Shark's Tooth Cocktail Recipe

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Shark's Tooth Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Shark's Tooth cocktail is a classic rum-based drink that dates back to the 1930s. It was popularized by Don the Beachcomber, a legendary figure in the tiki cocktail scene. This cocktail is a favorite among rum enthusiasts and those who enjoy tropical, fruity flavors. It's the perfect drink for a beach party or a summer get-together.

How Shark's Tooth Tastes?

The Shark's Tooth cocktail has a sweet and sour taste with a strong rum flavor. The lime juice adds a tangy citrus note, while the grenadine provides a hint of sweetness. The pineapple juice gives it a tropical, fruity flavor that's refreshing and delicious.

Interesting facts about Shark's Tooth

  • The Shark's Tooth cocktail is a tiki cocktail, a style of mixed drink that originated in the United States and is typically made with rum and tropical fruit juices.
  • The name 'Shark's Tooth' comes from the cocktail's strong, biting flavor.
  • Despite its name, the Shark's Tooth cocktail doesn't contain any actual shark's teeth!

Ingredients

Dark Rum

Dark rum, with its rich and molasses-like sweetness, is the backbone of the Shark's Tooth cocktail. It provides a warm, full-bodied base that balances the tartness of the lime juice. Without it, you'd lose the cocktail's depth and complexity. As for changing rum types, using a spiced rum could introduce notes of vanilla and spices for a twist, whereas a light rum would make the drink milder and less pronounced.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

Lime juice is all about zing and freshness! It cuts through the sweetness, adding that crucial, mouth-watering acidity which rounds out the flavors. Go less, and the drink might become cloyingly sweet; go more, and it could end up wincingly tart. If lime juice isn't your jam, lemon juice could work as a substitute, providing a slightly different sharp citrus note.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

This juice is a tropical hug for your taste buds, delivering sweetness with a hint of tartness that complements the lime juice. If omitted, the drink loses its fruity character and becomes less balanced. Mango juice could be an alternative here, offering a different kind of tropical sweetness.

Emma Rose

Grenadine

Grenadine adds a hint of red fruitiness and a lovely color to the cocktail. Use too much, and it'll overshadow the other flavors with its sweetness. If you don't have grenadine, a dash of simple syrup with a splash of pomegranate or raspberry juice could provide a similar effect in both taste and appearance.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Shark's Tooth Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the dark rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure that all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Serve the cocktail immediately after making it to enjoy it at its freshest.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes from the lime juice complement shellfish and bring out the freshness in a number of grilled seafood dishes.
  • Spicy Asian Cuisine: The sweetness of the pineapple juice and grenadine can balance out the heat of spicy dishes, making for a harmonious dining experience.
  • Tropical Fruit Plates: Enjoy a fruit plate with melons, mangoes, and berries to echo the tropical vibe of the cocktail.

Drink Pairings

  • Coconut Water: To keep with the tropical theme, a non-alcoholic option such as chilled coconut water would pair nicely.
  • Craft Pale Ale: A light, hoppy beer would not overpower the flavors of the cocktail and could serve as a nice palate cleanser between sips.

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What you could change in Shark's Tooth

  • Rum: You can use light rum instead of dark rum for a lighter flavor.
  • Lime Juice: If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice.
  • Grenadine: If you don't have grenadine, you can use a cherry syrup or a raspberry syrup.

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And of course - twists🍹

Shark's Blue Bite

  • Substitute grenadine with blue curaçao for a vibrant blue hue.
  • Add 0.5 oz coconut cream for a creamy texture.
  • Garnish with a sprig of mint in addition to the pineapple and cherry. The blue curaçao adds a touch of orange flavor, and the coconut cream makes it creamier, perhaps making you feel like you're sipping a tropical lagoon!

Reef Shark Refresher

  • Use white rum instead of dark to lighten the overall taste.
  • Add a splash of club soda for a fizzy texture.
  • Replace grenadine with a dash of peach schnapps for a different kind of sweetness. This twist is lighter on the palate, with a delicate peach flavor that dances with the carbonation from the club soda.

Great White Antidote

  • Muddle fresh strawberries with the lime juice for an extra fruity twist.
  • Infuse the rum with vanilla a few days before making the cocktail.
  • Add a splash of elderflower liqueur for a subtle floral note. The strawberries add freshness and the vanilla-infused rum along with elderflower liqueur gives the cocktail a sophisticated depth, creating a drink with a bite that's still smooth and alluring.

In case you forgot basics how to make Shark's Tooth

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Shark's Tooth

What is the origin of the term 'tiki cocktail'?

The term 'tiki cocktail' originated from the Polynesian-themed restaurants and bars that became popular in the United States during the 1930s. These establishments were often festooned with Tiki statues and other Polynesian décor. The word 'Tiki' itself comes from the mythology of the Maori and other Polynesian cultures, where it refers to a human-like deity.

What kind of rum is typically used in a Shark's Tooth cocktail?

While the Shark's Tooth cocktail can be made with any type of rum, it is traditionally made with dark rum. Dark rum is typically heavier and has a stronger flavor profile, which blends well with the other ingredients in the cocktail.

Is the Shark's Tooth cocktail often served at tiki bars?

Yes, the Shark's Tooth is a classic tiki bar cocktail. The refreshing, tropical flavors and the vibrant presentation make it a popular choice at these venues.

Are there any variations to the traditional Shark's Tooth cocktail recipe?

Absolutely! While the traditional recipe for a Shark's Tooth cocktail includes dark rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine, many bartenders like to put their own spin on it. Variations might include adding other tropical fruit juices or swapping out the rum for a different type of liquor.

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