Falernum

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Falernum

Falernum is a sweet syrup used in Caribbean and tropical drinks. It contains flavors of almond, ginger and/or cloves, and lime, and sometimes vanilla or allspice. It is used in cocktails in a manner similar to orgeat syrup or grenadine. The syrup form of falernum is alcoholic, while the syrup form is not.

History

The origins of falernum are unclear, but it is known to have been produced in Barbados since at least the 19th century. The name is believed to have been derived from the Latin word "Falernian", which refers to a type of wine produced in the Roman Empire.

Uses

Falernum is a key ingredient in many Caribbean cocktails, including the Corn 'n' Oil, the Zombie, and the Rum Swizzle. It is also used in cooking to flavor desserts and sweet sauces.

Production

The production of falernum involves infusing a base spirit (usually rum) with the flavors of almond, ginger, cloves, and lime. This is typically done by steeping the ingredients in the spirit for a period of time, then straining out the solids and adding sugar to create a syrup.

See also

• List of syrups
• Caribbean cuisine
• Barbadian cuisine