Rum & Tonic: Complex Dark Rum Aperol Cocktail
Sep 07, 2025
If you think you know a rum and tonic, think again. David Baldwin at Ponysaurus Brewing dreamed up this version and it is a whole different creature. Dark rum. Aperol. Our tonic syrup. A silky egg white finish. It is bright, bitter, rich, and smooth all at once. Everything but the booze is impeccable.
Forget the usual tonic from a bottle. This one has depth, charm, and the kind of swagger only real ingredients can bring.
The Best Dark Rum Aperol Cocktail
Aperol adds a citrus bite that plays beautifully with the warmth of dark rum. Fresh lime keeps it lively. Egg white gives it that creamy top you only get when a drink is shaken with purpose. El Guapo Tonic Syrup brings serious botanical flavor with no artificial anything. The whole drink lands somewhere between tropical and refined.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz dark rum
- 0.5 oz El Guapo™ Tonic Syrup
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz Aperol
- 0.5 oz egg white
- Dehydrated lime wheel and fresh lime for garnish
How to Make It
- Dry shake the rum, tonic syrup, lime, Aperol, and egg white.
- Add ice and shake again until cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a fresh lime twist.
The Aromatic Uplift for a Unique Rum and Tonic
This rum and tonic stands out because the modifiers work in harmony. Our tonic syrup adds concentrated botanicals that support the bittersweet Aperol. The egg white softens the edges and gives the drink that smooth, velvety finish. It feels polished. It tastes bold. It is a memorable way to pour something unexpected.
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
Why add egg white?
It gives the drink a silky texture and a beautiful foamy top.
What is Aperol?
An Italian aperitif with a bittersweet orange profile that brightens and balances the rum.
How is this different from a regular rum and tonic?
This version swaps plain tonic for a flavorful syrup and brings in Aperol and egg white for a richer, more complex cocktail.
What dark rum works best?
Choose an aged rum with notes of caramel or spice. It will hold its own with the citrus and botanicals.
