Homemade Caribbean Rum Cream Recipe

This Jamaican rum cream recipe is a smooth, creamy Caribbean drink made with rum, chocolate, coffee, condensed milk, and warm spices. It’s rich, boozy, easy to make, and perfect served chilled over ice.

Inspired by the flavors of Jamaican rum cream liqueur, this homemade version blends amber rum with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and coconut for a drink that feels festive and indulgent.

The rich flavor of this rum cream makes it perfect for sipping on a warm evening, swirling into hot chocolate, or adding to desserts like tiramisu and chocolate cake for a Caribbean twist.

Homemade rum cream is also surprisingly easy to make. Blend the ingredients, chill, and serve over ice for a creamy homemade treat.

What Is Jamaican Rum Cream?

Jamaican rum cream is a Caribbean-style cream liqueur made with rum, dairy, and flavorings like chocolate, coffee, vanilla, and spices. Similar to Irish cream but with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, it’s commonly served chilled, over ice, or added to coffee and desserts.

How to make this Rum Cream Recipe

Ingredient notes

Here are some quick notes on what you will need to make this recipe. Make sure you check out the recipe card for the full list.

• Sweetened condensed milk: This comes in tins and will be in your grocery store’s cupboard section. You can also buy dairy-free versions.
• Rum: Amber-colored rum works best for this recipe. I’ve used Tamboo rum.
• Chocolate syrup: I usually add three tablespoons of chocolate syrup, but you can reduce this to 2.
• Fresh-brewed black coffee: Adds depth and richness to the rum cream. Instant coffee works too, but fresh coffee gives the best flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Find this in the baking section of your grocery store, or buy it online.
• Coconut extract: Adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the rum and spices.
• Banana extract: Optional, but any extracts add a subtle tropical flavor.
• Heavy cream: You need a rich dairy cream to get that texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice flavor
• Nutmeg: Add a warm layer of flavor. Just don’t add too much.

Instructions

Decide whether you are using a blender or a hand mixer with a bowl. If using a bowl, make sure it is deep enough to contain the ingredients when mixing with a high-powered hand mixer.

1. Add the condensed milk, chocolate syrup, fresh-brewed black coffee, vanilla extract, coconut extract, heavy cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Blend the ingredients until smooth, then add the rum and continue mixing until fully combined.

3. Taste and adjust the spices or chocolate syrup as needed. More chocolate? Add it.
4. Chill the drink in the fridge, then serve it in a glass with ice. You can also garnish the glass with a little chocolate syrup before adding the rich cream liqueur.

Tips

• Store the rum cream in a sterilized glass bottle or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Start mixing on low speed to prevent the cream from curdling.
• In place of chocolate syrup, try using some cocoa powder instead. Take about a tablespoon of powder and mix it smoothly with a little of the cream, then combine it with everything else.
• Try making this dairy-free by switching out the condensed milk with a dairy-free one and using coconut milk instead of the heavy cream. 
• A touch of almond extract adds a nice additional level of flavor.

Substitutions

• You can try different types of rum. Amber rum works best, but dark rum, spiced rum, or another aged rum also works well. I wouldn’t recommend white rum for this recipe.
• If you want a lighter rum cream, switch out the heavy cream for half-and-half.
• For an Irish cream-style version, swap the rum for whiskey and leave out the cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut extract.
• Watching your alcohol intake? You can adjust the amount of rum you use or use a rum extract instead, which has a lower alcohol level.

Other rum recipes

The Caribbean islands are well known for their rum, so if you’re looking for more amazing rum recipes, you’re in the right place.

Check out these beauties to get you started:

• Caribbean Rum Punch
• Sorrel Rum Punch
• Coconut Ponche De Creme
• Haitian Cremas
• Ponche de crème pound cake

Serving Suggestions

The easiest way to enjoy Jamaican rum cream is chilled over ice

You could also try incorporating it into other dishes:

• Try swirling it into hot chocolate for a chocolatey treat with a deliciously smooth texture. This is a favorite nighttime cap of mine. Or even adding it to coffee for a winter pick-me-up.
• Another great treat option is pouring this flavorful drink over some homemade ice cream. Especially some vanilla ice cream for a Caribbean twist on the classic affogato.
• Using it in baking – it’s excellent in tiramisu or a rich chocolate cake.

Storage

This recipe makes about 16 oz, so it fits nicely into a 16-ounce mason jar.

Store Jamaican rum cream in a sterilized, sealed bottle or jar in the fridge for up to one week.

If you do make this recipe, please let me know by leaving a comment and/or a star rating in the recipe card below. I love hearing from you and even what adjustments were made!!

More creamy drinks

If you like the rich flavor of Jamaican rum cream, then try out some other creamy drink

• Ponche de creme
• Guinness punch
• Pumpkin punch
• Cassava punch
• Dasheen punch

Recipe