Named for the document that gave individuals permission to capture and raid “enemy” vessels on the high seas, the Letter of Marque is an ode to what were, essentially, pirates-for-hire. Ryan Liloia’s potent mixture of rums and sweet-tart juices all shaken up and dumped over ice, might provide the state of mind necessary to privateer one’s own vessel—preferably a tiki mug full of something strong.
Letter of Marque
Ryan Liloia | New York City

Ingredients
Serving: 1
- 1 1/2 ounces Plantation Panama 2002 rum
- 1/2 ounce Plantation Overproof rum
- 1/2 ounce Don's Spices #4 (see Editor's Note)
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce ginger syrup (3:2; sugar:ginger juice)
- 1/4 ounce passion fruit puree
- 1/4 ounce Velvet Falernum
- 4 slices pineapple
- 3/4 ounce soda water
Garnish: pineapple slice and a mint sprig
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle ginger syrup with pineapple slices.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except soda water), add ice and shake until chilled.
- Add soda water and strain over crushed ice into a pilsner glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a mint sprig.
Editor's Note
To make Don's Spices, crush 4 cinnamon sticks into small pieces. Combine with 1 cup of sugar and 8 ounces of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover and drop to a simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Strain through a cheesecloth, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.