The tiki drink called Jet Pilot is a complex and flavorful cocktail that is a modern take on the classic Daiquiri, with a unique blend of rums and a variety of other ingredients. The Jet Pilot cocktail is known for its rich and vibrant flavors, making it a popular choice for tiki enthusiasts. Let’s break down the recipe and the key ingredients to understand what makes the Jet Pilot cocktail so special.
Key Ingredients
The Jet Pilot cocktail is made with the following key ingredients:
- Funky Jamaican rum
- Mild aged rum
- Overproof rum
- Lime juice
- Grapefruit juice
- Cinnamon syrup
- Falernum
- Angostura Bitters
- Absinthe
The combination of these ingredients creates a complex and well-balanced flavor profile that is characteristic of tiki cocktails.
Recipe Details
The specific recipe for the Jet Pilot cocktail includes the following measurements:
- 1 oz. funky Jamaican rum
- 1 oz. mild aged rum
- 0.5 oz. to 0.5 oz. overproof rum
- 0.75 oz. lime juice
- 0.5 oz. grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz. cinnamon syrup
- 0.5 oz. falernum
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- ½ dash (6 to 10 drops) absinthe
After mixing the ingredients, the cocktail is shaken on crushed ice and then poured into a large rocks glass. It is then topped with more crushed ice and garnished with a cinnamon stick, a spent lime half, a grapefruit half-moon, and/or a small figurine of a Pan Am airplane.
Flavor Profile
The Jet Pilot cocktail is known for its warming wave of spice, fresh citrus, and balanced sweetness. The combination of multiple rums, citrus juices, and flavorful syrups creates a rich and complex flavor profile that is characteristic of tiki-style cocktails.
Origin and Legacy
The Jet Pilot cocktail was invented in 1958 at the Luau, a now-shuttered Beverly Hills hotspot owned by actor Steve Crane. It was inspired by the Test Pilot cocktail and has since become a beloved classic in the world of tiki cocktails.
The Jet Pilot cocktail is a testament to the creativity and innovation of tiki mixology, offering a unique and flavorful drinking experience that has stood the test of time.
For more information, you can refer to the original recipe and details about the Jet Pilot cocktail on the Robb Report website.
