Luau Scorpion Cocktail: Tropical Rum Drink for Two
Elenor Craig
Indulge in the exotic charm of the Luau Scorpion, a cocktail that transports you to the sun-dappled shores of Hawaii. This vibrant drink is a modern twist on the traditional Mai Tai, infused with tropical fruit flavors and garnished with a touch of Polynesian flair.
Jigger or small measuring cup (for accurate pours)
Citrus juicer or reamer
Highball or tiki glasses (2)
Fine mesh strainer (optional, for double-straining pulp)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
60mllight rum2 oz, quality white rum such as Bacardi or equivalent
30mldark rum1 oz, a rich aged rum like Myers's
30mlfresh orange juice1 oz, freshly squeezed for best flavour
15mllime juice½ oz, freshly squeezed
15mlorgeat syrup½ oz, preferably homemade or a quality brand
15mltriple sec½ oz, or another orange liqueur like Cointreau
30mlpineapple juice1 oz
ice cubesfor shaking and serving
Garnishes
2slicespineapplefreshly cut, for garnish
2piecesmaraschino cherriesfor garnish
1sprigmintfresh, for garnish
Instructions
In a cocktail shaker, combine the light rum, dark rum, orange juice, lime juice, orgeat syrup, triple sec, and pineapple juice. Add a handful of ice cubes and firmly secure the lid.
60 ml light rum, 30 ml dark rum, 30 ml fresh orange juice, 15 ml lime juice, 15 ml orgeat syrup, 15 ml triple sec, 30 ml pineapple juice, ice cubes
Shake vigorously for about 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty. This ensures proper dilution and chills the cocktail thoroughly.
Strain the mixture evenly into two chilled highball or tiki glasses filled with fresh ice.
ice cubes
Garnish each glass with a slice of fresh pineapple, a maraschino cherry, and a sprig of mint. The sprig should be lightly clapped between your hands first to release its aromatic oils.
2 slices pineapple, 2 pieces maraschino cherries, 1 sprig mint
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Notes
Storage: Batch the base (all ingredients except ice) in a sealed jar or bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Shake or stir well before using, then shake individual portions over fresh ice to serve.Make-Ahead: Pre-measure spirits and juices into a bottle and chill. Squeeze citrus no more than 4 hours ahead to preserve brightness.Substitutions: If orgeat syrup is unavailable, almond syrup works but produces a slightly less complex flavour. For a non-alcoholic version, replace both rums with equal parts coconut water plus a splash of ginger ale.Pro Tip: Clap the mint sprig firmly between your palms once before garnishing — this bruises the leaves just enough to release aromatic oils without shredding them.Freezing: Do not freeze the pre-mixed base; juice texture deteriorates and the balance tastes off once thawed.Serving Suggestion: For a layered presentation, slowly pour an additional teaspoon of dark rum over the back of a spoon onto the cocktail's surface for a dark rum float.