The Cobra’s Fang is a classic Tiki cocktail that has been enjoying a revival in recent years. Invented by Donn Beach, the father of tiki, this intoxicating mix of rums, fruit juices, syrups, and botanicals has become a favorite among Tiki enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike. The original recipe calls for a mixture of rums, including 151 Demerara rum and dark Jamaican rum, along with fassionola syrup, falernum, freshly squeezed orange and lime juices, a dash each of bitters and absinthe, and is garnished with a lime wheel and mint.
The Ingredients
To make a Cobra’s Fang cocktail, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 oz aged rum
- ¾ oz fassionola syrup
- ½ oz falernum
- ½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice
- ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash absinthe
The Complexity of Flavors
The Cobra’s Fang is a fruit-forward cocktail with layers of complexity and a strong alcohol content, typical of Tiki drinks. The combination of aged rum, fassionola syrup, falernum, and freshly squeezed juices creates a unique and tropical flavor profile that is both refreshing and potent. The dash of Angostura bitters and absinthe add a subtle spicy and herbaceous note to the drink, rounding out the overall taste.
The Importance of Fassionola Syrup
One of the key ingredients in the Cobra’s Fang is fassionola syrup, a blend of different fruits that often includes passionfruit, papaya, cherries, guava, pineapple, and citrus. This syrup is known for its bright red color and tropical flavors, and it was reportedly an ingredient in the original Hurricane recipes as well. The use of fassionola syrup in the Cobra’s Fang adds a unique depth of flavor and sweetness to the cocktail.
The Presentation
The Cobra’s Fang is often garnished with lime, mint, and sometimes pineapple leaves, edible flowers, or even orange peels cut to look like a snake or fangs. The presentation of the cocktail is an essential part of the Tiki experience, as it adds to the exotic and tropical atmosphere that these drinks are known for.
The Recipe
To make a Cobra’s Fang cocktail, follow these steps:
- In a shaker, combine 2 oz aged rum, ¾ oz fassionola syrup, ½ oz falernum, ½ oz freshly squeezed orange juice, ½ oz freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 dash Angostura bitters, and 1 dash absinthe.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a Tiki mug or a tall glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel, mint sprig, and any other desired Tiki garnishes.
- Serve and enjoy your Cobra’s Fang cocktail!
The Cobra’s Fang is a lesser-known classic Tiki drink that has been enjoying a resurgence in recent years. Its complex and tropical flavors make it a must-try for anyone looking to explore the world of Tiki cocktails. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something exotic and refreshing, mix up a Cobra’s Fang and transport yourself to a tropical paradise!
