Falernum is a versatile ingredient used in many different types of dishes, from sweet to savory. It can be hard to find, though, and when you do, it can be expensive.
If you’re looking for a falernum substitute, there are a few things you can use as a replacement. Here are some of the best alternatives for falernum.
What type of drink is Falernum? What is Falernum used for?
Falernum is a type of rum that is produced in the Caribbean. It is made from the lime zest, ginger, cloves, and almond extract. The flavor of Falernum is sweet and spicy, with notes of almond, ginger, and lime.
Falernum is a sweet syrup that is often used in tropical cocktails. Falernum can be added to rum drinks, such as the Mai Tai or the Zombie, or it can be used as a sweetener in fruit-based drinks.
It is also commonly used in baking, and it can be added to pies and cakes for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
In addition to its culinary uses, Falernum is also believed to have medicinal properties, and it is sometimes used as a home remedy for stomach aches and indigestion.
Whether you’re mixing up a tasty cocktail or looking for an herbal remedy, Falernum is an ingredient that you may want to keep on hand.
Falernum can be found in specialty liquor stores or online.
Best Falernum Substitutes
1. Make your own Falernum
Making Falernum Syrup at home is easy to do with the right ingredients. To make a basic Falernum syrup, you will need the following:
– ¾ cup of brown sugar
– 1/3 cup of honey
– 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
– 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
– 2 teaspoons almond extract
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 teaspoon allspice
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
– Pinch of salt.
Mix the sugar, honey, and lime juice together in a saucepan over medium heat until everything is dissolved.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the orange juice, almond extract, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Stir everything to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve, then preserve it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Your homemade Falernum syrup is now ready to be used as a cocktail ingredient or drizzled over desserts.
2. Orgeat syrup – A good falernum substitute
Orgeat syrup is a good substitution for Falernum in cocktails. It has a similar sweet and creamy flavor with a hint of almond.
To substitute Orgeat syrup for Falernum in a cocktail recipe, simply use equal parts Orgeat syrup and water. These substitutes will give your drink the same flavor profile as if you had used Falernum.
In addition, Orgeat syrup is easy to find in most supermarkets.
3. Fassionola syrup
Fassionola syrup is a great substitute for Falernum, and it’s easy to make at home.
To create your own Fassionola syrup, combine equal parts grapefruit juice, passionfruit juice, and grenadine. Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for flavor, and bottle the mixture for storage.
When you’re ready to use it, mix one-part Fassionola syrup with two parts rum for a delicious Mai Tai or Planter’s Punch.
Or, try substituting Fassionola syrup for simple syrup in any recipe that calls for Falernum.
With its bright flavor and intense color, Fassionola syrup is a versatile ingredient that can bring fun and excitement to any cocktail party.
4. Try Simple syrup and ginger to replace falernum
The easiest substitution for Falernum is simple syrup. Just add a bit of lime juice to taste, and you’re good to go! This substitution won’t give you the same spiced flavor as Falernum, but it will still be delicious.
If you want to make your own falernum substitute, mix equal parts simple syrup and ground ginger.
This combination won’t have the same depth of flavor as true falernum, but it will still work well in most recipes.
5. Grenadine
If you’re looking for a substitution for Falernum, Grenadine is a good option. It has a similar flavor profile, with hints of peach and cherry, and can be used in many of the same ways.
For example, try using it in cocktails, punches, or even baking recipes. Grenadine is also less expensive than Falernum, so it’s a great way to save money without sacrificing flavor.
Just be sure to adjust the amount you use, as Grenadine is more concentrated than Falernum. With a little experimentation, you’ll be able to create delicious dishes that your guests will love.
6. Pomegranate Molasses – An ideal falernum replacement
One option is pomegranate molasses, which is made by boiling down pomegranate juice until it becomes thick and syrupy.
It has a similar sweetness to Falernum, with a hint of tartness from the pomegranate. In addition, it can be easily found in most grocery stores.
7. Horchata
If you’re looking for a good substitution, try horchata. It’s a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, milk, and cinnamon, and it has a similar creamy texture to falernum.
The flavor is also quite similar, although the horchata will be slightly sweeter thanks to the rice.
To make a cocktail with horchata, simply mix it with your favorite spirit. Rum is a classic choice, but vodka or gin would also work well.
If you like to get creative, you could even add a splash of coffee or chocolate for an extra depth of flavor. No matter what you mix it with, horchata makes a delicious and easy substitute for falernum.
8. Use Maple Syrup instead of falernum
If you discover yourself in a situation where Falernum is not available, another good substitution is Maple Syrup.
While the flavors are not identical, Maple Syrup provides a similar level of sweetness and depth.
So if you’re in the mindset for some Caribbean cuisine but don’t have any Falernum on hand, reach for the Maple Syrup instead. You’ll be glad you did.
In addition, it can be easily found in most supermarkets.
9. Ginger Beer
Another easy substitution is ginger beer. Ginger beer has a similar flavor profile to falernum and can be used as a one-to-one substitute.
Just mix it with some lime juice and rum, and you’re all set! The ginger flavor will complement the rum nicely and make for a delicious drink.
It’s also readily available in most supermarkets.
Read more: Best Amaretto substitutes
10. Pog – An excellent falernum alternative
Pog is a popular juice drink from Hawaii that can be used as a substitute for Falernum in cocktails.
Pog is made from passionfruit, orange, and guava juices, and it has a tart and juicy flavor that is perfect for blending.
If you cannot find Pog, you can also use passionfruit juice, orange juice, or guava juice as a substitute.
Just be sure to adjust the proportions to taste. For example, if you are using orange juice as a substitute for Pog, you may want to add a bit more sweetener to balance out the tartness.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a flavorful and refreshing cocktail that will delight your guests. With a little creativity, you can easily find the perfect substitution for Falernum. Cheers!
FAQs on falernum substitute
Q1. What is the difference between falernum and velvet falernum?
Both are the same. Falernum is a sweet syrup made from lime juice, sugar, almonds, spices, and ginger. Velvet Falernum adds an extra element with the addition of aged rum or white rum to create a richer flavor.
The alcohol in velvet falernum helps to keep its shelf stable for longer periods of time than regular falernum.
While both are often used in tropical cocktails, Velvet Falernum is great when you’re looking for something that adds more depth of flavor to your drink.
Additionally, Velvet Falernum can be used as a topping or flavoring for desserts like ice cream or sorbet.
Both syrups contain allspice and almond flavors, but the added rum creates a unique taste making Velvet Falernum perfect for adding a little kick to your favorite drink.
Q2. Are falernum and orgeat the same?
No, falernum and orgeat are not the same. Falernum is an alcoholic syrup made from sugar cane, lime juice, and other spices such as cloves and ginger. Orgeat is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rosewater.
They are both used in cocktails as flavorings but have very different flavors and aromas. The sweetness of orgeat is more delicate than that of falernum, which can be quite strong if used in excess.
Additionally, their flavors differ greatly: falernum brings spicy notes to the cocktail, while orgeat offers a more floral aroma. As such, they should not be substituted for one another in recipes. In conclusion, while they share some similarities, falernum and orgeat are two distinct syrups that should not be substituted for one another.
Each has its own unique flavor profile and should be used accordingly in cocktails. By understanding the differences between these two syrups, you can create delicious, complex drinks with a variety of tastes and aromas!
Q3. Does orgeat taste like almond extract?
No, orgeat does not taste like almond extract. Orgeat is a syrup made from almonds and other ingredients such as rosewater, orange flower water, and sugar that give it a distinct flavor. It has a nutty sweetness with hints of citrus and floral notes that almond extract does not have.
Orgeat can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in cocktails like the Mai Tai. In baking, it can be used to add a unique flavor and texture to cakes, tarts, and other desserts.
Whether you use almond extract or orgeat, both are great ingredients to help enhance the flavor of your favorite dishes.
