Falernum substitutes
The closest substitute for Falernum is Velvet Falernum, which works and barely changes the drink. The liqueur version; slightly less sweet. In a pinch, use Allspice Dram.
What to use instead of Falernum
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
Velvet FalernumAlmost the same The liqueur version; slightly less sweet. Same amount | Same amount | 11–25% ABV | About the same |
Allspice DramLast resort Intense spice; use a quarter and add simple syrup. Use ¼ the amount | Use ¼ the amount | 22–30% ABV | +1 point |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Falernum, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Cobra's Fang
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
- Jet Pilot
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
- Test Pilot
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
- Three Dots and a Dash
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
- Undead Gentleman
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
- Zombie
15ml (½ oz) Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Falernum | Velvet Falernum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 0–18% ABV | 11–25% ABV |
| Taste | Lime zest, Almond, Warm spices, Sweet, Ginger | Sweet lime, Almond, Warm spice, Light |
| Aroma | Lime, Almond, Clove, Ginger, Sweet spice | Lime, Almond, Clove, Ginger |
| Finish | Spiced, Sweet, Warming | Spiced, Sweet, Lime zest |
Already have one of these?
If you have John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Maggie's Farm Falernum or Liber & Co. Falinum, you don't need a substitute: they are all Falernum. How they differ
Make your own Falernum
A complex Caribbean syrup with lime, ginger, cloves, allspice, and almonds. Essential for tiki drinks like the Corn 'n' Oil and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.
- Time
- 2+ hours (plus overnight infusion)
- Makes
- 2 cups
- Keeps
- 4-6 weeks refrigerated
You need
- Overproof white rum, Wray & Nephew or similar1 cup
- Lime zestfrom 8 limes
- Fresh ginger, peeled and sliced2 oz
- Whole cloves15
- Whole allspice berries10
- Blanched almonds, roughly chopped1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar1.5 cups
- Water1 cup
- Fresh lime juice1/4 cup
- Almond extract1/4 teaspoon
Method
- Combine rum, lime zest, ginger, cloves, allspice, and almonds in a jar.
- Seal and let infuse overnight (12-24 hours).Taste periodically - longer infusion = stronger spice flavor.
- Strain the infused rum through cheesecloth, squeezing to extract all liquid.
- Make simple syrup: combine sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until dissolved.
- Let syrup cool, then combine with infused rum.
- Add lime juice and almond extract, stir well.
- Bottle and refrigerate.
Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator.
What is Falernum?
Falernum is a Caribbean liqueur with lime, almond, ginger, and clove flavors. Essential for classic tiki drinks like the Zombie and Corn 'n' Oil.
Got Falernum? It also replaces
Questions about Falernum substitutes
What is the best substitute for Falernum?
Velvet Falernum is the closest substitute for Falernum and barely changes the drink. The liqueur version; slightly less sweet. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Falernum in a Zombie?
Velvet Falernum: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Falernum for 15ml (½ oz) of Velvet Falernum.
How much Allspice Dram do I use instead of Falernum?
Use ¼ the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Falernum becomes 7.5 ml of Allspice Dram.
Which Falernum brands can I use?
If you have John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Maggie's Farm Falernum or Liber & Co. Falinum, you don't need a substitute: they are all Falernum. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Can I make Falernum at home?
Yes. A complex Caribbean syrup with lime, ginger, cloves, allspice, and almonds. Essential for tiki drinks like the Corn 'n' Oil and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. It takes 2+ hours (plus overnight infusion) and makes 2 cups.
Does Velvet Falernum instead of Falernum change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 6 drinks on this page that use Falernum, Velvet Falernum changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Falernum?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.