BBQ Rum-Glazed Meatballs

Sticky-Sweet, Spiced, and Built to Share.

Taken straight from my new book, The Island Spirit: The Ultimate Guide to Rum-Infused Cocktails and Cuisine, these meatballs are a longtime favorite.

In this article, I’m sharing the kind of dish that brings people together, simple to make, full of flavor, and just elevated enough to feel festive. Juicy and tender, glazed in a sticky BBQ-style sauce infused with warm spices and a splash of Kōloa Spice Rum, these meatballs hit that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.

You’ll learn how to build flavor from the base up, why rum belongs in your BBQ sauce, how to adjust the spice and sweetness to your liking, and how to prep this dish for parties or cozy nights in. Whether you serve them as appetizers or over coconut rice in a casual bowl, this recipe brings The Island Spirit to every bite.