Do you live dangerously? Well you might want to start, by downing this powerful cocktail. The American Graffiti is a summery tropical drink with a lot of flavor without a harsh punch (taste wise). The main aroma builds from pineapple and sweet/sour and its bright red color is reminiscent of the Red Demon cocktail. The drink starts off very smooth and then hits the back of your palette with a mild and full bodied rum. Considering the amount of alcohol present, I am surprised it doesn’t have more of a harsh kick. I imagine this is thanks to the mix of sloe gin and roses lime to build a fruity citrus into the mix.

My only concern with the original recipie is that it calls for both “light rum” and “rum.” Because the first rum is specifically light, but the second is unspecified, I decided Bacardi Gold would be a nice balanced choice. I do wonder how Some Captain Original Spiced would change this drink. Even a flavored rum would be a good choice (something like mango or coconut). Either way though it’s a very solid drink with a great open end for variations.

Alcohol Taste Rating: 4/10
Overall Rating 8/10
Make it again? Yes. Try flavor variations too!

American Graffiti Cocktail

1 1/4 oz Light Rum
3/4 oz Rum (Bacardi Gold Used)
1/2 oz Sloe Gin
1/2 oz Southern Comfort
1/4 oz Rose’s Lime Juice
1 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
1 1/2 oz Sweet/Sour

Shake and strain all ingredients into an iced tumbler. Garnish with an Orange slice and a Cherry.