Saba Spice: The Incredibly Addictive Drink I Continue to Crave
If you’ve been to the tiny Caribbean island of Saba, you’ve probably heard whispers about Saba Spice.
We visited Saba as part of a combined island trip, pairing it with nearby St. Martin for the perfect balance of adventure and beach time. You can read exactly how we structured our trip in my Saba and St. Martin itinerary if you are planning something similar.
But back to the rum.
What exactly is Saba Spice? Is it just another spiced rum? How are you supposed to drink it? And where do you even find it?
I had questions.
Whenever we travel, I make it a point to try whatever food or drink is unique to that place. So naturally, I went on a mission to track down this mysterious local liquor.
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What is Saba Spice
Saba Spice is a spiced rum.
Rum itself is made from sugar, whether that’s pure cane sugar, syrup, or molasses. From there, it branches into different styles. Spiced rum is one of them, created by infusing fruits and spices into the base spirit.
It’s similar in concept to how botanicals are added to gin to create different flavor profiles.
Islanders across the Caribbean have been making their own versions of spiced rum for centuries.
Brands like Captain Morgan made it mainstream, but long before that, families were steeping their own blends at home.
Every island puts its own spin on it. In the Dominican Republic, for example, mamajuana is a spiced rum infused with tree bark, local herbs, red wine, and honey.
Common spices used in spiced rums include cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, ginger, star anise, vanilla, cardamom, and pepper.
Some versions add fruit like coconut, banana, pineapple, mango, or orange peel. The spices are what give spiced rum its deeper color and warmth.
On Saba, the exact Saba Spice recipe is closely guarded. But after tasting it, I’m fairly certain there’s cinnamon, clove, and fennel in the mix.
I’m not usually a black licorice fan, so I was fully prepared not to like it. But the subtle fennel note actually works. It is surprisingly addictive.
Where to Try Saba Spice
Sipping spiced rum at The Hideaway
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I had the chance to try Saba Spice in two different spots on the island.
The first was at Queen’s Garden Resort, where we were staying at the time (it’s currently closed for renovations). After dinner in the Bird’s Nest, we ordered Saba Spice as a digestif. Most locals drink it over ice, but we had ours neat.
It was the perfect slow sip to end the evening.
The second time was at The Hideaway in Windwardside.
I usually go for a glass of port after dinner, and Saba Spice felt like a great island alternative. Both times, it had that distinct black licorice note, which makes me think fennel is front and center in the blend.
Different, slightly herbal, and surprisingly delicious.
Where to Purchase Saba Spice
Everyt’ings in Windwardside in Saba
If you’re hoping to bring a bottle home, you can usually find Saba Spice at Everyt’ings in Windwardside.
When we stopped by, it was closed. Gotta love island time.
We left without a bottle, which just gives me one more reason to go back to Saba.
Final Thoughts
I love experiencing a destination through its food and drink. It tells you so much about a place.
Trying Saba Spice felt like tasting a small piece of the island’s culture. Every family seems to have their own version, their own balance of spices, their own little secret.
That’s what makes it fun.
I just wish I had managed to bring a bottle home. Now I randomly find myself craving that slightly sweet, herbal kick.
If you’re planning a trip, make sure Saba Spice is on your list.
And if you need help mapping out the perfect few days on this tiny but unforgettable island, check out my favorite things to do in Saba.
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Have you tried this type of spiced rum? Any other thoughts on what’s in the secret house recipe?
Let me know in the comments below!
I have been to Saba if your agile enough you can climb up the stephan to the capital.of Hells hole
There is a dockage on the North side of the Island. And a shuttle into Hells Hole. Please try some Saba spice. You will wish you will wish you had bought some home
Yes, love Saba spice. Very unique flavor. We tried it at a few restaurants. The only place I found that sold it was the Everyt’ings store, but it was closed when we stopped by. Next time!
Saba – what a neat place! I brought home a bottle of Saba Spice many years ago. It was opened then, but somehow only enjoyed infrequently since then. It still looks and smells wonderful, but I wonder if it’s still ok to drink?
Yes, Saba really is a unique place! My understanding is if rum is stored properly (cool dry place away from heat/sunlight), its shelf life is indefinite. However, it loses its taste/flavor over time once it’s opened. Spiced/flavored rum loses its flavor even faster as compared to pure rum.
If you opened Saba Spice a few years ago and it was stored properly, it shouldn’t be unsafe to drink but it may not taste quite the same. If you end up trying it again, let me know how it held up. I’m curious.
I just checked on a bottle that I’v had for 19 years. It was opened but stored properly. Still tastes great. Might be a little lighter but not much. Delicious after 19 years.
Wow, 19 years! Good to know! I was curious how long it would hold up. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Very cool that you cover Saba “The Unspoiled Queen”. My family is from there and I love to see positive notes about it.
Thanks for reaching out. That’s really cool you have family from Saba. What a special place to live. We loved all the hiking and snorkeling and gorgeous views. Hope to get back at some point.
I just wrote if there is an upcoming trip. I bought Saba Spice years ago while visiting Saba, Is there a way to buy it online?
I wish I had better news, but I’m not aware of any way to buy Saba Spice online right now. It seems to mostly be sold locally on the island. If anyone ever finds a place that sells it online, please chime in and share! It’s such a great souvenir and always brings back fun memories of visiting Saba.