In a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, brown sugar, chopped garlic, lime juice, ground ginger, black pepper, chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and fresh herbs if using. Mix together well to combine.

Add the protein you are marinading to an airtight container or plastic bag. Add the marinade to the container or bag, and top with enough water to cover the protein.

Marinade for 4-16 hours before cooking your protein. You can drain the liquid before cooking, or use it in your recipe (I baked my marinated chicken in the marinade without draining it and it turned out great).

If you want to make this marinade ahead of time: mix the dry spices together in a small container (the ground ginger through cayenne pepper in the ingredients list) and add the olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, lime juice, fresh herbs, and water later.