Created by Donn Beach in 1937, the recipe for his secret Spices No.2 is a blend of equal parts Vanilla Syrup and Allspice Liqueur (also known as Pimento Dram). Allspice liqueur is often used to add an intricate background note to cocktails - combining it with vanilla syrup creates an even bolder flavour profile.If you have both of these ingredients, simply mix them together in a 1:1 ratio and you're done! But for those of you who don't (and not many people do), we've put together a recipe on how to easily make and combine them.Now... with that in mind, Allspice Liqueur normally takes a good month or so to infuse and for the ingredients to settle down, which is no bad thing as the flavor that develops over time is quite exceptional. But for those of you who don't want to wait, the method we're using here is based on the much vaunted Kevin Liu's 'Almost-Instant Allspice Dram'. However, if you'd rather go for a longer infusion then take a look at the expanded recipe in our Definitive Guide to Allspice Liqueur.
1cup151 Overproof Rum (approx 236 ml) - a demerara works really well
1 ¼cupWhite Granulated Sugar (approx 300 ml)
1 ¼cupWater (approx 300ml)
Vanilla Syrup
2cupsWhite Granulated Sugar (approx 475g)
2cupsWater (approx 475ml)
1Vanilla Bean
Method
Allspice Liqueur
Combine all ingredients except the sugar and water in a blender. Blend on low for 5 mins. Whilst you're waiting, start on the next step.
Make a 1:1 simple syrup by adding your sugar and water to a saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is clear once more (about 5 mins). Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Remove the now obliterated spices and rum from the blender and strain through triple layered cheesecloth (or muslin) into a jug.
Combine your rum infusion with the simple syrup in a sterilised glass bottle. Give it a good shake.
Vanilla Syrup
Cut your vanilla bean lengthways and scrape out all the seeds with the back of a knife. Put it to the side on your chopping board for a moment.
Make a 1:1 simple syrup the same way you just did for the Allspice but this time add your vanilla pod and seeds into the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring as you go until the sugar dissolves. Drop the heat down and let it simmer for another 3-5 mins. Then remove from the heat and allow to cool for about 15 mins.
Remove the pod from your vanilla infusion and then decant into a sterilised glass bottle. Leave the small floating beans in there as part of the mix - they add visual interest but most importantly, flavor!
Finishing off
Werecommendkeepingyour Vanilla Syrup and Allspice Dram in separate bottles. This is for two reasons i) they're both versatile ingredients that can be used in distinct cocktails, and ii) homemade Vanilla Syrup has a shelf-life of around 2 weeks, whilst Allspice Dram can easily last 6 months - if they're combined, the shelf life will drop closer to that of the syrup, due to the dilution of the alcohol and the foreign bodies in the mixture.
But if you know you're going to be using a fair amount of Don's Spice #2 for an upcoming occasion then go ahead and decant them into a sterilised bottle in a blend of 1 part Allspice Liqueur to 1 part Vanilla Syrup.
Notes
Make sure you store your Pimento / Allspice Dram in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep the Vanilla Syrup in the fridge. If small green dots start appearing in the syrup then it's gone bad - time to throw it away!If you want to extend the shelf life of your syrup by a couple of weeks, add in an ounce of 80 proof / 40% ABV vodka. Obviously you can’t then serve this to your kids in hot chocolate so make sure they know not to touch it.To sterilise your containers, simply pop them in your dishwasher on a standard cycle.
Substitutes
Don't have any vanilla beans? Not a problem, use some vanilla extract instead (but try and use a decent quality one). Simply make your syrup as per the recipe and then when bottling add 1 teaspoon of extract per cup of water used. Taste test and add a little more if you prefer it stronger.
Cocktail Recommendation
It's almost mandatory that you should try your new Don's Spices no.2 in a Nui Nui (which also requires Cinnamon Syrup). The much deconstructed Mai Kai's 'Black Magic'is a must - as of course is anything requiring Don's Gardenia Mix (see below for more details).