Take a journey to create the Sarlacc Pit cocktail and dive into the depths of one of the most infamous creatures in the “Star Wars” universe.
This Star Wars themed cocktail, inspired by the treacherous sand pit that ensnares its prey with no hope of escape, is a complex drink that blends the richness of El Dorado five-year-old gold rum with an array of flavors designed to ensnare your senses.
Here’s how to make the Sarlacc Pit cocktail, complete with homemade Han’s mix and ginger syrup for an authentic taste adventure.
Sarlacc Pit Ingredients:
- El Dorado Five-Year-Old Gold Rum (2 ounces / 60 ml): This aged rum provides a smooth, rich base with hints of spice and caramel, evoking the golden hues of a desert landscape.
- Han’s Mix (2 ounces / 60 ml): A homemade spice and citrus syrup that adds depth and complexity with its blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, and orange juice.
- Lime Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Introduces a bright, acidic contrast to the sweetness of the syrup, echoing the unpredictable nature of the Sarlacc.
- Ginger Syrup (1/2 ounce / 15 ml): Adds a spicy kick that complements the rum and adds a layer of warmth.
- Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters (3 dashes): Provides an exotic touch with its tropical flavors, enhancing the cocktail’s depth.
- Angostura Bitters (2 dashes): Offers a hint of bitterness that balances the drink, much like the perilous balance of surviving the Sarlacc Pit.
- Garnish: A mint sprig and two twisty straws, adding a refreshing aroma and a fun, adventurous way to enjoy the concoction.
Sarlacc Pit Recipe:
- Prepare Han’s Mix:
- In a small pot, combine 1 cup (240 ml) of sugar, 1 cup (240 ml) of water, 3 cinnamon sticks, a few fresh grates of nutmeg, and 3 star anise. Simmer over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then add 2 cups (480 ml) of fresh orange juice. Strain and store in a sealed glass container for up to one week.
- Make Ginger Syrup:
- Peel and juice ginger, allowing the juice to settle overnight. Carefully decant the clear juice, leaving the sediment behind. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and measure.
- Add an equal volume of granulated sugar and heat until dissolved.
- Combine and Swizzle:
- In a highball glass or Tiki mug filled with crushed ice, add 60 ml (2 ounces) of El Dorado gold rum, 60 ml (2 ounces) of Han’s mix, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of lime juice, 15 ml (1/2 ounce) of ginger syrup, along with the Elemakule and Angostura bitters.
- Swizzle the mixture to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Top the drink with additional crushed ice for a frosty, inviting appearance. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and insert two twisty straws for an engaging drinking experience.
The Sarlacc Pit cocktail – In Detail
The Star Wars saga has garnered an unparalleled level of tribute, extending far beyond its merchandise of toys, costumes, books, and comics, into the creative realms of mixology. Bartenders, too, have embraced the fervor of this iconic science fiction series, making drinks dedicated to its characters and lore.
Among such inventive creations is the Sarlacc Pit cocktail, devised by bartender Benjamin Schiller, inspired by the voracious creature that dwells in the sandy expanse of Tatooine, featured in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.”
While serving as the beverage director at The Sixth Bar in Chicago’s Lincoln Square, Schiller brought the Sarlacc Pit to life.
This Tiki cocktail is aptly suited for the desert-like conditions of Tatooine, combining El Dorado five-year-old gold rum, ginger syrup, lime juice, and a special mix dubbed Han’s Mix—a nod to Donn Beach’s classic Don’s Mix #1, with a unique twist.
The drink is enriched with a duo of bitters: the traditional Angostura and the exotic Bittermens Elemakule Tiki Bitters, lending layers of allspice and cinnamon complexity, akin to flavors found in other Tiki favorites like the Phoenix Colada and Storm the Beach.
A true Tiki experience is incomplete without an elaborate presentation, and Schiller’s Sarlacc Pit is no exception. He adorns the drink with a pate de fruit shaped like Darth Vader’s helmet for garnish, and serves it in a Boba Fett Tiki cup, marrying the essence of Star Wars with Tiki culture.
While a Boba Fett ceramic cup might not be a staple in everyone’s cupboard, Star Wars-themed glasses are widely available for fans looking to immerse themselves in the galaxy far, far away through their drinkware.
For those without access to such specific vessels, any Tiki glass will suffice to capture the spirit of the cocktail.
Check out some other delicious rum cocktail recipes.
