The Polynesian pearl diver is a classic tiki cocktail originated at Don's Beachcomber in Los Angeles, California. This pearlescent drink features dark rum, citrus juice, velvet falernum and gardenia mix - a special blend of simple syrups, honey and melted butter - to create decadent flavor with creamy, smooth finish.
Pearl diver cocktail:
- 2 1/2 ounces rum
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 3/4 ounce lime juice
- 1/4 ounce velvet falernum
- 3/4 ounce gardenia mix
- For garnish: edible flower (fresh mint)
Gardenia mix:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon simple syrup (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla simple syrup (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice dram
To make the gardenia mix:
Place butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 30 seconds in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Add honey, simple syrups and all spice dram. Stir until combined. All the gardenia mix to cool before using. If the mix separates, shake or stir to combine.
To make the pearl diver:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add rum, orange juice, lime juice, velvet falernum and gardenia mix. Shake until cold, about 30 seconds.
Pour the drink into a cocktail glass with crushed ice.
Garnish with an edible flower and mint sprig.
To make simple syrups: mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium. Heat until sugar has dissolved. Divide the syrup between two mason jars. Add two cinnamon sticks to one jar and a split vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract) to the other. Allow the syrup to cool to room temperature and let the flavors infuse into the syrups.
Calories: 207kcal Carbohydrates: 11g Protein: 1g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.02g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g Sodium: 2mg Potassium: 120mg Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 8g Vitamin A: 481IU Vitamin C: 27mg Calcium: 14mg Iron: 0.3mg