Velvet Falernum substitutes
The closest substitute for Velvet Falernum is Falernum, which works and barely changes the drink. A sweeter, milder falernum style. In a pinch, use Allspice Dram.
What to use instead of Velvet Falernum
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
FalernumAlmost the same A sweeter, milder falernum style. Same amount | Same amount | 0–18% 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 | +2 points |
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 Velvet Falernum, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Chartreuse Swizzle
15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Falernum
Same strength
- Corn n Oil
15ml (½ oz) Velvet Falernum → 15ml (½ oz) Falernum
Same strength
- Nuclear Daiquiri
7.5ml (¼ oz) Velvet Falernum → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Falernum
Same strength
- Saturn
7.5ml (¼ oz) Velvet Falernum → 7.5ml (¼ oz) Falernum
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Velvet Falernum | Falernum |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 11–25% ABV | 0–18% ABV |
| Taste | Sweet lime, Almond, Warm spice, Light | Lime zest, Almond, Warm spices, Sweet, Ginger |
| Aroma | Lime, Almond, Clove, Ginger | Lime, Almond, Clove, Ginger, Sweet spice |
| Finish | Spiced, Sweet, Lime zest | Spiced, Sweet, Warming |
Already have one of these?
If you have John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Maggie's Farm Falernum or BG Reynolds Falernum, you don't need a substitute: they are all Velvet Falernum. How they differ
What is Velvet Falernum?
Velvet Falernum is the most widely available bottled falernum, a Caribbean liqueur with lime, almond, ginger, and clove. Essential for tiki cocktails.
Got Velvet Falernum? It also replaces
Questions about Velvet Falernum substitutes
What is the best substitute for Velvet Falernum?
Falernum is the closest substitute for Velvet Falernum and barely changes the drink. A sweeter, milder falernum style. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Velvet Falernum in a Chartreuse Swizzle?
Falernum: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Velvet Falernum for 15ml (½ oz) of Falernum.
How much Allspice Dram do I use instead of Velvet Falernum?
Use ¼ the amount: 30 ml (1 oz) of Velvet Falernum becomes 7.5 ml of Allspice Dram.
Which Velvet Falernum brands can I use?
If you have John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Maggie's Farm Falernum or BG Reynolds Falernum, you don't need a substitute: they are all Velvet Falernum. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Falernum instead of Velvet Falernum change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 4 drinks on this page that use Velvet Falernum, Falernum changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More liqueur substitutes
Out of Velvet Falernum?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.