Gator's Breath: A Tiki Orgeat Cocktail Recipe
Sep 15, 2025
And on the second day of Christmas cocktail competition, our Bywater American Bistro friends served to us an exquisite winter Mai Tai. We've affectionately named it Gator's Breath. If you're looking for a tropical twist on a classic, this recipe is a perfect example of how to make tiki drinks with orgeat. Our signature El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat is a key ingredient, giving this cocktail a unique flavor that's both festive and refreshingly delicious.
Gator's Breath Tiki Cocktail Recipe
This exquisite cocktail is a celebration of complex, layered flavors. The house-infused rum adds a spicy pineapple warmth, while the citrus blend provides a zesty punch. The star ingredient, our Creole Orgeat, brings a rich almond and Creole spice flavor that truly sets this drink apart.
Ingredients
x @rw_turn2 for Bywater American Bistro
- 2 oz House-infused Pineapple Spiced Rum
- 1 oz El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat
- .75 oz Citrus juice blend
- .5 oz Pierre Ferrand Yuzu Late Harvest Dry Curaçao
- 3 dashes El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters
- Orange zest & dehydrated lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions
- In a clean shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients.
- Shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker is well chilled.
- Strain the cocktail over fresh ice in a 12 oz snifter.
- Garnish with orange zest and a dehydrated lime wheel. Serve immediately.
How to Make the Infused Rum and Juice Blend
The infused rum and juice blend are crucial to this cocktail. Here are the simple steps to prepare them.
House-Infused Pineapple Spiced Rum
Ingredients
- Pineapple pulp (from juicing)
- 1 broken cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise
- 1 bar spoon cayenne pepper
- 1 bottle of rum
Instructions
- Steep rum in the pineapple pulp, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cayenne pepper.
- Steep in the fridge for 24-72 hours.
- Strain out all solids and bottle the infused rum.
- Keep refrigerated and use within one week for the best flavor.
Citrus Juice Blend
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Blend all the juices and bottle the mixture.
- Keep refrigerated and use within one week.
Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tiki orgeat?
Tiki orgeat is a unique, non-alcoholic syrup that is a staple in tiki cocktails. Traditionally made from almonds, sugar, and orange flower water, it gives drinks a creamy, nutty, and slightly floral flavor. Our El Guapo™ Creole Orgeat adds a layer of Creole spice for a distinct New Orleans twist.
What is the purpose of orgeat in tiki drinks?
Orgeat is used in tiki drinks with orgeat to add a rich, nutty flavor and a silky mouthfeel. It balances the strong spirits and citrus in tiki cocktails, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. It's what makes iconic drinks like the Mai Tai so memorable.
Can I use a different rum for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a different rum, but the pineapple-spiced rum is key to this cocktail's unique flavor. If you don't have time to infuse your own, you can use a high-quality spiced rum and add a splash of pineapple juice to the recipe to get a similar flavor profile.
What does the Gator's Breath cocktail taste like?
The Gator's Breath is a tropical, spicy, and nutty drink. It has a complex flavor profile that starts with the sweet and spicy notes of the pineapple-infused rum, followed by the bright citrus and a rich, creamy finish from the Creole Orgeat.
