Dr. Funk Cocktail: Classic Tiki Rum Drink Recipe
A tantalizing and refreshing cocktail inspired by the classic Polynesian beverage that's been known to cure the blues and lift the spirits. With its roots in Tiki culture, Dr. Funk combines the vibrant flavors of rum, lime, and bitters, offering a perfect blend that dances on the palate—a harmony of sweet, sour, and aromatic notes.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Hawthorne strainer
- highball glass
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- 2 oz dark rum 60ml; preferably a rich, aged rum for depth of flavour
- ½ oz absinthe 15ml; a quality absinthe for an aromatic touch
- ½ oz lime juice 15ml; freshly squeezed
- ½ oz grenadine 15ml; use a high-quality grenadine made with real pomegranate
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 6.8 oz soda water 200ml; chilled, or as needed to top
- 2 ½ cups ice cubes for shaker and serving
- 1 piece lime wheel or sprig of fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.2 1/2 cups ice cubes
- Pour the dark rum, absinthe, lime juice, grenadine, and Angostura bitters into the shaker.2 oz dark rum, 1/2 oz absinthe, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz grenadine, 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Shake well until combined, about 10-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold to the touch.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.2 1/2 cups ice cubes
- Top with chilled soda water, leaving about 1 cm (½ inch) of space at the rim. Stir gently two or three times to combine without losing carbonation.6.8 oz soda water
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a sprig of fresh mint.1 piece lime wheel or sprig of fresh mint
Notes
Storage: This cocktail is best served immediately. Do not batch and refrigerate with soda water — it will go flat.
Make-ahead: Pre-mix the rum, absinthe, lime juice, grenadine, and bitters in a sealed jar up to 4 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then shake with ice and add soda water when ready to serve.
Substitution: If you don't have absinthe, Pernod or pastis works at the same 15 ml measure. The anise character will be slightly different but still authentic.
Pro tip: Shake for a full 10-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is genuinely cold to the touch — this controlled dilution softens the absinthe and integrates the flavours properly.
Grenadine matters: Use real pomegranate grenadine (such as homemade or a brand like Liber & Co), not the neon-red corn syrup versions — the flavour difference is dramatic in a drink this simple.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 0.1gFat: 0.02gSodium: 75mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 0.1mg
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