Cobra's Fang recipe
Don the Beachcomber’s legendary rum-forward tiki creation delivers intense spice, citrus, and tropical depth.
Method: Flash blend with crushed ice ·
Glass: Tall tiki mug ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Advanced ·
Family: Tiki & Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 oz Dark Jamaican rum (aged)
- 1 oz 151-proof Demerara rum (overproof)
- 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice (tart)
- 0.5 oz Fassionola syrup (red passion fruit blend)
- 0.5 oz Falernum (spiced velvet)
- 0.5 oz Fresh orange juice (bright citrus)
- 1 dash Absinthe and Angostura bitters blend (aromatic finish)
How to make a Cobra's Fang
- Combine the dark Jamaican rum, 151-proof demerara rum, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, fassionola, falernum, absinthe, and Angostura bitters in a blender tin.
- Add one cup of crushed ice and flash-blend on high speed for five seconds to chill and aerate thoroughly.
- Fill a tall tiki mug or highball glass with fresh crushed ice.
- Strain or dirty-dump the blended mixture directly into the prepared mug.
- Garnish with a lush mint sprig and a cinnamon stick before serving with a straw.
Garnish
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a cinnamon stick.
Pro tip
Flash-blending with crushed ice is essential for achieving the signature frosty dilution and frothy head characteristic of vintage tiki drinks. If authentic red fassionola is unavailable, substitute with a balanced passion fruit syrup blended with a splash of hibiscus.
History of the Cobra's Fang
Created by legendary tiki pioneer Ernest Gantt, known as Don the Beachcomber, during the mid-20th century, the Cobra’s Fang emerged as a powerhouse among rum-heavy concoctions. While popularized in Hollywood tropical bars, exact debut dates and original written specs remain heavily disputed among cocktail historians due to the secretive nature of early tiki recipes. The drink showcases complex layering of aged island rums with exotic fruit syrups and aromatic modifiers, cementing its status as a benchmark of mid-century Polynesian-themed mixology.
Flavour profile
tropical, spicy, tart, potent
Variations
- Jet Pilot — Substitutes grapefruit juice and adds cinnamon syrup alongside falernum and absinthe.
- Hurricane Riff — Replaces fassionola with passion fruit puree and grenadine while maintaining the dual-rum base.
Practise making the Cobra's Fang in the free Virtual Bar game.