Wednesday, August 3, 2016

The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

Odd name, yes. But this Tiki drink offers great summertime flavor

Tiki drinks often sport unusual names – and this one may be one of the strangest. But don’t let that put you off.

The Vicious Virgin is slightly sweet, and definitely spicy. It makes a smooth sipper on a hot August afternoon. And it even works as a pre-dinner cocktail.

So serve this charmer at your next dinner party. The name alone will be a conversation starter.



The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

Recipe: The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

This drink combines 2 kinds of rum, plus Cointreau, falernum (a spicy sweet syrup—see Notes), and fresh lime juice. The flavor reminds us of a cross between a Mai Tai and a Daiquiri.

We like to serve this drink in a rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass, over ice. But some people favor other presentations – including champagne flutes (see Notes).

This recipe serves 1, and takes about 5 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients
  • 1 ounce light rum (see Notes for suggestions)
  • ½ ounce dark rum (see Notes for suggestions)
  • ½ ounce Cointreau
  • ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
  • ½ ounce falernum (or to taste; see Notes)
  • garnish of a lime wedge and/or a maraschino cherry (optional; we vote for lime)
Procedure
  1. Combine all ingredients (except garnish) in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well until the contents are well chilled – about 20 seconds.
  2. Strain the mixture into a rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass filled with ice cubes or crushed ice. Garnish, if you wish, and serve.
The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

Notes
  • This is a Tiki drink. So feel free to garnish it with an umbrella.
  • Some people shake this drink with crushed ice, then pour the unstrained contents into an empty rocks glass.
  • Others whiz the drink in a blender with a handful of crushed ice, then pour the mixture into a champagne flute.
  • This cocktail requires falernum, which is a thick, sweet syrup with a spicy flavor. Falernum is a fairly common ingredient in Tiki (and other tropical) drinks. Depending on the brand, it may contain ginger, lime, cloves, allspice, and/or almond. 
  • We prefer the Fee Brothers brand of falernum, but there are other good ones available. 
  • It’s best to shake falernum before using it (some of its ingredients may separate slightly). And after opening, store it in the refrigerator.
  • Depending on how spicy your brand of falernum is, you may want to use less than we specify. If unsure, start with ¼ ounce. 
  • Many liquor stores carry falernum, and it’s available online. But if you don’t want to go to the trouble of finding it, you can substitute simple syrup. You’ll miss falernum’s spiciness, but the substitute will add the proper note of sweetness.
  • Originally, this drink was made with a light Virgin Islands rum and a dark Puerto Rican rum. 
  • Cruzan is probably the best-known brand of Virgin Islands light rum, and we recommend it. However, the flavor of most light rums isn’t all that assertive, so you can probably substitute any decent brand. 
  • BTW, even though this drink originally featured Virgin Islands rum, we doubt that’s how it got its name.
  • We haven’t found a Puerto Rican dark rum that we like (though admittedly, we haven’t tried that many). So we suggest using either Myers’s (Jamaican) or Gosling’s (Bermuda) dark rum. We’ve tried both in this drink, and they work well.
  • We’ve mentioned several brand names in this post. Our usual disclaimer: We’re completely noncommercial and we don’t get compensated for mentioning brands. We buy our own booze, and recommend only what we buy and like.
  • There’s another version of this drink called The Vicious Virgin #2. If you’d like to make one, here’s the recipe: Add ¾ ounce light rum, ¾ ounce tequila, ¼ ounce Blue Curaçao, 1½ ounces grapefruit juice, ¾ ounce fresh lime juice, and ½ ounce orgeat syrup to a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake, then strain into a cocktail glass. 
  • Both versions of The Vicious Virgin were created by Donn Beach, who ran a chain of restaurants called Don the Beachcomber. Beach was responsible for creating and popularizing many Tiki drinks. In fact, he probably got the whole Tiki craze going. If you want to know more about Tiki drinks, Beachbum Berry is the man.
The Vicious Virgin Cocktail

Remembering Our First Time

“Ah, falernum,” said Mrs Kitchen Riffs. “Recall the first time we had it?”

“Yup, we used it in the Planter’s Punch,” I said. “Though we were no cocktail virgins, even then.”

“And later we used it in the Zombie,” said Mrs K R. “Which is not a drink for the uninitiated.”

“Indeed not,” I said. “Though we then used falernum in the Bermuda Rum Swizzle, which is more suitable for the beginner.”

“And the last time we used it was in the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail,” said Mrs K R.

“That was three years ago,” I said. “Time flies when you’re drinking Tiki.”

“And now we’ve circled back to falernum again for this cocktail,” said Mrs K R.

“So does that qualify as a vicious circle?” I asked.

“That comment is virgin on the ridiculous,” said Mrs K R.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Daiquiri
Mai Tai
The Zombie
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
Planter’s Punch
Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Cocktail
Suffering Bastard Cocktail
Or check out the index for more

78 comments:

Denise Browning said...

Cheers to you with this beauty! You have a special talent for cocktails... the color, light-through, focus, etc... all flawless!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Denise, ah shucks, you're too kind! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cheri Savory Spoon said...

Looks like another great drink. Once again I learned something new, you guys are the best.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Cheri, this is an excellent drink! Good Tiki drinks are wonderful. Thanks for the comment.

savorthebestcooks@gmail.com said...

This looks good, such beautiful photos. I totally agree with Denise, you have a special talent for these cocktails and I swear, you are going to convert me yet :) But I will never give up my wine :) .........Pat

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pat, although we (obviously) love cocktails, we drink much more wine. Thanks for that kind comment.

Abbe@This is How I Cook said...

Oh my! I think after drinking this the vicious virgin would become mighty sweet. And ask for another...and another.. until..well that's enough!

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I LOVE te name of this drink ha ha. And it sounds just wonderfull too. There is a new popularity in Tiki bars in Montreal now so very fashionable now.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Abbe, hmmm, maybe that's sorta how it got its name? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, Tiki drinks are really good. They fell out of favor (in the US, at least) in the 70s, but have been coming back again. Good thing, because they're, well, good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Karen Harris said...

I must confess that I love a good tiki cocktail. I guess that's one reason that Hawaii is a favorite destination of mine. You can drink any kind of fru-fru cocktail and no one thinks a thing about it. Come to think of it, I can make this cocktail at home and no one would think a thing about it either. I can't wait!

Pam said...

I've never heard of falernum before. The drink looks and sounds delicious!

Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen said...

I love how this drink's look screams Summer! Thanks for sharing!

Bizzy Lizzy's Good Things said...

Outstanding photography on this one, John, just beautiful!

Jeff the Chef said...

I dated a vicious virgin once. If I'd known that she had her own cocktail, I would've asked for a second date.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Karen, Tiki drinks are so much fun, aren't they? And yes, you can "visit" Hawaii at home any time. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, falernum is pretty tasty stuff -- love its spiciness! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Peachy, this is a wonderful summer drink. Any other season too, but really nice in hot weather. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, thanks for that very kind comment!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, your loss. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Merryn said...

I have never heard of falernum so thanks for suggesting to substitute it for gomme syrup - although it definitely would not add the full flavour. I love your Tiki Vicious Virgin but am sure a drink like this would calm any woman down. Beautiful photograph, as always, thanks John 8)

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

I'm just about ready to board a plane to Darwin in the tropics- this drink will be just perfect to serve in that region!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, the drink won't really taste quite the same without the falernum, but it'll still be a good drink -- one you'll enjoy. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, it would be! Enjoy your trip. And thanks for the comment.

Unknown said...

This sounds delicious and very refreshing. I never heard of Falernum before, I always learn something new from you!

Vicki Bensinger said...

I've never tried this drink but it sure sounds easy. I love sweet and with a little spicy it could be fun. The color is beautiful especially paired with the lime. I'll give it a go!

Gerlinde de Broekert said...

I'm chiming in, I have never heard of Falernum. Tiki drinks are such great cocktails and yours looks fantastic. Prost!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Like Chris, I'm so curious about the Falernum! I'd love to sip on one of these gems and pretend I'm in the tropics (though Indiana sure feels like the tropics!!).

GiGi Eats Celebrities said...

Virgins are vicious because... Well, they need to be satisfied but of course! LOL!!!!! #inappropriate!

Deb|eastofEdenCooking said...

John, if you and Mrs ever open a bar, I'll be there! A lesson on falernum, while you mix up a Vicious Virgin Cocktail would suit me just fine!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Chris, it's a really good drink -- great way to use rum. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, the spiciness of the falernum is really nice in this. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Gerlinde, Prost! And falernum is fun -- really interesting flavor. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, it feels like the tropics here, too. No palm trees though, alas. :-( Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGI, LOL! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Deb, lots to talk about when it comes to falernum! And rum. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kushigalu said...

WOW!This sounds refreshing and delicious. I just love your cocktail recipes and the clicks are amazing. Thank you so much for sharing this :-)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kushi, it really IS delicious! A very nice drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dottie said...

Hi John,
Wow, now that is a strange name. A real conversation starter. I have had a Daiquiri, before and I enjoy that. So this may be a new one on my list to try. It looks so cool and refreshing and love that color...You never disappoint me with such great info and yummy drinks/food. Thanks for sharing.....Enjoy your week...
Dottie :)

Zoe said...

Hi John,

Cheers to your hot lovely summer... Our weather is starting to change a little now and I can't wait to celebrate our summer with some of the lovely drinks that you recommended :)

Zoe

Tricia Buice said...

Haha! You two make me smile every time! Love this cocktail and all the names too - I will have to look into the falemum and get an umbrella!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dottie, isn't that an odd name? So many Tiki drinks have strange names! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Zoe, you're looking forward to warm weather and we're starting to look forward to cool. Always love the change in seasons! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Tricia, you definitely needs umbrellas for your drinks! They're fun. :-) Thanks for the comment.

laura dembowski said...

I love all the flavors in this. That syrup sounds very interesting.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Laura, the combo of flavors in this is wonderful! Good drink. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Robyn said...

Oh, great colour and love the flavours! I want to sit down and have a drink with you and the Mrs. I know we'd have a blast!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Robyn, we would have a blast! Thanks for the comment.

Dawn @ Words Of Deliciousness said...

Sounds like a great refreshing drink for the summer months. Another great drink recipe!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dawn, this really is a delightful to drink. Super taste, and as you say, very refreshing. Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

Thanks for teaching me about falernum, which is a new one to me. But I see that it has ginger in it, which means it is right up my alley. I adore anything made with ginger. ;)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, we're real fans of ginger too! Love its flavor. Might be why we like falernum. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen said...

Virgin cocktail? Yes please! :) I have never heard about falernum before, so thank you for this new addition to my dictionary. This looks fantastic, and sounds wonderful for these warm days we have here. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anu, this really is a wonderful cocktail -- rum has such an interesting flavor, and it's always fun to use a couple of different ones in a drink. Thanks for the comment.

Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl said...

I love reading the conversations between you and Mrs Riffs! This looks tasty, the colorful is beautiful, I bet even more stunning in person!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pamela, those conversations are fun to write. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marla Meridith said...

Lovely!! A must try cocktail!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Maria, it's a nice one! Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Yes. An odd name for wonderful cocktail (and so beautifully photographed!). GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, neat drink, isn't it? And thanks for that kind comment.

Unknown said...

I love the chats between you and Mrs Riffs, I hope one day I get to experience something similar with a man friend. :) Now, what the heck is falernum? Dear Google I go! Looks like a pretty sip of delish John, will hunt down the ingredients and be sure to give it a go.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Anna, we love those chats! So much fun, aren't they? Thanks for the comment.

Beth said...

Sounds like a perfect drink for a hot summer day - and we're having plenty of those! Thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Beth, yup, really hot summer, isn't it? So more of these are needed. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

I happen to love the name! Perfect for this hot summer we're having!

ChgoJohn said...

Now this is a summertime cocktail if ever there was one, John. I must say, however, the Riffs must have one heckuva a liquor cabinet. You never fail to introduce m to some new ingredient -- and I worked in a bar. Granted, it was in Wrigleyville and not many Cubs fans coming home after a game are looking for Tiki drinks. Good thing, too, I guess. :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, this summer has been a scorcher! Glad we have this to cool off. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi John, we do have a sizeable collection. Mainly because we've done such a variety of cocktails! It's fun, though. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amira said...

The color is so beautiful and cheerful, I wish I knew more about the origin of this drink and why it was called that way? sounds creepy :). It might suite a Halloween party as well :))))

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, who knows how this got its name? The creator of it developed hundreds of drinks, and a lot of them have odd names. Would love to know how he came up with them! Thanks for the comment.

Juliana said...

I have never heard of Falernum...but from your description I must look for it next time shopping...the drink really sounds delicious...loaded with exotic flavors.
Thanks for the post John...have a wonderful week :)

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Juliana, this is an excellent drink! And falernum has fun flavor -- worth seeking out. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Katerina said...

You are masters in cocktails I can say as much as this! It looks very inviting!

Frank said...

This sounds like a fun summer drink! But now I have to admit my absymal ignorance in the cocktail department: What is a Tiki drink? (I guess I could Google it but interested to hear your definition... )

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Katerina, doesn't this look nice? And tastes even better! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Frank, Tiki is Polynesian-themed drinks/food/culture. Remember Trader Vic's? That's Tiki. When it comes to drinks, most (but not all) use rum (often 2 or more kinds) as the main ingredient. Plus often plenty of fruit juice. There also a big influence in the drinks from the Caribbean islands. This was big stuff at one time -- Trader Vic restaurants used to be in a lot of Hilton Hotels in the 50s and 60s. But tastes changed (probably a good thing as far the the food was concerned) and Tiki went out of fashion in the 70s. Thanks for the comment.

Debra Eliotseats said...

just got some dark rum. Yum!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Debra, we love dark rum! Both in drinks and for baking -- it adds so much nice flavor. Thanks for the comment.