The Prestige

The Prestige cocktail was created by bartender Dale Degroff in 2002, but its lightly spiced tropical flavors are reminiscent of the classic tiki drinks of the 1950s, thanks to the addition of velvet falernum, a classic tiki drink ingredient which adds sweet notes of almond, ginger, lime, vanilla, cloves, and allspice. Seek out a bottle of real velvet falernum liqueur rather than falernum syrup, which may yield lackluster results. Use a good aged rum for this drink (Bacardi Ocho Anos Gran Reserva or Appleton Estates Reserve work well), a solid dry vermouth (Dolin is our usual go-to, but even Martini & Rossi works), and fresh juice for best results. For an indulgently frothy drink, shake this cocktail for a full two minutes- the shaker should frost over before you pour the cocktail.

Ingredients:
  • 1 3/4 oz. aged rum
  • 1 oz. pineapple juice
  • 1/2 oz. dry vermouth
  • 1/2 oz. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum liqueur
  • 1/2 oz lime juice
Preparation:

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with a twist of lime peel or a wedge of pineapple, if desired.