The Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is a classic Caribbean-inspired drink that has stood the test of time. Created by the legendary Donn Beach at his famous Hollywood bar, Don the Beachcomber, during World War II, this cocktail pays homage to the Allies’ victory against the Axis powers. The name itself is a reference to the letter “V” in Morse code, represented by three dots and a dash.
This tropical escape in a glass combines two types of rum, falernum, allspice dram, honey syrup, lime juice, orange juice, and bitters to create a bold and refreshing flavor profile. The garnish of three cherries and a pineapple frond on a cocktail pick further adds to the theme of victory and celebration.
The Three Dots and a Dash has remained a favorite at tropical bars like Smugglers Cove and the cocktail’s namesake bar, Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago. This updated version of the drink has been adapted from the recipe used at Smugglers Cove.
Donn Beach’s recipes were known for their long list of ingredients, but they always resulted in balanced, complex, and satisfying cocktails. The combination of rums, fruit juices, syrups, and spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of aged rhum agricole and demerara rum adds depth and complexity to the drink.
The sweetness in the Three Dots and a Dash comes from a mix of velvet falernum, allspice dram, and honey syrup. Falernum and allspice dram are both Caribbean spiced liqueurs that bring unique flavors to the mix. The honey syrup, made with a simple mixture of honey and water, adds a touch of sweetness to balance the other ingredients.
A dash of Angostura bitters ties all the flavors together, creating a tropical concoction that is sure to delight any cocktail enthusiast. Whether enjoyed at a tiki bar or made at home, the Three Dots and a Dash is a true classic that continues to bring a taste of the tropics to cocktail lovers around the world.
