Featured Recipe: Three Dots and A Dash

Three Dots and a Dash -

​​As the world continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19 and stay-at-home orders remain in effect for many, the Three Dots and a Dash cocktail channels a period of turmoil in world history, and the optimism and perseverance that we all need right now. 

The following feature will provide the historical context of the drink, necessary ingredients, and steps for making it at home.  We’ve also provided the Wayward Spirits Twist on the cocktail, if you are feeling particularly adventurous.  Cheers!

Cocktail History:

Created during World War II, the Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is named after from the Morse code signal for “victory”.  The drink was originally created by Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt (aka Donn Beach, the founding father of the tiki movement in the United States), and was served at the famous Don the Beachcomber tiki bar in Hollywood during the 1930’s and 1940’s

Cocktail Recipe/Instructions

Glassware:  Tiki Mug (tall), Collins/Zombie Glass, or Footed Pilsner

​Ingredients:

• ½ oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• ½ oz honey syrup (see below for honey syrup recipe)
• ¼ oz Velvet Falernum (we use John D. Taylor’s)
• ¼ oz pimento/allspice dram (we use St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram)
• 1 ½ oz Rhum Agricole Vieux (we use Clement VSOP Rhum Agricole)
• ½ oz blended aged rum (we use Mount Gay XO rum)
• 1 dash of Angostura bitters

Honey syrup recipe (if needed):

1. Use equal parts honey and water (i.e. 1 cup honey to 1 cup water)
2. Heat the honey in a saucepan over medium heat until runny/watery, just before boiling point (roughly 2-3 minutes)
3. Add the water to the honey and whisk mixture together
4. Remove from heat and let cool – store in a sealed contain in the refrigerator for up to several weeks

Cocktail Steps:
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.  Strain into glass over crushed ice.  Alternatively, you can also flash blend this cocktail with ice for a “slushier” feel

Garnish:
Add a three maraschino cherries (for the “three dots”) and a pineapple chunk (for the “dash”) on a cocktail pick.  Add a lime wheel for extra flair

Wayward Spirits Rating and Twist:
Overall Score - 4.5 - this is a really great go-to drink, and relatively simple to make.  While it certainly fits the bill for a "tiki staple", the flavor profile is slightly predictable (preventing the full 5 star rating)

Try replacing the half ounce of orange juice with dry curaçao (we use Pierre Ferrand), making the drink feel slightly more upscale (and boozy).  Also, try using brandied cherries in place of maraschino

Hope you enjoy!  Share your thoughts about this drink in the comments, or let us know if you have your own twist for this cocktail - Cheers!