Three Dots and a Dash: A Toast to Victory

IBA Cocktail

Three Dots and a Dash isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a story in a glass. Created during the Second World War, its name symbolizes the Morse code for ‘V,’ meaning victory. With every sip, you’re celebrating a rich history and bold flavours.

Three Dots and a Dash: A Toast to Victory

The Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is a tropical treasure crafted with Rum, Honey Syrup, Falernum, and fresh Lime Juice, alongside a hint of Allspice Dram and Orange Curaçao. This balanced blend is topped with a splash of Angostura Bitters for a finishing touch.

Garnished with three cherries and a pineapple spear arranged in a Morse code-inspired design, this drink not only tastes incredible but looks stunning too. Its bright, tangy, and slightly spicy profile embodies the spirit of tiki culture, transporting you to an island paradise with every sip.

a tropical blend of sweet, citrus, and spice in perfect harmony.

Did you know that Three Dots and a Dash...

... was created as a tribute to Allied victory in World War II, making it a cocktail with a historical edge?

Who invented this cocktail

Ernest Gantt (Don the Beachcomber), during World War II.

The origin and history of "Three Dots and a Dash"

Three Dots and a Dash was created by Ernest Gantt, better known as Don the Beachcomber, during the Second World War. A pioneer of tiki culture, Gantt designed the cocktail as a celebratory toast to the Allied victory, incorporating tropical ingredients that were emblematic of his signature style.

The drink’s name, ‘Three Dots and a Dash,’ represents the Morse code for the letter ‘V,’ symbolizing victory. Over the decades, it has become a staple of tiki bars, known for its unique blend of sweetness, spice, and tropical flair. Today, it remains a popular choice for those looking to toast to triumph and good times.

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Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Three Dots and a Dash"

To make the perfect Three Dots and a Dash, try these tips:
  • Use a high-quality Rum blend to balance the sweet and spicy notes.
  • Freshly squeezed Lime Juice enhances the drink’s tropical character.
  • Shake vigorously with ice to ensure proper dilution and chill.
  • Arrange the garnish in the Morse code pattern for an authentic presentation.
  • Serve in a tiki glass or carved pineapple for added flair.

Three Dots and a Dash recipe

Prep: 3 minTotal: 5 min

Ingredients

  • 45 ml RHUM AGRICOLE
  • 15 ml AGED RUM
  • 7.5 ml FALERNUM
  • 7.5 ml ALLSPICE DRAM
  • 15 ml FRESH LIME JUICE
  • 15 ml ORANGE JUICE
  • 15 ml HONEY SYRUP
  • Top with CRUSHED ICE
  • 1 dash ANGOSTURA BITTER
  • 1½ oz RHUM AGRICOLE
  • ½ oz AGED RUM
  • ¼ oz FALERNUM
  • ¼ oz ALLSPICE DRAM
  • ½ oz FRESH LIME JUICE
  • ½ oz ORANGE JUICE
  • ½ oz HONEY SYRUP
  • Top with CRUSHED ICE
  • 1 dash ANGOSTURA BITTER

Garnish

  • PINEAPPLE SLICE
  • MARASCHINO CHERRIES

Preparation

  1. Add all the ingredients into a blender with ice
  2. Flash blend and pour all content into the glass
  3. Add more ice till glass is filled
  4. Garnish and serve

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:222 kcal
  • Alcohol units:2.7 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~22%

Dietary Info

Gluten-free
Country of origin: United States

"Three Dots and a Dash" Variations

  • Replace Rum with Spiced Rum for a bolder flavour.
  • Add a splash of Passion Fruit Syrup for extra tropical sweetness.
  • Use Grapefruit Juice instead of Lime Juice for a tangier twist.
  • Top with sparkling water for a lighter, effervescent version.
  • Serve in a coconut shell for a truly exotic experience.

Three Dots and a Dash is more than a cocktail; it’s a celebration of victory and tropical indulgence. Raise your glass and toast to the good times ahead!

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Current Comments: 2

Roberto Fulci
Jun 21, 2024
Making your own allspice dram dramatically improves the drink. Fresh pressed orange juice makes a huge difference vs store-bought. Hamilton 151 adds amazing depth as the aged rum.
Emma T.
Jun 20, 2024
The split base of rhum agricole and aged rum is brilliant. Try using Smith & Cross for extra funk. Honey syrup ratio is crucial - 2:1 gives better texture than standard 1:1.