Pearl Diver recipe
A legendary Don the Beachcomber creation blending aged rums, fresh citrus, and spiced honey-butter.
Method: Flash blend ·
Glass: Pearl Diver glass ·
Time: 10 min ·
Difficulty: Advanced ·
Family: Tiki & Tropical
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Gold Puerto Rican rum
- 1/2 oz Demerara rum
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh orange juice
- 1/2 oz Don's Gardenia Mix
How to make a Pearl Diver
- Combine the gold Puerto Rican rum, Demerara rum, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, and Don's Gardenia Mix into an electric blender container.
- Add one cup of crushed ice to the blender.
- Flash blend at high speed for 5 seconds until thoroughly integrated and chilled.
- Pour the contents directly into a chilled Pearl Diver glass or tall pilsner glass.
- Top with additional crushed ice if needed to fill the glass and garnish with a fresh mint sprig.
Garnish
Mint sprig and gardenia flower
Pro tip
Always melt the butter and warm the honey gently when preparing Don's Gardenia Mix to ensure a smooth emulsion that does not separate upon chilling.
History of the Pearl Diver
Invented by Donn Beach in the 1930s at his pioneering Hollywood restaurant, Don the Beachcomber, the Pearl Diver is famous for introducing spiced butter into tiki mixology.
Flavour profile
[object Object], Balanced, Aromatic, Citrusy
Variations
- Polynesian Pearl Diver — Adjusts rum proportions by adding a touch of gold Jamaican rum alongside the Demerara and Puerto Rican spirits.
- Modern Gardenia Highball — Serves the gardenia butter mix over carbonated soda water and aged rum for a lighter, effervescent profile.
Practise making the Pearl Diver in the free Virtual Bar game.