Dr. Funk recipe
A historic Polynesian-inspired blend of dark rum, tart citrus, herbal absinthe, and club soda.
Method: Shake and strain over crushed ice ·
Glass: Tall highball glass ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: Tiki & Tropical
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dark Jamaican rum
- 0.5 oz Fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz Demerara simple syrup
- 0.25 oz Grenadine
- 1 tsp Absinthe (or Herbsaint)
- 2 oz Club soda
How to make a Dr. Funk
- Combine the dark rum, lime juice, lemon juice, demerara syrup, grenadine, and absinthe in a cocktail shaker.
- Add ice cubes and shake vigorously for ten seconds to chill and dilute.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently to incorporate.
- Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.
Garnish
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.
Pro tip
Adjust the absinthe amount carefully to ensure its anise note complements rather than overpowers the rich molasses flavor of the dark rum. Using fresh citrus juices is essential for bright balance.
History of the Dr. Funk
The Dr. Funk cocktail is widely believed to have originated at the famed Grand Hotel in Samoa during the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, supposedly inspired by Dr. Bernhard Funk, a German physician stationed on the island. While cocktail lore frequently credits him or early tropical bartenders with the recipe's creation, exact documentation remains sparse. The drink gained broader international recognition later when popularized by tiki pioneers like Don the Beachcomber, cementing its legacy as a complex, refreshing bridge between traditional punch traditions and modern tiki mixology.
Flavour profile
Tart, Herbal, Complex, Refreshing
Variations
- Navy Dr. Funk — Substitute overproof Navy rum for the dark rum and add a dash of Angostura bitters.
- Spiced Funk — Use a house-made allspice dram in place of grenadine for warmer spice aromatics.
Practise making the Dr. Funk in the free Virtual Bar game.