.
Ingredients
- 5 oz Dark Spiced Rum
- 0.5 oz Overproof Rum
- 0.5 oz Ginger Liqueur (she used Barrows Intense)
- 0.5 oz Campari
- 2 oz Pomegranate Juice
- 0.5 oz Black Pepper Syrup (recipe below)
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz El Guapo™ Orgeat
- 10 dashes El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters
- 4 dashes El Guapo™ Fuego Bitters
- Star fruit slices and key limes for garnish
Instructions
- Add everything except the overproof rum to a shaker with crushed ice.
- Shake to chill.
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Pour into a glass.
- Garnish with star fruit.
- To add fire, hollow half a key lime and fill it with overproof rum. Light it carefully. Or float the overproof rum on top with no flame.
Black Pepper Syrup
- Bring one cup of water to a boil. Lower heat.
- Add one cup sugar and stir to dissolve.
- Add two tablespoons freshly crushed peppercorns. Simmer ten minutes.
- Cool and strain into a jar. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Layering Spice and Tropical Notes
This cocktail sings because the bitters do their job. Polynesian Kiss brings floral tropical notes. Fuego Bitters bring concentrated heat. Together they sharpen the rich rum and the savory pepper syrup. You get a cocktail that feels daring but stays balanced. No artificial anything. Made in New Orleans.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rum should I use?
Choose a dark spiced rum for flavor and overproof rum for the optional flame.
Can I substitute the Campari?
You can use another bitter aperitif though the drink will be softer.
Why are bitters important here?
Polynesian Kiss adds tropical aroma. Fuego adds heat. Both round out the drink and keep it from leaning flat.
