Headhunter Cocktail Recipe
Headhunter Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol:20%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Headhunter cocktail is a tiki-style drink that originated in the 1960s. It was created by Don the Beachcomber, a legendary bartender and the father of tiki culture. This exotic cocktail is perfect for those who love tropical flavors and a bit of mystery.
- The name 'Headhunter' is inspired by the tribal warriors of the South Pacific
- Tiki culture became popular in the United States during the post-World War II era
- This cocktail is often served in a tiki mug or a glass with a tribal design
How Headhunter Tastes?
The Headhunter cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a strong tropical taste, with hints of citrus and pineapple. The rum adds a warm, smooth finish to the drink.
Interesting facts about Headhunter
- The Headhunter cocktail is often garnished with a pineapple wedge, cherry, and a sprig of mint
- Tiki cocktails are known for their elaborate garnishes and presentation
- The Headhunter cocktail is sometimes served on fire, with a flaming sugar cube or a small pool of overproof rum ignited on top
Ingredients
- Light rum: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Dark rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Pineapple juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Angostura bitters: 2 dashes
- Grenadine: 0.25 oz(8ml)
- Orange juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Garnish: Pineapple Wedge
- Cherry:
- Mint sprig:
Light Rum
- The light rum provides a mellow, sweet base without overpowering the other flavors. If you skimp, you'll lose some booze buzz; too much, and it's pirate night. Alternatives? White rum's cousin, cachaça, could swing in, adding a grassier note.
Alex Green
Dark Rum
- Dark rum adds depth and complexity with its caramel and vanilla notes. No dark rum, no rich whispers in your tiki tale; too much and it's a molasses monsoon. Sub it with bourbon for a southern twang.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
- Lime juice brings zesty freshness that cuts through the sweetness. No lime, no zing; it's like a beach without sun. Too tart and your face might implode. Swap with lemon if you want a different kind of zesty kick.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
- It's the tropical backbone, folks. Pineapple juice gives a fruity punch; no pineapple, and you're just another landlubber. Overdo it and you're swimming in a pineapple pool. Mango juice could be a splashy sub.
Alex Green
Simple Syrup
- Sweetness's middle name. It's the balancing act for the tart and the spirits. Forget it, and your smile might go sour. Too much, and you're stirring a sugar pot. Honey could whisper the same sweet nothings here.
Emma Rose
Angostura Bitters
- Two dashes to rule them all - Angostura bitters are the cocktail's earthy spice. Omit them, and the complexity crashes. Add too much, and it's a bitter battleground. You could try orange bitters for a citrusy change-up.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
- A dash of pomegranate prettiness. Grenadine lends a hint of color and sweetness. No grenadine, no blushing tiki; overpour, and it's a saccharine swamp. Raspberry syrup could wink in its stead.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
- The citrus squeezer. Orange juice brings a zing that plays well with the rums and sweeteners. Too little and the cocktail lacks body; overdo it, and it's breakfast in a glass. Try peach nectar for a fuzzier feel.
Emma Rose
Garnish: Pineapple Wedge, Cherry, Mint Sprig
- The finishing tropical touch that makes your drink a looker. Skimp on the garnish, and it's like a lei with no flowers. No garnish, no glamour; but substitute it with whatever fruit you've got, and the beach party goes on.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Headhunter Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add light rum, dark rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, simple syrup, Angostura bitters, grenadine, and orange juice
- Shake well until chilled and combined
- Strain into a tiki mug or glass filled with crushed ice
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry, and mint sprig
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed
- Use fresh lime juice and pineapple juice for the best flavor
- For an extra touch, flame the orange peel before adding it to the cocktail
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Grilled Seafood: The citrusy notes of the cocktail complement the light, smoky flavors of grilled fish or shrimp.
- Hawaiian Pizza: The pineapple in both the pizza and the cocktail create a harmonious tropical taste experience.
- Spicy Asian Dishes: The sweetness of the Headhunter can cool down the heat from dishes like Thai or Szechuan cuisine.
Drink Pairings
- Iced Tea: To refresh the palate between sips of the cocktail.
- Coconut Water: To hydrate and balance the strong flavors of the Headhunter with a mild, sweet alternative.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Headhunter
- Light Rum: Can be replaced with white rum
- Dark Rum: Can be substituted with spiced rum
- Simple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used as a substitute
Explore all drinks starting with H here
And of course - twists🍹
The Beachcomber's Headhunter
- Replace light rum with coconut rum for an extra tropical hint.
- Add a splash of blue curacao for a mesmerizing ocean hue.
- Garnish with an edible flower instead of a cherry to give an exotic allure.
The result is a more visually striking cocktail with a lighter, breezier feel -- it’s like a short vacation in a glass.
The Spice Trader's Headhunter
- Switch out the Angostura bitters for cardamom bitters for an exotic, spicy twist.
- Use palm sugar instead of simple syrup for a richer, more molasses-like sweetness.
This variation takes you on a spice route journey with every sip, adding a touch more mystery to each mouthful.
The Sunset Headhunter
- Substitute grenadine for a splash of passion fruit syrup for a tangy twist.
- Spike it with a small measure of Aperol for a gentle bitterness and sunset color.
- Garnish with a sprig of thyme instead of mint for an aromatic surprise.
The Sunset Headhunter is a more complex, bittersweet affair, reminiscent of a tropical evening sky.
In case you forgot basics how to make Headhunter
The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Headhunter
What kind of rum is best for the Headhunter cocktail?
To stay true to the recipe, both light and dark rum are recommended. A gold rum can be used for a richer flavor or a spiced rum can add interesting nuances.
Can I use other types of bitters instead of Angostura?
Yes, you can experiment with different bitters to tweak the flavor of the cocktail, but Angostura is traditional.
What other fruits can I use as garnish for the Headhunter cocktail?
In addition to pineapple and cherry, other tropical fruits like mango and papaya can also make for a tasty and exotic garnish.
What kind of glass is suitable if I do not have a tiki mug?
Any large glass will do, but for the full effect try using a glass with an interesting shape or pattern.
I’m not a fan of rum. What other base spirits might work in the Headhunter?
Tequila can be a good substitution for rum in the Headhunter, giving it a bit of a kick and changing the flavor profile without sacrificing the overall tropical vibe.
More similar recipes to Headhunter!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Three Dots and a Dash
The Three Dots and a Dash cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich and complex taste, with notes of citrus, honey, and spices. The rum adds a warming, smooth finish to the drink.
Inca
The Inca cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes. The fruity flavors from the passion fruit and pineapple are complemented by the warmth of the pisco and the herbal touch of the bitters.
Indian Summer
The Indian Summer cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of the mango and the tartness of the lime juice create a perfect balance, while the ginger and chili add a subtle heat that lingers on the palate. The overall taste is refreshing, fruity, and exotic.
Blue Hawaii
The Blue Hawaii cocktail has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly tangy taste. The combination of pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curaçao creates a fruity and tropical flavor profile, while the vodka and light rum add a subtle kick.
Bermuda Rum Swizzle
The Bermuda Rum Swizzle has a well-balanced, fruity, and refreshing taste. It is sweet and tangy with a hint of spice, and has a smooth, medium-bodied texture. The combination of rum, fruit juices, and bitters creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Lava Flow
The Lava Flow cocktail is a delicious combination of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors. The drink is rich and velvety, with a hint of tanginess from the pineapple and a subtle coconut undertone. The strawberry puree adds a touch of tartness and a beautiful contrast in both taste and appearance.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Zombie
The Zombie cocktail is a complex, fruity, and potent drink. It has a sweet and tangy taste with a strong rum flavor, balanced by the tartness of citrus and the subtle spiciness of cinnamon.
Navy Grog
Navy Grog is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, yet refreshing, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The rum provides a rich, warm base, while the citrus juices add a bright, tangy element. The honey and spices round out the flavor, giving the drink a touch of sweetness and depth.
Dark 'N' Stormy
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Chicago Fizz
The Chicago Fizz is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a sweet, fruity, and slightly sour taste. It has a rich, velvety texture and a subtle, warming finish from the dark rum and port.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Fuzzy Navel
The Fuzzy Navel is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing cocktail. It has a bright citrus taste from the orange juice, combined with the smooth and sweet flavor of peach schnapps. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it perfect for warm weather or a relaxing evening.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of citrus. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm summer days. The combination of blue curaçao and lemonade gives it a unique, tropical flavor.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Pisco Sour
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is a complex and well-balanced cocktail with a smooth, rich taste. It has a hint of sweetness from the cognac and herbal notes from the Bénédictine. The rye whiskey adds a spicy kick, while the vermouth and bitters provide a slightly bitter undertone.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
Gimlet
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Last Word
The Last Word is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It is simultaneously sweet, sour, herbal, and slightly bitter. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the Chartreuse adds a rich, herbal complexity. The maraschino liqueur brings a touch of sweetness, and the lime juice adds a refreshing, tart finish.