How to Make Falernum Syrup & Spice Up Your Cocktail Game

Sometimes you want a cocktail that drives you nuts. With flavor, that is. And, you're in luck, because falernum syrup does just the trick! Not only can you use this staple ingredient in your cocktails, but you can add this to your morning coffee to give it a little extra buzz. Or your espresso martini. Whatever floats your falernum syrup boat.

What Is Falernum Syrup?

Falernum syrup isn't new to the cocktail scene, not by a long shot. You'd need to travel as far back as the 1700s to Barbados to find its roots. However, there's a pretty good chance that the 18th century falernum isn't the falernum you know and love in the 21st century. Today's spicy almond didn't pop up until the 1930s. This citrus, spice, and almond ingredient gives cocktails a tropical spin with the perfect touch of flavor.

How to Make Falernum Syrup

Don't balk at the ingredient list to make falernum. Think of it as a slightly more elaborate simple syrup. And you're a master of simple syrup.

Ingredients

• ½ cup sliced almonds, raw
• ½ tablespoon whole cloves
• ¾ cup white rum
• 3 limes, zested
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. On a baking sheet, add the almonds.
3. Toast for approximately five minutes, but take care to not let them burn.
4. Add almonds, cloves, and rum to a resealable glass jar.
5. Seal and shake vigorously.
6. Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for approximately two days.
7. Add the lime zest, reseal, and shake.
8. Return to the shelf for approximately 24 hours.
9. Strain mix through fine strainer or cheesecloth, taking care to extract as much liquid as possible.
10. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add lime juice, water, and sugar.
11. Cook and stir until the sugar dissolves.
12. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
13. Add almond mixture.
14. Stir to combine well.
15. Strain through a coffee filer or cheesecloth.
16. Refrigerate for approximately 12 hours.

Store in the refrigerator, sealed, for up to one year.

Another Falernum Syrup Recipe

There's more than one way to shake a mai tai and a swizzle, so naturally there's more than one way to make falernum syrup.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons cloves
• ½ cup white rum
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 8 limes, zested
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 1½ cups simple syrup

Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the cloves and almonds, shaking and stirring frequently until aromatic.
2. Add to a resealable glass jar, and add lime zest.
3. Seal and give a firm swirl.
4. Store in a cool, dry place for 24 to 36 hours, giving the jar a swirl every so often.
5. Strain the almond infusion through a cheesecloth or coffee filter.
6. In a clean jar, add simple syrup and infusion.
7. Shake to mix.

Store in refrigerator, sealed, for up to a year.

Common Drinks and Cocktails That Use Falernum Syrup

Looking for a way to put your DIY falernum syrup to use in cocktails immediately? Hop on over to these recipes so you can make your falernum debut.

• Classic zombie
• Pimm's cup
• Nutty whiskey sour
• Clarified piña colada
• Mango mai tai

Run Away With Falernum

Set sail to somewhere a bit sunnier with falernum. From those iconic Mai Tais to something a bit more modern (hello falernum old-fashioned) having this syrup on hand will transform your cocktail game with just a splash.