Falernum
Also known as: velvet falernum
A sweet, spiced Caribbean syrup or liqueur made with lime, almond, ginger, cloves, and allspice, essential for many tiki cocktails.
Falernum is a sweet, spiced Caribbean syrup or liqueur essential to tiki cocktails and tropical drinks. This complex ingredient combines lime, almond, ginger, cloves, and allspice into something no other product replicates. Originating in Barbados, likely in the 1800s, falernum developed as a way to add complex sweetness to rum drinks. The name may derive from Falernian wine of ancient Rome, though the connection is unclear. What matters is the distinctive flavor profile. Falernum comes in two forms. The syrup version is non-alcoholic and sweeter. The liqueur version, exemplified by John D Taylor Velvet Falernum, contains about 11% alcohol. Both work in cocktails, though the liqueur is more widely available and easier to find. The flavor combines warm baking spices (cloves, allspice, ginger) with bright lime and sweet almond. This complexity makes falernum irreplaceable in recipes calling for it. No combination of other ingredients truly substitutes. Classic falernum cocktails include the Corn n Oil (blackstrap rum, falernum, lime, bitters), the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (rum, falernum, Cointreau, lime), and numerous tiki drinks. The Zombie often includes falernum among its many ingredients. Falernum works beyond tiki contexts. It adds interest to rum swizzles, complements aged spirits, and can enhance non-tropical drinks where warm spice notes fit. Experimentation reveals surprising applications. Making falernum at home allows customization. Homemade versions can emphasize different spices based on preference. The basic process involves steeping lime zest, almonds, and spices in rum, then sweetening. Recipes vary in complexity from simple to elaborate. John D Taylor Velvet Falernum from Barbados remains the most available commercial option. Fee Brothers makes a syrup version. Both work well, though some bartenders prefer homemade for specific recipes. A little falernum goes a long way. Its sweetness and spice intensity mean recipes typically call for small amounts - half an ounce or less. More can overwhelm a drink.
💡 Pro Tips
- A little goes a long way due to sweetness and spice intensity
- Essential for authentic tiki drinks - no real substitute exists
- Can be made at home with lime, almonds, spices, and rum
- Velvet Falernum is the most widely available commercial version
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much and overwhelming other flavors
- Confusing syrup and liqueur versions when following recipes
- Skipping when a recipe calls for it - there is no good substitute
- Storing improperly - refrigerate after opening
