Testpilot
Discover the legendary Test Pilot cocktail, a powerful and complex Tiki classic invented by Donn Beach. This potent blend of rums, citrus, and spice offers an unforgettable taste journey. Learn how to perfectly craft this iconic drink at home with our easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a sophisticated tropical escape. Balancing dark and light rum with the orange notes of Cointreau, tart lime, and intriguing hints of Angostura bitters and absinthe, the Test Pilot is a true masterpiece of mixology.
Ingredients
- 4.5 cl dark rum
- 2 cl white rum
- 1.5 cl cointreau
- 1.5 cl lime juice
- 1 dash angostura bitters
- 1 dash absinthe
- pieces ice cubes
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 lowball glass
Instructions
Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
Add dark rum, white rum, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, Angostura bitters, and absinthe to the shaker.
Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
Fill a lowball glass with fresh ice cubes.
Strain the mixture from the shaker into the prepared lowball glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge or cherry if desired (optional).
Trivia
- What is a Test Pilot cocktail?
The Test Pilot is a classic Tiki cocktail created by Donn Beach (of Don the Beachcomber fame) in the 1940s. It's known for its potent combination of two types of rum, lime juice, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and complex flavour notes from Angostura bitters and often Falernum or a dash of absinthe/Pernod. It's a strong, sophisticated, and layered drink.
- What does a Test Pilot cocktail taste like?
A Test Pilot offers a complex flavour profile. You'll taste the robust notes from the dark rum balanced by the lighter rum, bright tartness from the fresh lime juice, a sweet orange essence from the Cointreau, and intriguing spice and herbal undertones from the Angostura bitters and absinthe. It's simultaneously refreshing, strong, and complex.
- What's the difference between a Test Pilot and a Jet Pilot?
Both are strong Tiki cocktails with similar origins, but the Jet Pilot, often attributed to Steve Crane's Kon-Tiki restaurant, typically adds grapefruit juice and cinnamon syrup, giving it a slightly different, often spicier and fruitier profile compared to the more direct, rum-forward Test Pilot. Both pack a punch.
- What kind of rum is best for a Test Pilot?
The original recipe calls for both a Jamaican rum (typically darker and funkier) and a light Puerto Rican rum. Using two distinct rums adds depth. For the dark rum, a good quality aged Jamaican rum works well. For the light rum, a clean Puerto Rican or Cuban style white rum is suitable. Experimenting with different rums can subtly change the drink's character.
- Is the Test Pilot a strong cocktail?
Yes, the Test Pilot is considered a strong cocktail due to its significant rum content (typically over 2 ounces total) and relatively little non-alcoholic mixer beyond lime juice and liqueurs. It was famously limited to two per customer at Don the Beachcomber's. Drink responsibly!
- Can I make a Test Pilot without absinthe?
Yes, while absinthe (or Pernod) adds a specific anise/herbal note, you can omit it if you don't have it or dislike the flavour. Some variations use Falernum instead, which adds sweet spice notes. The core flavours of rum, lime, and orange will still be prominent without the absinthe rinse or dash.