Falernum—it’s one of those things we never knew we needed until we started shaking up some fancy drinks. Then it quickly became essential. But what happens when we run out of it mid-recipe? Total buzzkill, right?
We’ve been there, staring at the empty shelf, wondering what to do. Luckily, we realized there are some super easy swaps that work just as well. You probably have a few of these sitting around already. And trust us, they’ll save the day without missing a beat.
Whether you’re mixing up a cocktail or whipping up something sweet, these alternatives deliver the same punchy vibe. We’re talking flavors that play nice with lime, spice, and all things nice. Say goodbye to the falernum FOMO—it’s time to get creative!

6 Easy Substitutes for Falernum
Here are six falernum substitutes that you can use in a pinch:
1 – Orgeat Syrup with Spices
This one substitute will save your recipe. Orgeat syrup with spices mimics falernum’s nutty and spicy vibe amazingly well. Just mix orgeat syrup (you know, the almond one) with a pinch of ground cloves, ginger, and a dash of lime juice.
Use this at a 1:1 ratio to replace falernum. It’s sweet, lightly spiced, and brings a nice balance. We’ve used it in tropical drinks, and it totally works.
The texture is pretty close too, so no complaints there. Keep in mind, it’s slightly sweeter. Adjust lime or citrus elsewhere if needed.
You probably already have some orgeat syrup leftover from your mai tai night. Add a little spice to it, and you’re good to go. It’s quick, easy, and does the job without overthinking.
2 – Ginger Beer with Lime
If you’ve ever been stuck without falernum, ginger beer with lime might just save the day. This combo gives your drink a fizzy, spicy kick while adding a fresh citrusy edge.
The spice in ginger beer mimics falernum’s warmth. Lime juice brings the tangy balance you need. Use a 2:1 ratio of ginger beer to lime juice for the best results.
The texture is lighter, thanks to the carbonation. It’s not as syrupy, but it does the job for tropical drinks anyway. We’ve tried it in a rum punch, and it worked like a charm.
Ginger beer is easy to find, and lime is probably already in your fridge. It’s simple and delivers that spicy-sweet balance.
3 – Simple Syrup with Almond and Clove Extract
It all started when I ran out of falernum and thought, “What’s in my pantry?” Simple syrup with almond and clove extract came to the rescue. This combo brings sweet with a hint of spice. Almond extract adds a nutty, warm flavor, while clove extract gives that subtle spiced edge.
Mix 1 cup of simple syrup with 1/4 teaspoon almond extract and a dash of clove extract. Adjust clove for intensity. The result is sweet, warm, and just spicy enough.
It’s smooth and blends well, though it’s thicker than falernum. Works great in tropical or spiced drinks. We tried it in a Mai Tai, and the flavors clicked. Almond extract is strong, so use sparingly to avoid overpowering. Super easy, just two pantry items, and you’re done.
4 – Velvet Falernum (Store-Bought)
For those who feel like they have to stay true to the recipe – we’ve got you. Velvet Falernum is a store-bought substitute that’s close to the original. It’s a sweet, slightly spicy liqueur with an almond kick.
Use this at a 1:1 ratio in place of falernum. It tastes pretty much the same and has that sweet-spicy profile down pat. The texture is similar as well, though it might be slightly thicker than homemade falernum.
It’s not always easy to find velvet falernum in stores, but it’s worth seeking out for fans of the original flavor profile.
5 – Spiced Rum with Lime Juice
If you’ve ever been stuck without falernum, grab spiced rum and lime juice. This combo is crazy easy and gets the job done. Use 1 part spiced rum to 1/2 part lime juice. The rum brings sweetness and spice, while lime adds that tangy kick.
It’s thinner than falernum, so it blends easily. The spices in the rum mimic the original’s flavor profile pretty well. Lime juice is a great balance to the sweetness. The result is bold and zesty.
Works well in rum-based drinks or anything tropical. It’s a simple two-ingredient fix that’s usually sitting right on the shelf. Adjust the lime juice for more or less tartness as needed. We like it because it’s flexible and straightforward. No hunting for specialty liqueurs!
6 – Honey Syrup with Citrus and Spices
Last but not least, honey syrup with citrus and spices makes a great last-minute falernum alternative. It’s less spicy than the previous swaps, and it works well if you’re not into strong flavors.
Mix 1 cup of honey syrup with the juice of half a lime, a pinch of ground cloves, and ginger powder. The result is sweet, tangy, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. The texture is a bit thicker than falernum; adjust liquid for consistency as needed.
It’s subtle and delicate flavor-wise, so it plays nice in most drinks without overpowering other ingredients. We tried it in daiquiris and rum punches—both worked well. You can adjust the spices to your liking or add more lime for extra tang. It’s easy and brings a different spin on the classic falernum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, orgeat syrup can work well as a substitute when combined with spices like clove and cinnamon to mimic Falernum’s unique flavor.
Ginger beer mixed with lime juice offers a tangy and spicy substitute, though it lacks the sweet, almond-like qualities of Falernum.
Mix equal parts water and sugar, add almond and clove extracts, and simmer until the flavors infuse to create a sweet, spiced syrup.
Velvet Falernum is a commercially available option that works as a one-to-one replacement, providing the same sweet, spiced notes.
Yes, spiced rum with lime juice can replace Falernum, though it will have a stronger alcohol flavor with a similar citrusy twist.
Honey syrup with added citrus and spices can mimic the sweetness and complexity of Falernum, making it a suitable option.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.