Falernum and Caribbean Cocktails

     One of the most asked questions behind the bar is "What is Falernum?"     I guess it is time to look at this wonderful ingredient that has made such a difference in the "Tiki" and Caribbean cocktails.     This special liqueur gets it's name from an old roman wine called "falernian", also known as "falernum"in Latin.     This is a sweet/tart spicy blend that is at home in most any tropical style cocktail.

     R.L. Seale and Company, LTD of Barbados is the producer of John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum.     It is said to been invented by John D. Taylor of Bridgetown, Barbados in the 1890's, but like so many other things in the spirit industry there is controversy about that too.     It doesn't really matter at this point, what matters is that this fine mixing spirit is available here and now.

     This Liqueur is a sweet yet tart combination of almond, lime Juice, Sugar, Water, Clove Essence, and White Rum.     The combination brings to life a great number of fine cocktails.

Corn 'n Oil

• 1 1/2 oz. John D. Taylor Velvet Falernum
• 3/4 oz. Bajan Aged Rum
• 2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters

Float the Rum on the Falernum and drop the bitters on top in a Highball Glass filled with ice and Garnish with a Lime Wheel.


Buccaneer

• 1 oz. Spiced Rum
• 1/2 oz. White Creme de Cocoa
• 1/2 oz. Falernum
• 3/4 oz. Lime Juice
• 3/4 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 1 dash of Angostura Bitters

Place all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake until chilled.   Strain into a Martini Glass and garnish with fresh grated nutmeg and a lime zest.

Bahama Bob's Ginger Storm

• 1 1/2 oz. Plantation 5 Year Old Barbados Rum
• 1 oz. Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum
• 3/4 oz. John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
• Top Off with Barrett's Ginger Beer

Place all ingredients except the Ginger Beer in a shaker with ice and shake until chilled, Strain into a pint glass filled with ice.   Top off with Barrett's Ginger Beer and garnish with a Lime Wheel and a Sprig of Mint.

This is a magical ingredient that has possibilities in so many places, take the time to experiment with it and you too will be pleased with the creations that you can come up with.   ;o)