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Allspice Dram | aka Pimento Dram |

Allspice Dram

On the prompting of a cocktail buddy I made my own Allspice Dram, also know as Pimento Dram. Sure you can buy this, I think there are four companies making it currently, but its is so easy and homemade is always so much more authentic and flavorful why not give it a go.

What is Allspice Dram?

In reality, stripping away the mystique, it is just sweetened spiced rum. But spiced very specific way, with allspice, in the Caribbean also known as pimento.

In our cocktail club my buddy Mike made his own, and was very positive about it. So I asked for the recipe, and like I always do made a tweak or two. Mike was correct, its really good, dare I say fantastic. The ingredient list is not too arduous either, you can find all the ingredients online or at a grocery store, Fresh Market had them all for me. Also I’ll put links below.

There is a decent list of cocktails that call for this, especially in the tiki world. We made one and posted it recently the Lions Tail, there are plenty more, but the Lions Tail may be the most famous.

Lions Tail

Lions Tail

Allspice Dram is very bold, and cocktail recipes typically call for scant 1/4 ounce, this recipe will make about 16 ounces, that is 72 cocktails worth of Allspice Dram, it may last a while.

What Does Allspice Dram Taste Like?

I describe it as “filling your mouth with Christmas”.  Allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, undoubtedly those are the flavors of winter, mulled wine, and pumpkin pie.

Allspice Dram

Smells Like Christmas!

On the other hand, put these in a tiki cocktail, these same flavors are exotic and mysterious. For fun I did a taste test between my homemade dram and the commercial St. Elizabeth’s Pimento Dram.  St Elizabeth is the Allspice Dram that defines the market, here is what I found.

St Elizabeth: Heavy allspice, light sweetness with hints of cinnamon and clove, dry finish. An allspice punch in the mouth.

Homemade: Slightly more approachable, tons of allspice but the cinnamon comes forward, almost spicy, sweeter, and thicker on the palate. Juniper comes through nicely though, brighter than the clove and not as dry. Coats the mouth with Christmas.

Allspice Dram

Allspice Dram

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Homemade Allspice Dram | aka Pimento Dram |

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By Rick Britt Serves: 72
Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 30 Minutes

Homemade Allspice Dram (aka Pimento Dram) is an exotic Caribbean liqueur made from bold spices and Jamaican Rum.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Allspice Berries
  • 1/6 cup Juniper Berries
  • 1 Fresh Tangerine Peel (not orange as it has too much bitter pith)
  • 1 whole Nutmeg Seed
  • 1 stick Cinnamon
  • 1 cup White Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup Distilled or Filtered water
  • 1 cup Dark Jamaican Rum (I used Appleton Select)

Instructions

1

Add all ingredients except the rum to a medium sauce pot.

2

Stir often as it is brought to a low boil over medium heat to dissolve sugar.

3

Enjoy the tangerine while stirring.

4

Reduce to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, ensure sugar is fully dissolved.

5

Turn off heat, cover let sit for 2-3 hours on stove to fully cool.

6

Pour into 1 quart jar, add rum, screw lid on jar.

7

Shake if the mood strikes you, like it did me.

8

Let set in fridge for 5-7 days.

9

After setting, strain liquid into a clean jar or bottle.

10

Makes about 16 ounces.

11

Store in the fridge.

Notes

I add Juniper Berries for just a hint of pine and brightness, this is a bold spiced liqueur.

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