Happy Skipper
A deliciously simple highball that combines spiced rum and ginger ale. The vanilla and spice notes from the rum meld with the effervescent ginger to create a surprising flavor profile reminiscent of cream soda. The name is a playful nod to a Gilligan's Island riddle: The Captain inside Ginger makes a Happy Skipper.
What it tastes like
The aroma features vanilla and ginger with a faint citrus zest. The palate is dominated by sweet baking spices and carbonated ginger, resulting in a crisp and light mouthfeel. The finish is short and clean, leaving a mild warmth from the rum and spice.
Flavour profile
Ingredients
- Spiced Rum1.5 oz
- Ginger Ale5 oz
- Lime1 wedge
- Ice1 ml
Preparation
- 1
Fill a highball glass with fresh ice cubes.
- 2
Pour the spiced rum over the ice.
- 3
Top the glass with ginger ale.
- 4
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Substitutions
- Ginger AleGinger Beer — This replacement increases the spicy heat and reduces the sugar level of the cocktail.
- Spiced RumAged Dark Rum — Aged rum removes the added spice flavorings while providing deeper notes of molasses and oak.
- Lime WedgeLemon Wedge — Lemon offers a slightly softer acidity that changes the citrus profile without altering the drink's structure.
Variations
Bitter Skipper
Add two dashes of aromatic bitters to the glass to introduce an earthy, herbal layer that cuts through the sweetness.
Skipper's Fruit
Muddle two slices of fresh orange at the bottom of the glass before adding ice to enhance the spice notes with bright citrus oils.