Rum, Spice & Everything Nice:
The Ultimate Fall Caribbean Glaze
Here’s what we’re making to bring the islands home: cool evenings, something sizzling on the grill, and the scent of allspice floating through the air. Our Spiced Rum & Guava Glaze blends dark rum with guava and cider for a glossy finish that transforms simple chicken or pork into a Caribbean escape with a fall twist. Brush it on as you grill, and suddenly your backyard feels like the beach at golden hour.
And we’re drinking this: Autumn Isle — a simple three-ingredient cocktail that blends the warmth of fall with a tropical edge. Mix 2 oz Tropical Vibes Dark Rum, 3 oz fresh apple cider, and a splash of ginger beer over ice. It’s crisp, spiced, and the perfect way to slip into an Everyday Escape this season.
Spiced Rum & Guava Glaze for Grilled Chicken, Pork or Shrimp
This sauce has warm fall spices layered over tropical sweetness — think “Caribbean BBQ meets autumn comfort.” It works equally well on chicken thighs, pork chops, or even skewered shrimp.
Ingredients (makes about 1 cup sauce)
- ½ cup Tropical Vibes Dark Rum
- ¾ cup guava paste or guava jelly
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch crushed red pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the rum, guava paste, apple cider, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic, ginger, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir until the guava paste melts and the mixture is smooth. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste. - Prep your protein:
Season chicken thighs, pork chops, or shrimp with salt and pepper. Preheat grill to medium-high. - Grill & glaze:
Grill protein, turning occasionally. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush generously with the rum-guava glaze, letting it caramelize but not burn. - Serve:
Transfer to a platter, drizzle with extra sauce, and finish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
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Want to Get Fresh this Fall?
Fresh Picks: Tropical Flavors Made for Fall
Some flavors just belong to summer—but the right pairings can carry that island energy straight into fall. Think guava glazed over roasted pork, pineapple stirred into spiced cider, or mango folded into a harvest cheese board. Tropical fruits don’t just refresh; they transform cool evenings and crisp afternoons into little escapes.
Whether you’re shaking up a rum cocktail with apple cider, grilling with a spiced fruit glaze, or just adding something bright to your table—this is your cheat sheet to bringing the islands home for fall.
👉 Read the blog post and get inspired with flavors that keep the season warm.