Ingredients:
- 750 ml (25 ounces) White or Light Rum
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks (Ceylon, preferably)
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 Vanilla Bean (Split lengthwise)
- 10 Whole Allspice Berries
- 6 Whole Cloves
- 1 Orange (Zest only)
- 1 Lemon (Zest only)
- 2 tablespoons Dark Brown Sugar (Packed)
- Optional: 2-3 Dried Chili Peppers
Instructions:
- Gently crush the cinnamon sticks and lightly bruise the allspice berries.
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise.
- Carefully zest the orange and lemon, avoiding the white pith.
- Place all spices, citrus zest, and brown sugar into a clean glass jar.
- Pour the rum over the spices, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly. Store in a cool, dark place for 3-7 days, shaking gently once a day. Taste after 3 days.
- Strain the rum through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth to remove the solids.
- Transfer the spiced rum to a clean bottle and seal. It's now ready to use!