The Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical cocktail with a story in every sip. Bright, fruity, and spiced just right, this drink is a classic from the golden age of tiki bars. A mix of rum, citrus, and warming spices, it’s smooth, punchy, and full of island vibes. I’ve made this drink countless times-here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: don’t skip the garnish. It’s not just for looks-it ties the whole experience together.
Three Dots and a Dash
Ingredients
Makes 1 cocktail | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– Aged rum: 1.5 oz (45 ml) – adds depth and richness
– White rum: 0.5 oz (15 ml) – keeps things light and clean
– Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz (15 ml) – for that bright zing
– Fresh orange juice: 0.5 oz (15 ml) – adds sweetness and body
– Honey syrup: 0.25 oz (7 ml) – mix equal parts honey and warm water until smooth
– Falernum: 0.25 oz (7 ml) – a sweet Caribbean syrup with hints of almond, lime, and spice
– Allspice dram: 1 tsp (5 ml) – brings a warm, clove-like spice
– Angostura bitters: 1 dash – adds complexity
– Ice: For shaking and serving
– Garnish: 3 maraschino cherries + 1 pineapple leaf
Don’t have falernum or allspice dram? You can skip one, but the drink won’t be quite the same. Sub a splash of spiced rum or a tiny pinch of ground allspice stirred into the honey syrup if you’re in a pinch.
Equipment
You’ll need a:
– Shaker
– Strainer
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Tiki mug or highball glass
– Bar spoon (optional)
Method
- Fill your shaker with ice.
- Pour in 1.5 oz (45 ml) aged rum and 0.5 oz (15 ml) white rum.
- Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) lime juice and 0.5 oz (15 ml) orange juice.
- Stir in 0.25 oz (7 ml) honey syrup and 0.25 oz (7 ml) falernum.
- Add 1 tsp (5 ml) allspice dram and 1 dash of Angostura bitters.
- Shake it all up for about 15 seconds, until the shaker feels frosty on the outside.
- Strain into a tiki mug or highball glass filled with crushed or cubed ice.
- Top it off with three cherries and a pineapple leaf-they represent the “three dots and a dash” in Morse code (which stood for “V”-Victory-during WWII).
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh-squeezed juices. Bottled citrus just doesn’t have the same punch.
– If your honey syrup is too thick, warm it slightly or thin it with a splash more water.
– Crushed ice works best-it chills the drink fast and gives it that tiki-bar texture.
– Shake with purpose! You want it icy cold and well mixed.
Storage & Make-Ahead
You can mix the rums, juices, honey syrup, falernum, and allspice dram ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice and add bitters right before serving.
Serving Ideas
This is the kind of drink that begs for a little fanfare. Serve it with:
– A grilled shrimp skewer on the side
– A bowl of spicy pineapple salsa and chips
– Or as part of a tropical-themed dinner with coconut rice and jerk chicken
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails-this one always brings a smile to the table.
Food Pairings
Pair this cocktail with dishes that complement its sweet-spicy balance:
Grilled Seafood
Shrimp, scallops, or fish tacos work beautifully. The drink’s citrusy edge cuts through the richness.
Spicy Starters
Jalapeño poppers or spicy tuna bites bring out the cocktail’s warming spices.
Tropical Desserts
Think mango sorbet, pineapple upside-down cake, or coconut macaroons.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Try one of these:
Passion Fruit Three Dots and a Dash
– Swap the orange juice for 0.5 oz (15 ml) passion fruit juice
– Adds tartness and tropical flair
Coconut Cream Version
– Add 0.5 oz (15 ml) coconut cream to the shaker
– Makes it richer and more dessert-like
Spicy Kick
– Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding ingredients
– Or add a dash of hot sauce for a bold twist
Non-Alcoholic Version
– Mix 0.5 oz each lime and orange juice, 0.25 oz honey syrup, and a dash of bitters
– Shake with ice and serve as usual
FAQ
Can I use bottled juices?
You can, but fresh juice really makes the flavors pop.
What’s falernum?
It’s a Caribbean syrup with almond, lime, and spice notes. You can find it at well-stocked liquor stores or online. Some versions are alcoholic, some aren’t-both work here.
Is this cocktail strong?
Yes, it’s rum-forward, but the citrus and syrup balance it beautifully.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except ice and bitters. Chill well, then shake individual servings to order.
Why the name?
“Three Dots and a Dash” is Morse code for the letter “V”-Victory. It was created during WWII by Don the Beachcomber as a tribute.
What glass should I use?
A tiki mug is traditional and adds to the experience. A highball or double old-fashioned glass works too.
This cocktail is a little celebration in a glass-bold, balanced, and full of character. Whether you’re sipping it on a sunny patio or shaking it up for friends, it’s one of those drinks that never goes out of style.
