Name: Jamaican Rum Cream
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream; 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can); 1 cup Jamaican dark rum (such as Appleton Estate or Myers's); 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of ground nutmeg; Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling inside the glass).

Fear not for those who haven’t had the joy of tasting it directly from its source. I’m excited to guide you through creating your batch of homemade Jamaican rum cream. This delightful beverage marries the rich, bold flavors of rum with the sweet creaminess of dairy, complemented by a hint of spice that dances on the palate.

What Is Jamaican Rum Cream?

Jamaican Rum Cream is a rich, creamy liqueur made by blending rum (usually Jamaican rum) with cream, sweeteners, and flavorings like coffee, vanilla, chocolate, or tropical fruits. It’s kind of like Baileys Irish Cream, but with a Caribbean twist — more rum-forward, often slightly spicier, and sometimes a bit fruitier because of the style of Jamaican rum used (which can have lots of bold, funky notes from natural fermentation).

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream
14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
1 cup Jamaican dark rum (such as Appleton Estate or Myers’s)
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of ground nutmeg
Chocolate syrup (optional for drizzling inside the glass).

Instructions:

Begin with the Base: Combine the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk in a blender. Blend on a low setting until well mixed.
Infuse the Flavor: Add the dark Jamaican rum to the cream mixture. The quality of the rum can significantly influence the result, so pick a rum you enjoy.
Spice it Up: Sprinkle in the instant coffee granules, ground cinnamon, and a generous pinch of nutmeg. These warm spices are essential for that authentic Jamaican kick.
Vanilla Essence: Add the vanilla extract. Although 1/4 teaspoon might not seem like much, vanilla is potent and will add a delicate, aromatic sweetness to your rum cream.
Blend to Perfection: Turn the blender into a medium setting and mix everything until smooth and even. Ensure that no granules or spices are left unblended.
Chill Out: Pour the mixture into a bottle or a sealed container. Refrigerate it for at least two hours. Patience is key here—the flavors meld and intensify over time.
Serve it Up: Before serving, give the bottle a good shake, as spices and coffee may settle at the bottom. If desired, drizzle chocolate syrup inside the serving glasses for an extra touch of indulgence.
Enjoy: Pour the chilled rum cream over ice and serve immediately. Sip and let the rich, creamy flavors transport you to the land of wood and water—Jamaica.

Tips:

Quality Rum: The quality of the rum is crucial. A smooth Jamaican rum will make all the difference in your rum cream.
Storage: Store the rum cream in the refrigerator. Thanks to its alcohol content, it generally keeps well for up to 2 weeks, but it’s usually best enjoyed within the first week.
Use Real Spices: For the best flavor, use freshly ground nutmeg and real cinnamon sticks (ground yourself, if possible).
Coffee Choice: High-quality instant coffee will add a more refined flavor.
Dietary Adjustments: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, although the result will be less rich.
Presentation: For a truly Caribbean presentation, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg on top right before serving.
Customize: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Some like it spicier with more cinnamon and nutmeg, while others prefer a subtler flavor.

What To Serve With

Simple Snacks:

Salted Nuts (such as cashews, pecans, or macadamias): Their salty crunch contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy drink.
Crackers with a Touch of Cheese: Choose something mild, like brie or Havarti, letting the rum and spices shine.

Desserts:

Caribbean-Inspired Desserts:

Rum Cake: This iconic Caribbean dessert, soaked in rum syrup, harmonizes perfectly with the creaminess of rum cream.
Banana Fritters: Fried slices of ripe banana with a touch of cinnamon are warm and comforting against the chilled rum cream.
Bammy with Honey or Syrup: A cassava flatbread drizzled with sweetness makes for a savory-sweet pairing.

Chocolate-Based Desserts:

Chocolate Fondue: Dip strawberries, marshmallows, or brownie chunks while sipping the rum cream as a rich companion.
Chocolate Truffles: The bittersweet richness of chocolate contrasts beautifully with the rum cream’s sweetness.
Chocolate Mousse: Its airy, light texture and subtle chocolate flavor complement the creamy, boozy drink.

Ice Cream Or Gelato:

Rum Cream Float: Pour Jamaican rum cream over a scoop of ice cream in a chilled glass for a creamy, boozy adult dessert.

Coffee-Infused Pairings:

Coffee or Espresso: Add Jamaican rum cream directly into your coffee or espresso for a dreamy upgrade. It’s like an adult version of a latte!
Tiramisu: This Italian dessert’s coffee-soaked layers match the flavor profile of rum cream and amplify its richness.

Tropical Fruits:

Grilled Pineapple: Caramelized edges and natural sweetness bring out the rum’s flavors.
Mango Slices: Juicy mango complements the bold, creamy undertones in the drink.
Papaya or Passion Fruit: The tart and sweet taste of tropical fruits balances the richness of the cream.

Baked Goods:

Cinnamon Rolls or Sticky Buns: Their gooey, spiced sweetness aligns perfectly with the cinnamon notes in the drink.
Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and delicate, these cookies provide a neutral base that contrasts the bold rum flavors.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: The cake’s spice mirrors the warm spices in the rum cream, creating a harmonious pairing.

Savory Combos:

Cheese Board: For a Caribbean-inspired platter, include mild, creamy cheeses like brie alongside tropical fruits, nuts, and honey.
Spicy Jerk Chicken Wings: The island staple of jerk spice (a mix of heat and sweetness) complements and contrasts with the coolness of the rum cream.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweet and salty profile makes them an unexpected yet delicious partner.

Cocktails And Beverage Pairings:

Rum Cream Martini: Mix Jamaican rum cream with vodka and chocolate liqueur for an indulgent cocktail.
Iced Coffee or Cold Brew (spiked with Jamaican rum cream): These drinks provide a caffeine fix with a fabulous creamy kick.
Milkshakes: Blend rum cream into a milkshake with vanilla ice cream for a boozy, decadent treat.

Health Benefits

Heart Health: Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a potentially lower risk of heart disease. This is thought to be due to alcohol’s ability to raise HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) and its anticoagulant properties, which can help prevent the formation of blood clots that could lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Improved Digestion: The spices found in Jamaican rum cream can have digestive benefits. Ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg are common spices that may aid digestion. These spices can help stimulate saliva, bile, and gastric acid production, improving digestion.
Stress Reduction: In moderation, alcohol has been known to have a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It can help reduce stress and anxiety in some individuals. The social aspect of enjoying a drink like Jamaican rum cream with friends or family can also be relaxing and contribute to positive mental health.
Antioxidant Properties: Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption can provide certain antioxidants. Rum is made from sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses containing phenolic compounds. These compounds can act as antioxidants, helping to neutralize free radicals in the body.
Potential Reduction in Diabetes Risk: Some research indicates that moderate alcohol consumption might be associated with a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the mechanism behind this possible benefit is not fully understood. It should be approached with caution, as excessive drinking can lead to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of developing diabetes.
Nutrient Content: While not a significant source of nutrients, Jamaican rum cream does contain some calcium and vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Additionally, spices may contribute small amounts of various beneficial compounds.

Final Thoughts

From potentially fostering heart health to reducing stress and improving digestion, moderate consumption of this luxurious liqueur might offer a few surprising perks. The spices in Jamaican rum cream not only enrich its flavor profile but may also provide digestive benefits. At the same time, the moderate alcohol intake could contribute to a reduced risk of certain diseases.

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