Tropical Drink Recipe: The French Polynesian

I know a thing or two about tiki drinks. I love the old standbys of mai tai, grog and painkiller, but one of my favorite things to do is come up with new drinks.

Usually this is out of necessity… meaning, we are out of certain ingredients to make a classic. (Many tiki drinks require a LOT of different types of tinctures, liquors, juices, syrups and so forth. And this recipe is no different.)

So when that happens I play with tropical juices and booze and mix something my own. This tropical drink has brandy and Pernod in it, which gives it its Frenchiness.

I offer to the tiki gods…
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The French Polynesian

1oz brandy
1oz dark rum
1/2oz orange liqueur
Half capful of Pernod
2oz pineapple juice
1/4oz orgeat
1 dash of Angostura bitters
1oz of ginger beer

Shake everything except bitters and ginger beer vigorously.

Then add bitters and beer.

Pour into a short glass, garnish with pineapple and umbrella, and sip elegantly through a cocktail straw.

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