Homemade spiced rum is a really simple and fun way to level up your hosting skills, add a little sugar and spice to a holiday gift basket, or treat yourself on a date night at home!
You see – I don’t really drink alcohol much anymore. I can probably count on two fingers how many times I’ve had alcohol in the last 5 years. And both times I got pregnant.
Ok ok ok ok its been more than two times. Got me.
I’ve been caught so many times with nothing but water to serve when company is over.
“Oh hey, Pal! Come on in. What can I get for you to drink? I have uhhhhh…water. I’ll get you some water.”
Well not anymore, folks! I dug the boring old booze out of the cold-room, dusted off the bottle, and made it fabulous.
Before my friends even get their boots off, I’ll be offering them a spiced rum cocktail.
“How’s your day been? What do you need? Spiced rum on the rocks? Spiced apple kombucha cocktail? Ginger beer and spiced rum? Spiced rum milk punch? A whole jar of spiced rum? I made it myself. It’s good.”
I actually did this when my sister in law came by for a haircut. Fun fact – I was a hairstylist for 7 years and have a salon in my basement. Holiday haircuts are better with spiced rum punch.
To make homemade spiced rum, you’ll need some dark rum. Go for the middle of the shelf brand. No need to buy anything too exotic (but by all means, give it a whirl if you’d like), and don’t go for the cheapest bottle either. We want spiced rum, not spiced toilet bowl cleaner.
Middle shelf dark rum. K.
You will also need some whole spices. Once you’ve purchased your spices, transfer them to glass jars and store them in a cool dark place so they stay fresh and last longer. You won’t need much for your spiced rum, so these spices should last you many more years of holiday booze infusing to come! You’ll never need to show up empty handed again!
This recipe is perfect for a one pint mason jar. Infusing the rum is really easy, and can be done with any alcohol. The boozey concoctions are endless! Just mix all of the ingredients together and let it hang out for a few days.
Homemade Spiced Rum
500ml Dark Rum
1 Vanilla Bean, sliced lengthwise and seeds scraped
2 Whole Cloves
1 Cinnamon Stick
3 Allspice Berries
3 Black Peppercorns
Pinch of Annise Seeds
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg (or fresh if you have it)
2 Slices of Fresh Ginger, approx. 1mm thick
1 Strip of Orange Zest
Add all of the ingredients to a pint mason jar, including the vanilla bean seeds. Put a lid on the jar and leave it in a cool dark place for at least two days. Give it a taste test. Leave it up to a week if you want a stronger flavour. Once you are happy with the level of spiciness, strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheese cloth. I used my tea infuser to strain the spices.
Enjoy!
Yes I know this is a scotch glass, but it’s the fanciest cup I have. It was this or a wine glass.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like this:
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Pudding Recipe with Gelatin
(Hint: put some homemade spiced rum in it!)