Three Dots and a Dash
/

Three Dots and a Dash
Cocktail recipe

Rating

4.56 / 5
Three Dots and a Dash is a tantalizing tiki cocktail that brims with the essence of tropical flavors and vibrant island spirit. This concoction skillfully blends the richness of gold rum and the robust notes of Jamaican rum with a symphony of citrus from lime and orange juices. It gains a unique depth from the inclusion of honey syrup, falernum, and allspice dram, each adding layers of sweetness, spice, and complexity. The single dash of Angostura bitters contributes an aromatic touch that balances the drink, making it a harmonious and exotic sipper. Served in a cocktail glass, Three Dots and a Dash is a visual and gustatory journey to the tropics, perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail with a rich history and an eclectic mix of ingredients. Its name, signifying "victory" in Morse code, hints at its celebratory nature, making it a must-try for enthusiasts of tiki culture and exotic libations.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gold rum
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
128 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18.72% | 1.98 units *
Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Classic
cocktail colin avatar

Cocktail Colin says:

5/5

The Three Dots and a Dash is a masterful symphony of the tropics, combining the warm embrace of gold and Jamaican rums with the tangy freshness of lime and orange juices, perfectly accented by the exotic spice of allspice dram and falernum. Its subtle use of honey syrup and a dash of Angostura bitters artfully balance the sweetness, creating a depth that is both refreshing and complex, capturing the essence of a vibrant tiki adventure in each sip.

Method
How to make a Three Dots and a Dash

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
Start by combining all the ingredients in a blender, adding a 6oz scoop of crushed ice
Blend everything quickly, just until combined, for a technique known as "flash blending
" Pour the blended mix into a Tiki mug or a pilsner glass, whichever you prefer
Add a bit more crushed ice on top to keep it extra chilly
Finally, serve your frosty beverage with eco-friendly, sustainable straws to enjoy responsibly

Power tips
Elevate the Three Dots and a Dash with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for the most vibrant and natural flavors.
Opt for a premium aged rum to add complexity and richness to the drink.
Subscribe to premium to receive even more power tips on this cocktail.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Tiki  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Origins history icon

What is the origin of the name 'Three Dots and a Dash'?

The name 'Three Dots and a Dash' originates from Morse code, where it translates to the letter 'V'. This was used during World War II to symbolize victory. The cocktail itself is a classic Tiki drink, embodying the spirit of celebration and the exotic flair of Polynesian culture.

Alcohol content comparison icon

What does the '18.72%' alcohol content mean in practical terms?

An alcohol content of 18.72% means that the cocktail is moderately strong. For reference, most table wines hover around 12% to 15% alcohol by volume (ABV), so 'Three Dots and a Dash' is stronger than wine but not as potent as straight spirits, which typically are 40% ABV or higher. It is ideal for sipping and enjoying the complex flavors without the immediate punch of a stronger drink.

Ingredient substitutions icon

Can the rums in 'Three Dots and a Dash' be substituted with other types of rum?

Yes, the rums can be substituted, but doing so might alter the intended flavor profile of the cocktail. The original recipe calls for gold rum and Jamaican rum to balance sweetness, body, and depth. If substitutions are made, aim to match these characteristics as closely as possible. For instance, using a different dark rum instead of Jamaican rum might work, but the cocktail could lose some of its unique flavors.

Ingredient specifics icon

What is the significance of using both lime and orange juice?

Using both lime and orange juice in 'Three Dots and a Dash' brings a balanced acidity and sweetness to the cocktail, enhancing its tropical character. Lime juice adds sharpness and brightness, while orange juice contributes a sweeter, more rounded citrus note. This combination helps to create a more complex and layered flavor profile, adding depth to the overall taste.

Garnishing tips icon

How should the 'Three Dots and a Dash' cocktail be garnished?

Traditionally, 'Three Dots and a Dash' is garnished with a combination that reflects its Tiki spirit, such as a maraschino cherry, a slice of orange, and a sprig of mint. For a more authentic presentation, adding a fun garnish like an umbrella, edible flowers, or even a small skewer with a cherry and a pineapple cube can enhance the exotic appeal and visually signify its Polynesian inspiration.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image