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Shark Bite
A visual novelty cocktail with a 'blood in the water' grenadine float.
Base spirit
Coconut rum
Style
Sour
Glassware
Rocks glass
Technique
Build
The Shark Bite is a theatrically presented cocktail that mixes coconut rum, light rum, blue curaçao, and sour mix to create a teal-blue ocean color. The defining technique is the application of grenadine (sometimes mixed with cherry liqueur) dripped onto the surface or via a plastic shark garnish, creating red streaks that resemble blood. Despite the gimmick, the underlying drink is a functional, sweet-tart tropical sour.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 1.5 oz coconut rum
- • 0.5 oz blue curaçao
- • 2 oz sour mix (lemon/lime/sugar)
- • 0.25 oz grenadine
Did you know?
“Popularized at beach theme bars like Joe's Crab Shack in the 90s, the drink relies on the specific density difference between the syrup and the wash.”
Source:Theme restaurant history; PunchDrink
Bartender's Note
For the full effect, mix the grenadine with a little water so it sinks and disperses more dramatically.
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How to make the Shark Bite
- 1Fill a rocks glass with ice
- 2Add coconut rum, blue curaçao, and sour mix
- 3Stir to combine (drink should be blue)
- 4Slowly drip grenadine onto the surface to create streaks
- 5Garnish with a gummy shark
