Simpson, married to his childhood sweetheart for almost 19 years, had walked out on his wife and kids and into the arms of a younger woman. The breakup surprised his wife, his friends and even Simpson himself. Looking back, he says, it was a classic midlife crisis.
In that we have already provided the definitive answer to this question elsewhere (relying on rum extract), we assume your follow-up is seeking a non-alcoholic substitute for rum (as extracts can be as alcoholic as or more alcoholic than the spirits they replace).
If you cannot obtain vodka, brandy, rum, or whiskey can be substituted. Whatever alcohol is chosen, it must be 80 proof (namely, 40% alcohol) to prevent mildewing of the plant material in the bottle. 1  It is also possible to make a tincture from quality apple cider vinegar or glycerin.