Spice Rum-Glazed Nuts
Sweet, salty, and a little bit tropical—perfect for every occasion
Need a snack that’s quick, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to disappear fast? These Spice Rum-Glazed Nuts are a staple from my upcoming book, The Island Spirit: The Ultimate Guide to Rum-Infused Cocktails and Cuisine. They’re warm, slightly sweet, kissed with island spice, and finished with a glossy glaze made from Kōloa Spice Rum.
They’re also wildly versatile. Serve them at your next game night, leave a bowl out for movie night, toss them into salads, or wrap them up for homemade gifts. Better yet—make a double batch. You’ll be glad you did.
Spice Rum-Glazed Nuts
Makes about 2 cups | Ready in 25 minutes
Ingredients
2 cups of your favorite nuts or mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews—unsalted preferred)
¼ cup Kōloa Spice Rum
¼ cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions (with Pro Tips)
1️⃣ Preheat and prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2️⃣ Make the glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, Kōloa Spice Rum, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and just beginning to bubble, about 2–3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Once the glaze starts bubbling, it thickens fast—so don’t walk away. You’re looking for a syrupy texture that easily coats the back of a spoon.
3️⃣ Coat the nuts:
Place the mixed nuts in a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the warm glaze over them and toss quickly but thoroughly to coat every piece.
Pro Tip: Move fast! As the glaze cools, it firms up. Use a spatula to scrape all the glaze out of the pan and stir until everything is evenly coated.
4️⃣ Bake until caramelized and fragrant:
Spread the glazed nuts into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not piled on top of each other.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring once around the 10-minute mark to ensure even browning.
Pro Tip: Watch the edges of the pan—nuts there brown fastest. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re deep golden, shiny, and smell amazing.
5️⃣ Cool completely:
Let the nuts cool completely on the baking sheet—about 20–30 minutes. The glaze will harden into a crisp, sweet-spicy coating.
Optional: For sweet glazed clusters, gently press some of the nuts together before they cool.
Snack Ideas & Serving Tips
✅ Add to snack bowls for game night or movie night
✅ Toss into salads with goat cheese, apple, or dried cranberries
✅ Sprinkle over ice cream, yogurt, or roasted veggies
✅ Add to cheese boards for a sweet-spicy contrast
✅ Gift in jars for easy, homemade holiday or hostess gifts
✅ Chop and stir into cookie dough or banana bread batter
Storage Tips
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks
For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months and thaw before serving
To re-crisp, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes
Why Kōloa Spice Rum Works
Kōloa Spice Rum brings subtle notes of cinnamon, clove, caramel, and honey—the perfect match for roasted nuts and warm sugar glazes. Made from pure cane sugar and water from Mount Waiʻaleʻale, its smooth, balanced flavor carries beautifully in both cocktails and cooking.
It’s bold enough to shine through the sweetness, but refined enough not to overpower—a natural fit for this quick-glazed snack.
Want to share your take or see how others are using it?
Join the conversation in the Community Chat—it’s where flavor, ideas, and island inspiration come together.
This recipe is just one of many in my book,
The Island Spirit: The Ultimate Guide to Rum-Infused Cocktails and Cuisine—a celebration of tropical flavor, creativity, and the joy of cooking with rum in everyday dishes and drinks.
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