If you're an aspiring home bartender and share the love for tiki cocktails, you may have heard about Falernum. The rich syrup from the Caribbean can either be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, with the alcoholic version carrying about 10 - 15% ABV. The syrup is closely related to Orgeat, another syrup pre-dominantly used in tiki cocktails. But while Orgeat always is non-alcoholic and primarily flavored with almonds, Falernum is a lot more complex.
Like Orgeat, the recipe for good Falernum is also spiced with almonds. But on top, there are cloves, allspice berries, lime, grapefruit, ginger, and other ingredients. And if you plan to shake up some tiki cocktails like a Zombie or Navy Grog, you definitely need a proper Falernum. And the best way to ensure it's full of fresh flavors is to make a homemade Falernum version. That way, you can control what goes in to bring as much flavor into the syrup as possible.
When done right, a DIY Falernum will transport that Caribbean vibe straight into your cocktails. It is a sweet and nutty flavor enhancer with just enough spice to make your drink more complex. Generally, it is an excellent component for any tropical cocktail but especially for those based on Rum.
What is Velvet Falernum?
Velvet Falernum usually contains more sugar than regular Falernum recipes. Also, depending on how much sugar you use in your Falernum recipe, the consistency will vary. The more sugar used, the thicker the Falernum. And therefore, Velvet Falernum will have a different mouth feel, leaving a velvety feeling on your tongue. -Hence, the name.
Choosing the best Falernum recipe
There are many different ways to make Falernum for cocktails. Most recipes are alcoholic, though, and follow a similar approach. One of the most famous formulas is the one developed by Jeff Beachbum Berry - the recipe for Falernum #9. You can find the original version in his book Beachbum Berry Remixed.
And our recipe is based on Jeff's recipe, too. But we added a bit of a twist to it.
Equipment
- 1 funnel
- 1 Medium-sized bowl
Ingredients
- 16 oz Overproof Rum
- Zest of 9 organic limes (carefully remove the pith)
- Zest of 1 grapefruit (carefully remove the pith)
- 20 Allspice berries (dried)
- 20 Cloves
- 1.5 oz Fresh ginger (peeled and diced)
- 1.5 cups Blanched almonds (carefully peeled and coarsely chopped)
- 16 oz Cane sugar syrup
- 0.25 tsp Almond extract
- 4.5 oz Fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Put the chopped almonds in a dry skillet over low to medium heat, stirring constantly. Once the almonds become fragrant and aromatic, take them away from the heat.
- Add the overproof Rum and toasted almonds to the mason jar. Let this mix sit and infuse at room temperature for 24 hours.
- The next day, open the jar and add lime zest, grapefruit zest, diced ginger, allspice, and cloves. Seal the jar again and let the mix infuse for another 24 hours.
- After another day, strain the mix with the help of cheesecloth and a funnel into a bowl. Be careful to get every drop out of it to avoid wasting any of your precious homemade Falernum.
- Then thoroughly clean the mason jar and pour back the strained Falernum. Add fresh lime juice, almond extract, and cane syrup. Stir or shake to combine all ingredients before using your DIY Falernum in cocktails.
