For my Savannah friends, I’ll admit the word “daiquiri” evokes a vision of River Street’s Wet Willies and their dozens of whirling slushie machines. Little did I know that in reality, a true daiquiri is a classic and balanced cocktail driven by a traditional Caribbean rhyme – “One of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak.” The Aku Aku is a classic tropical play on the daiquiri, created by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron as a direct, riff-style adaptation of Don the Beachcomber’s famous 1930s cocktail, the Missionary’s Downfall itself a daiquiri variant. Trader Vic officially first published the recipe in his 1972 Bartender’s Guide, swapping out honey and lemon for demerara and Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice,
Aku Aku
Trader Vic’ Victor BergeronTrader Vic’s1970s
Spirit
Liqueur · Rum
Cocktail family
Daisy · Smash
Flavors
Fresh · Fruity · Tart
Makes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz White Rum
- 1/2 oz Peach Liqueur
- 1/2 oz Peach Syrup
- 1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
- 8 leaves Mint
- 5 Chunks 1-Inch Fresh Pineapple or 3/4 oz Pineapple Juice
Method
- Muddle pineapple in drink mixer tin.
- Add remaining ingredients and 12 oz.. crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled coupe.
- Float a large mint leaf on the surface of the drink.
Equipment
- Shaker
- Fine Strainer
- Hawthorne Strainer
- Muddler
- Spindle Mixer
Glass
Coupe
Garnish
Mint Leaf