pimento dram (sometimes known as “pimento cordial”) is a traditional Jamaican liqueur flavored with berries of the pimento tree (Pimenta dioica), commonly known as allspice. Beginning as a folk remedy for diarrhea and cholera, it has been an article of commerce since at least 1850. Pimento dram is made by extracting the lightly fermented, dried berries with a high-proof spirit, most often rum, and adding sugar and lime juice. The resulting liqueur has a flavor reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Traditionally it is enjoyed neat, as a cordial or liqueur, but has found some use in cocktails (such as the Lion’s Tail, with bourbon whisky, lime juice, and bitters) due to its unique flavor profile.
See also liqueurs.
By: Darcy O’Neill