Introduction: DIY Pimento Dram (AKA Allspice Liqueur)

Save money on a DIY bar with this Allspice Liqueur.

Wondering what to do with this unique liqueur? Scroll all the way to the bottom for my favorite cocktail suggestion!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Materials

Ingredients

  • 1 cup light rum
  • ¼ cup allspice berries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 cloves
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups water

Materials

  • sealable jar
  • mesh strainer
  • implement to smash allspice berries (I use a hammer, most use a mortal and pestle)
  • small pot
  • whisk

Step 2: Prepare Spices

Smash the Allspice Berries to increase surface area. If using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder, do not grind to a powder as this will be more difficult to strain.

If you, like me, don't own a mortar and pestle (small kitchen, I don’t even own a microwave!) put them in a small bag, wrap them in a towel, and use a hammer to smash on a hard surface. This has the added benefit of preventing you from over grinding.

Break the cinnamon stick by hand (great strength training).

Step 3: Combine Spices and Liquor

Pour rum into jar, add the smashed berries, cinnamon stick, and cloves.

Shake and let sit for 12 days, shaking daily.

Step 4: Make Simple Syrup

After the spices have steeped in the liquor for 12 days, make a simple syrup with the brown sugar and water, by bringing water and sugar to a boil in the small pan.

Stir to dissolve while warming.

Remove from heat to cool.

Step 5: Strain the Liquor

Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the berries, cloves, and cinnamon from the rum.

Step 6: Combine

Add the liquor to the cooled simple syrup.

Seal, shake, and let sit for two days.

Step 7: Label and Enjoy

This liqueur is wonderful in many cocktails. The warm flavors are perfect for winter. My favorite combination is a Lion's Tail cocktail adaptation:

1 part Pimento Dram

2 parts Bourbon

splash of bitters

lime juice

shake with ice and serve up

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