The Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is a cornerstone of tiki culture, crafted during World War II by the legendary Donn Beach. Its name, a tribute to the Morse code for “V” for victory, carries a rich history and a complex flavor profile that balances spice, sweetness, and a blend of rums. Although it may not be as widely recognized as the Mai Tai or Zombie, this drink is considered essential. If you’re a fan of tiki drinks, making a Three Dots and a Dash is worth the effort.
What You’ll Need to Make Three Dots and a Dash
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to make this iconic tiki cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Rhum Agricole Vieux: This French-style rum, made from fresh sugarcane juice, brings a grassy, funky flavor that is the base of this cocktail.
- 1/2 oz Blended Aged Rum: Often a Demerara rum is preferred, adding depth and complexity.
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Essential for the drink’s tartness and balance.
- 1/2 oz Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and complements the lime.
- 1/2 oz Honey Syrup (1:1): Provides a natural sweetness that integrates well with the other flavors.
- 1/4 oz Velvet Falernum: This liqueur lends almond, ginger, and clove notes, contributing to the drink’s spice profile.
- 1/4 oz Allspice Dram (Pimento Dram): Adds a potent allspice flavor, enhancing the overall spiciness.
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters: A few drops of Angostura bitters tie all the flavors together.
Garnish:
- 3 Maraschino Cherries: Skewered on a cocktail pick, they represent the “three dots” in Morse code. Select high-quality cherries, such as Luxardo.
- 1 Pineapple Frond or Chunk: Represents the “dash” in Morse code.
Tools:
- Blender: A stand-up blender, similar to a milkshake blender, is ideal for “flash blending”.
- Tiki Mug or Pilsner Glass: To serve the cocktail in style.
- Ice: Crushed ice is essential for achieving the right consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Three Dots and a Dash Recipe
Here’s how to mix your own Three Dots and a Dash cocktail.
- Chill Your Glass: Pre-chill your Tiki mug or pilsner glass.
- Combine Ingredients: Add rhum agricole, blended aged rum, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, honey syrup, Velvet Falernum, allspice dram, and Angostura bitters to a blender tin.
- Flash Blend: Add 12 ounces of crushed ice and 4-6 small “agitator” ice cubes to the blender. Flash blend quickly.
- Pour and Strain: Pour the entire contents of the blender into your chilled glass, straining out any large chunks of ice.
- Garnish: Garnish with three maraschino cherries on a cocktail pick and a pineapple frond or chunk.
- Serve: Serve immediately with a straw.
The History and Meaning Behind the Name
The Three Dots and a Dash was created by Donn Beach during World War II. The name is derived from the Morse code for the letter “V,” which stood for “victory” during the war. The garnish—three cherries and a pineapple frond—visually represents the Morse code. The drink paid tribute to the servicemen and women who fought in World War II.
Tips for the Perfect Three Dots and a Dash
Choosing the Right Rums
The choice of rum is crucial to the final flavor of the cocktail. Opt for a high-quality Rhum Agricole Vieux, such as Saint James VSOP, for its grassy and complex notes. Pair it with a Demerara rum like El Dorado 12 Year for added depth. Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove recommends using AOC Martinique rhum agricole vieux, which is darker than many other rhum agricoles.
Freshness Matters
Use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice. Fresh juice makes a big difference in the overall taste of the cocktail.
Honey Syrup
Make sure your honey syrup has a 1:1 ratio of honey to water to ensure the right level of sweetness and consistency.
Flash Blending
Flash blending is the preferred method for preparing this cocktail. It involves quickly blending all the ingredients with crushed ice and a few larger ice cubes. This technique chills the drink rapidly and creates a frothy texture.
Adjusting for Taste
Feel free to adjust the amount of allspice dram to suit your taste. If your pimento dram is particularly strong, you may want to reduce the quantity to prevent it from overpowering the other flavors.
Variations
While the classic recipe is hard to beat, feel free to experiment with slight variations. For example, you could try using a different type of aged rum or adding a splash of pineapple juice for a more tropical flavor.
Expert Insights
According to Jim Zadrozny, the Three Dots and a Dash utilizes the grassy, cane sugar forward Martinique Rhum Agricole Vieux. This uncommon spirit gives the drink a unique flavor that he hasn’t found duplicated in any other cocktail. He uses Appleton Estate 12-year along with the allspice dram to give balance to that grassy funk.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Three Dots and a Dash in a Tiki mug or a footed pilsner glass. The garnish is essential, so make sure to include the three cherries and a pineapple frond or chunk. This cocktail is perfect for sipping on a sunny day or any time you want to celebrate a victory.
A Symphony of Flavors
The Three Dots and a Dash is more than just a cocktail, it’s a complex and flavorful experience that pays homage to tiki culture and World War II history. With its blend of rums, spices, and fresh juices, this drink is sure to impress even the most discerning cocktail enthusiast.
