Jet Pilot
Remember back in May when I did a Test Pilot for Memorial Day? Well, I promised to do the Jet Pilot for Veteran’s Day, and Veteran’s Day is Thursday. So, here it is… as promised, the Jet Pilot to honor all those who have and currently serve in our armed forces.
Like the Test Pilot, the Jet Pilot is another in the long line of tiki cocktails. But unlike most, this one didn’t come from the minds of either Trader Vic or Donn the Beachcomber. This drink was created in 1958 by Steve Crane at his Luau Restaurant in Beverly Hills. But just because it wasn’t created by Vic or Donn doesn’t mean it’s not a great drink.
Full of citrus and spice, this cocktail is great for the holidays. While you can absolutely taste the citrus, it’s the spice that really separates this Pilot from its older cousin. See, this spinoff uses cinnamon syrup and that cinnamon definitely comes through. But it’s not just the citrus and cinnamon that scream cooler weather, it’s also the three different kinds of rum. Yes, unlike the Test Pilot, this Pilot uses a black rum, an aged rum and an overproof rum. Those three different rums add plenty of rich caramel and vanilla flavors that make you want to snuggle up by the fire and listen to holiday classics.
Unlike Memorial Day which was created to honor all those who died while serving in the military, Veterans Day, observed every November 11, recognizes everyone who has served in the Armed Forces. But how does the Test Pilot and Jet Pilot relate to the military? Well, there’s obviously the Air Force, but there’s also the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, and each branch has their own air unit. Remember Top Gun? Even though Maverick and Goose were pilots, they were actually part of the Navy. To quote Tom Cruise they were “naval aviators”, and since the Navy has its own air unit, it’s logical to assume the other three branches have their own air units as well. And like both Donn and Steve, I too believe those aviators should be honored with a drink.
So, for all those military aviators out there who have defended this country over the years, I raise my Jet Pilot to you. Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you very much for your service.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1/2 ounce cinnamon syrup
- 1/2 ounce Velvet Falernum
- 1 ounce black blended rum
- 3/4 ounce blended aged rum
- 3/4 ounce overproof rum
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1/2 teaspoon absinthe
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Add ice and flash blend for about 5 seconds.
- Pour into an old fashioned or high ball glass. Top with crushed ice and serve.
