Allspice Dram

With its dark brown color and strong aroma of allspice, dram liqueur is making its comeback on the cocktail scene. Allspice dram, also known as Pimento Dram, is a rich allspice flavored liqueur originally made in Jamaica. Thanks to Wray and Nephew, who imported their version into the United States, people all over the country were able to enjoy this spirit. But by the 1980’s they stopped importing and Allspice Dram became nearly impossible to find.

In 2008, Haus Alpenz, a Minnesota importer, introduced his version, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, and the liqueur was readily available again. Allspice Dram is a highly spiced, very sweet liqueur, bottled at 45 proof, which is said to sometimes have a numbing effect at the tip of the tongue. It is used in many cocktail recipes as it pairs well with a variety of liquors and flavors.

Allspice Dram can be enjoyed in Wassail, mulled wine, and both continental and island cuisine. Try replacing the spices in this punch with Allspice Dram for an extra kick.

Catherine Forrester has resurrected her grandmother’s famous entertaining recipes, including this receipt for Old Dutch Rum Punch. This is lovely for the long wait before the turkey on Thanksgiving is ready or it pairs well with pumpkin pie following the big feast.