The Gangster’s Paradise cocktail is an exotic blend, evoking the daring spirit of its namesake.
This cocktail recipe combines the rich flavors of Mount Gay Black Barrel rum and Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Original rum with the sweetness of pineapple and passion fruit juices, the velvety texture of heavy cream, the warm spice of cinnamon syrup, and a touch of turmeric oil.
It’s a summer cocktail drink that’s as bold as a gangster’s paradise itself.
Here’s how to make the Gangster’s Paradise Cocktail.
Gangster’s Paradise Cocktail Ingredients:
- Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Offers a robust, slightly smoky foundation.
- Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Original Rum (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Adds a layer of rich spices.
- Pineapple Juice (1 ounce / 30 ml): Brings tropical sweetness.
- Heavy Cream (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Provides a creamy texture.
- Passion Fruit Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Adds tangy, tropical tartness.
- Cinnamon Syrup (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Introduces a warm, sweet spice.
- Turmeric Oil (1 drop of a solution made from equal parts turmeric oil and water): Offers a subtle, earthy nuance.
- Garnishes: An edible orchid, pineapple fronds, and shredded carrot for a visually stunning presentation.
Gangster’s Paradise Cocktail Recipe:
- Mix the Cocktail: In a shaker, combine 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of Mount Gay Black Barrel rum, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of Chairman’s Reserve Spiced Original rum, 30 ml (1 ounce) of pineapple juice, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) each of heavy cream and passion fruit juice, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of cinnamon syrup, and a drop of the turmeric oil solution. Fill the shaker with ice to chill the ingredients effectively.
- Shake Well: Ensure the shaker is sealed tightly, then shake vigorously until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. This step is crucial for blending the flavors and achieving a smooth consistency.
- Serve with Flair: Pour the chilled cocktail, unstrained, into a hurricane glass, allowing the ice from the shaker to add to the drink’s texture. Top off with additional crushed ice to fill the glass.
- Add Garnishes: Add an edible orchid for a touch of elegance, pineapple fronds for a hint of tropical allure, and shredded carrot for a pop of color and texture. These garnishes enhance the drink’s visual appeal and underscore its exotic flavor profile.
The Gangster’s Paradise Cocktail – A Deep Dive:
Turmeric, a staple in Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines, is celebrated not just for its earthy, slightly bitter taste but also for imbuing dishes with its distinctive orange-yellow color, famously giving mustard its vibrant hue.
Recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, turmeric has also found its way into the realm of mixology, as bartenders increasingly explore its potential in spirit infusions and cocktail creations.
Yael Vengroff, a noted bartender and beverage director in Los Angeles known for her work at The Spare Room and other ventures, shares her journey of discovering turmeric’s unique flavor profile and its versatility in cocktails. “It was only a few years ago that I started to get to know the flavor profile and applications of turmeric in cocktails,” Vengroff recounts.
Inspired by the intriguing combination of carrot, turmeric, and coconut, she crafted the Gangster’s Paradise cocktail, ultimately opting for passion fruit and cream instead of coconut to put a twist on the classic Piña Colada.
This innovative take on the Piña Colada combines aged rum from Barbados and spiced rum from St. Lucia with pineapple juice, passion fruit juice, cinnamon syrup, heavy cream, and turmeric oil. The result is a cocktail that’s both tart and tropical, enriched with creamy undertones and the earthiness of turmeric.
Rather than incorporating the spice directly into the mix or using it as a garnish, Vengroff opts for a blend of turmeric oil and water, delivering a concentrated burst of flavor that distinguishes the drink.
Check out more passionfruit cocktails and pineapple cocktail recipes.
