Venezuelan rum Diplomático has teamed up with one of Sydney’s best-loved bars, Old Love’s, to drop rum & cola from the menu.

The duo is kicking off a bold, month-old break-up that swaps cola for a line-up of five refined “Rebound Cocktails” designed to help Aussies discover a better match.

The Cola Break Up launched on 26 August and includes a menu of premium rum cocktails that showcase the versatility and complexity of Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva.

The move follows new insights that reveal seven in 10 Australians still pair dark rum with cola, a stat that Old Love’s and Diplomático rum agree needs of a refresh.

Old Love’s General Manager Callum Marra (or ‘Squid’ as he is better known) said: “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.”

In place of rum & cola, Old Love’s will be Café Venezuela, a rich and zesty take on an Espresso Martini inspired by a guarapo – a traditional Venezuelan drink made with coffee, lime and papelón.

Plus, four additional “rebound” rum cocktails will roll-out weekly throughout the month:

• Una Noche (aka One Night): A cola-esque highball that pairs Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva with cold brew and falernum – a spicy, complex Caribbean syrup with tonka bean and vanilla plus a zesty lime finish.
• Monte Exclusiva: A robust riff on a traditional Monte Carlo featuring the ever-aromatic D.O.M. Benedictine herbal liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters and orange oil.
• Love Boat: A bright, fruity modern take on a daiquiri that balances Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva’s rich notes with fruity passionfruit, lemongrass, falernum and lime.
• Jungle Fever: A spicy spin on the classic Jungle Bird cocktail combining bittersweet Campari and Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva with Old Love’s signature caramelised spiced pineapple, lime and fiery pimento.

Brand Manager at Diplomático, Brown-Forman Eulalie Lazaro said: “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.”

From Tuesday 26 August, The Cola Break Up will run for one month exclusively at Old Love’s – available only to those who know to ask for the secret menu.

Drinks Digest’s tip? The Love Boat is a knock-out delicious drink to sip while soaking up the tiki bar ambience at Old Love’s.

You’ll find Old Love’s at Basement/199 Clarence St, Sydney NSW.