The Best Rum for Christmas Pudding
Dark rum or spiced rum is the best rum for Christmas pudding, because dark rum adds molasses and caramel depth and spiced rum adds cinnamon and clove that match the spices already in the pudding. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, with its Christmas cake and dried fruit notes, suits a traditional pudding. Dilay 1949 Panjabi Spiced Rum adds cardamom and ginger to the mix.
Dark rum or spiced rum?
Dark rum gives a rich, treacly depth that suits a traditional, heavily fruited pudding. Spiced rum leans into the warm spices already in the mix, so the pudding tastes more festive without extra spice.
How to use it
Use rum to soak the dried fruit overnight before mixing, to "feed" the pudding in the weeks before Christmas, or to flame it at the table. The same bottle works for brandy butter too: swap the brandy for rum.
Frequently asked questions
What rum is best for Christmas pudding?
Dark rum or spiced rum is the best rum for Christmas pudding, because dark rum adds molasses and caramel depth and spiced rum adds cinnamon and clove that match the spices already in the pudding. Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, with its Christmas cake and dried fruit notes, suits a traditional pudding. Dilay 1949 Panjabi Spiced Rum adds cardamom and ginger to the mix.
Can I use white rum in Christmas pudding?
You can, but white rum adds alcohol without much flavour. A dark or spiced rum gives the pudding more depth.
Can you flame Christmas pudding with rum?
Yes. Warm a little rum gently in a small pan, pour it over the pudding, then light it carefully at arm's length with a long match. Never pour from the bottle near a flame.
More for Christmas
See our guide to the best rum for Christmas, or make a hot buttered rum.
Dilay is for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.