There’s something about a Cobra’s Fang that just feels like vacation in a glass. With its bright citrus, rich rum, and tropical syrups, this classic Tiki cocktail has all the right notes-sweet, tart, spicy, and a little mysterious. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress. Whether you’re lounging on the patio or hosting a backyard get-together, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Cobra's Fang
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Equipment: Cocktail shaker, jigger or measuring spoons, strainer, Tiki mug or highball glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) light rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) dark rum
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) falernum (*a lightly spiced Caribbean syrup-look for it near cocktail mixers or make your own*)
– 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) passion fruit syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Crushed ice
– Garnish: fresh mint sprig and lime wheel
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the light rum, dark rum, falernum, orange juice, lime juice, and passion fruit syrup.
- Shake it all together for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your Tiki mug or highball glass with crushed ice. (If you don’t have crushed ice, just give ice cubes a few whacks in a clean kitchen towel.)
- Strain the cocktail into the glass over the ice.
- Top with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Don’t skip this-it adds that warm spice that balances the sweetness.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wheel. Give the mint a gentle clap between your hands first-it wakes up the aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh citrus juice. Bottled won’t give you the same brightness.
– Shake well! You want everything to blend and chill evenly.
– Crushed ice is traditional and helps dilute the drink just right as you sip.
– If your falernum is on the sweet side, you can dial back the passion fruit syrup slightly.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can pre-mix the rum, juices, falernum, and syrup in a sealed jar and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice and add bitters and garnish when serving.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftover mix (without ice), you can refrigerate it for a day, but it may separate slightly-just give it a good shake before using.
Ingredient Swaps
– No falernum? Try orgeat syrup for a nutty twist.
– Passion fruit syrup not in your pantry? Mango or pineapple juice can step in. Adjust sweetness to taste.
– Want to go booze-free? Replace the rums with coconut water and use a little extra citrus. Still tropical, still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights. It pairs wonderfully with grilled foods and anything with a little spice.
Try it with:
Grilled Pineapple
Lightly charred and caramelized, the pineapple echoes the drink’s tropical sweetness.
Spicy Shrimp Skewers
The heat from the shrimp cuts through the drink’s fruitiness and keeps things balanced.
Coconut Shrimp
Crispy and creamy, it’s a natural match for the Cobra’s Fang.
Fun Facts
– Created in the 1930s by Don the Beachcomber, a founding father of Tiki drinks.
– Named for its exotic vibe and bold flavor-it’s meant to wow.
– Traditionally served in a Tiki mug, which helps keep it cool and festive.
Variations to Try
Tropical Cobra’s Bite
Swap passion fruit syrup with pineapple juice for a softer, fruitier version.
Spicy Cobra
Add a dash of hot sauce to the shaker. It gives the drink a fiery kick-great if you like bold flavors.
Minty Cobra
Muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. It brings a refreshing herbal twist.
Mocktail Version
Skip the rum and use coconut water instead. Add a splash more citrus and a drizzle of honey if you want extra sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use just one type of rum?
Yes! If you’re out of light or dark rum, double up on the one you have. Dark rum brings a deeper flavor, while light rum keeps it brighter.
What is falernum?
It’s a Caribbean syrup made with lime, clove, ginger, and almond-sweet, spiced, and slightly citrusy. You can buy it or make your own.
Why crushed ice?
It melts faster and helps mellow out the strong flavors, which is key for this bold cocktail.
Is it very sweet?
It has a sweet base, but the lime juice and bitters keep it balanced. You can adjust the syrup to your liking.
Final Sip
A Cobra’s Fang is more than just a drink-it’s an experience. It hits all the right notes and brings a little island flair to wherever you are. Whether you stick to the classic or try a twist, it’s the kind of cocktail that makes any moment feel special. Serve it up with your favorite tropical bites, kick back, and enjoy.
