Old Love’s and Diplomático call time on rum and cola

Sydney’s intimate rum and cocktail bar Old Love’s has partnered with Venezuelan rum Diplomático to challenge Australia’s most popular rum serve – the classic rum and cola.

The collaboration sees the duo launch a month-long ‘break up’ campaign, replacing cola with a series of five refined ‘rebound’ cocktails. The initiative aims to encourage drinkers to discover new flavour pairings and explore elevated ways to enjoy rum, after industry insights revealed that seven in 10 Australians are still pairing premium spirits with cola.

Callum ‘Squid’ Marra, General Manager of Old Love’s, says: “We’ve always loved rum – Old Love’s is dedicated to celebrating the spirit – but we think that it deserves better than the old-school cola stereotype it’s become known for. We’re so excited to be joining forces with the masters at Diplomático rum to be calling time on the basic mixer and rewriting a love letter to rum done right.”

The initiative launches on Tuesday 26 August, when Old Love’s will drop cola from the menu in favour of the Café Venezuela – a rich, zesty spin on the Espresso Martini inspired by a guarapo, a traditional Venezuelan drink that pairs coffee, lime and papelón.

Over the month, four additional cocktails will be rotated weekly:

Una Noche (One Night)

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, cold brew, Caribbean syrup falernum, vanilla, zesty lime.

Monte Exclusiva

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, D.O.M Benedictine herbal liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters and orange oil.

Jungle Fever

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, Campari, Old Love’s signature caramelised spiced pineapple, lime and fierty pimento.

Love Boat

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, passionfruit, lemongrass, falernum and lime.

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Eulalie Lazaro, Brand Manager at Diplomático, Brown-Forman, commented: “Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva is one of the most awarded dark rums in the world – a complex, versatile spirit that deserves more than the same old basic mixer. But in Australia, rum is still too often stuck in that past and most commonly still paired with cola.

“Together with Old Love’s, we’re hoping to rewrite the rules and encourage Aussies to rethink what a rum cocktail can be: stylish, unexpected, and full of flavour – no sugary sidekick required.”