For those of you that want the taste and not the alcohol, you can use rum extract. Use 1 ½ teaspoons rum extract instead of the tablespoon of dark rum. 

 

The question seems to always come up.. can you substitute light rum instead of dark rum?

 

The short answer, in my opinion for this recipe, is yes… BUT… understand the difference and how it will affect the recipe- light rum has a lighter flavor… a lot lighter… and is sweeter… so, with that being said, I would use 1 tablespoon of light rum and 2 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Taste it, and then add sugar and rum to your tastes. Keep in mind the rum flavor will get stronger as it sits.