The Scarface cocktail is a bold, refreshing drink with a bit of mystery and a lot of character. It’s got just the right balance of tart lime, smooth rum, and a touch of bitters to round it all out. Topped with fizzy soda water and finished with fresh mint, it’s one of those cocktails that feels just as at home on a hot summer patio as it does as a nightcap after a long day.
Scarface
I’ve made this drink countless times—especially when I want something a little unexpected but still easy to whip up. Here’s how to make it at home, plus a few ideas for mixing things up.
Ingredients
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Soda water (to top)
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
– Ice
Glassware: A highball glass works best, but a Collins glass is a good backup.
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over the top.
- Top with soda water (around 2–3 oz or 60–90 ml, depending on how fizzy you like it).
- Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters over the top. Don’t skip this—it adds a lovely depth.
- Gently stir, then garnish with a sprig of mint. Give the mint a little clap between your hands first to release the oils.
Tips & Tricks
– Always use fresh lime juice. Bottled just doesn’t hit the same.
– If you like things a little less sweet, cut the simple syrup down to 0.25 oz (7 ml), or use honey or agave instead for a more complex flavor.
– Want to make your own simple syrup? Just heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool before using.
– Play with the fizz—add more soda water if you want it lighter, or go easy if you want the rum to shine through more.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, lime juice, and syrup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick shake before serving, then add the soda and bitters fresh.
Storage
This cocktail is best made fresh, but if you’ve got leftover lime juice or syrup, store them in sealed containers in the fridge. Lime juice stays good for about 2–3 days; syrup lasts a couple of weeks.
Flavor Profile
The Scarface hits you with bright citrus right away, then mellows into smooth rum and that classic bitters finish. It’s a little sweet, a little tart, and super refreshing. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work cocktails—this one always helps me reset and unwind.
Food Pairings
The Scarface goes well with bold or spicy flavors. Here are a few great pairings:
Spicy Dishes
Think spicy shrimp tacos, hot wings, or Thai noodles. The lime and soda cut the heat perfectly.
Seafood
Grilled fish, ceviche, or sushi pair beautifully with the citrus notes.
Barbecue
Smoky, grilled meats get a bright lift from the cocktail’s acidity and mint.
Variations
Want to change it up? Here are a few easy ways to put your own spin on the Scarface:
Tropical Scarface
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice to the shaker.
– Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Spicy Scarface
– Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño with the lime juice before shaking.
– Adds just the right kick without overpowering the drink.
Scarface Sunrise
– After making the cocktail, slowly pour in 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine.
– It’ll sink and create a layered, “sunrise” look.
Dark & Bold Scarface
– Swap white rum for dark rum for a richer, deeper flavor.
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Replace the rum with extra soda water and a splash of rum-flavored syrup or non-alcoholic spirit.
– Still super refreshing and great for guests who aren’t drinking.
Common Questions
Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Swap the rum for soda water and add a splash of non-alcoholic rum flavoring or a dash of spiced syrup.
Is fresh lime juice really necessary?
It makes a big difference. Bottled juice can taste dull or overly acidic.
What if I don’t have Angostura bitters?
You can skip them, but you’ll lose a layer of flavor. Orange bitters or a dash of aromatic bitters can work in a pinch.
How do I make it less sweet?
Just cut back on the simple syrup or use a more subtle sweetener like agave or even maple syrup for a twist.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the rum, lime juice, and syrup for the number of servings, mix ahead, and keep chilled. Add soda and bitters to each glass when serving.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Sure! It’ll taste a bit different—less tart, more mellow—but still delicious.
Final Touch
The Scarface is one of those cocktails that feels fancy but comes together in minutes. Whether you’re kicking off a dinner party or winding down on the couch, it’s a great go-to. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s stuck around since the Prohibition days.
