Privateer
The Privateer is a relatively unknown tropical libation that is a wonderful change of pace from the traditional tequila-based rotation. Created by Chris Vanderginst and featured in Easy Tiki cocktail book, the Privateer is a modern-Tiki cocktail comprised of lime juice, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, and blanco tequila. Though rum is often the base spirit featured in tiki cocktails, there is technically no hard-and-fast rule that precludes a tequila-based (or any other alcohol for that matter) cocktail from being considered a “tiki drink”. There is no denying that the combination of pineapple juice and the passionfruit syrup creates both a bold flavor a bright eye-catching color. To enhance the overall flavor of the cocktail, add a small pinch of salt (or a couple drops of saline solution) into the shaker — this technique is often used in baking because salt helps balance any bitterness from the citrus at the same time enhancing overall sweetness. Another hallmark of “tiki” is the garnish; the torched rosemary on its own is a very nice aesthetic choice, but the way it interacts with your senses before you even take that first sip is very important to the overall experience. But don’t take my word for it, make one and try it yourself!
Privateer
In your shaker, combine the salt, lime juice, pineapple juice, passionfruit syrup, and blanco tequila.
1 pinch of Salt / 4 drops of Saline Solution
0.5 oz of Lime Juice
0.75 oz of Pineapple Juice
0.75 oz of Passionfruit Syrup
2 oz of Blanco Tequila
Add ice to your shaker and shake until it develops a frost. Double-strain the contents (by pouring them from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer) into your chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a torched sprig of rosemary.
TIP(S):
How to make saline solution — mix one part salt to four parts water (a 1:4 ratio) to achieve a saline solution with 20% dilution.
Chill your cocktail coupe — to extend the life of your Privateer, place your cocktail coupe in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can place ice water in your cocktail coupe cocktail glass during the preparation.
