A sour does not need to shout with citrus to be interesting. This version lets spice do the heavy lifting. Allspice brings warmth, depth, and just enough bite to keep the rum from drifting into dessert territory. The result feels steady, winter-friendly, and quietly persuasive.
This is the kind of drink that makes you slow down halfway through and think, yes, this was the right decision.
Spiced Rum Sour
Ingredients
- 2 oz. rum
- ¾ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz. allspice syrup*
- ½1 egg white
- Angostura bitters (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- *Allspice syrup: Gently toast 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries. Simmer with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar for 10 minutes. Strain and cool.
- Add the rum, lime juice, allspice syrup, and egg white to a shaker without ice.
- Dry shake hard to build texture.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or a rocks glass with fresh ice.
- Finish with a few drops of bitters if you like.
Nutrition
Variations
- No Egg White – Skip it entirely for a sharper, more direct drink.
- Dark & Broody – Use a full-bodied dark rum for extra weight and molasses notes.
- Extra Spice – Add a single dash of cinnamon bitters to deepen the finish.
FAQ
What rum works best here?
An aged rum with some oak influence works best. Avoid anything overly sweet or flavored.
Can I batch this?
You can batch everything except the egg white. Shake individual servings to order.
Is allspice syrup the same as pimento dram?
No. Pimento dram is alcoholic and heavier. The syrup is cleaner and more flexible.
Why A Lush Life Loves It
Spice replaces excess sweetness, which is always a win. This sour feels composed rather than playful, with enough warmth to make it useful well past citrus season. It behaves like a proper drink, not a novelty.