Doctor Funk

The Doctor Funk is a tall, fizzy, and intriguing Tiki drink with a unique flavor profile. It combines the richness of dark rum with the tartness of both lime and lemon juices. A touch of grenadine adds sweetness and color, but the secret weapon is a dash of absinthe or Pernod, which imparts a subtle yet distinctive anise flavor, making it stand out from other Tiki cocktails.
Doctor Funk

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Doctor Funk is a classic Tiki cocktail. It belongs to the category of long, refreshing drinks built on a rum base, typical of the Tiki genre. It is considered a classic from the early days of Polynesian-style cocktails.

Serving

Served cold with ice in a tall Collins or Zombie glass, this is a long and refreshing drink. The alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasant sipper.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Collins or Zombie glass
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The drink is said to have been created by Don the Beachcomber in the 1930s. It was named in honor of Dr. Bernard Funk, a German physician who lived in Samoa and was a friend of author Robert Louis Stevenson. Dr. Funk was known for creating a potent local tonic, and this cocktail is Donn Beach's tribute to that concoction.
Origin
Created by Donn Beach, USA, circa 1930s.

Doctor Funk

The drink is most commonly known as Doctor Funk, sometimes abbreviated to Dr. Funk. The name honors a German physician, Bernard Funk, who lived in Samoa and was a friend of author Robert Louis Stevenson.
Original name
Doctor Funk
Alternative name
Dr. Funk

Characteristics overview

The Doctor Funk presents a complex bouquet of citrus and anise on the nose, with a taste that balances tart lime and lemon with the sweetness of grenadine and the funky depth of dark rum. The finish is clean and refreshing with a memorable hint of anise.
Flavor
Anise, tart, slightly sweet, funky, citrusy
Aroma
Citrus, anise, molasses, spice
Taste balance
Sour, sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering anise, clean, refreshing
Fizziness
Bubbly, effervescent
Color appearance
Pinkish-orange, reddish hue
Texture
Light, crisp, bubbly
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is moderately intense, driven by a prominent sour character balanced by subtle sweetness and a distinctive anise note. Alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, and the carbonation provides a light, refreshing lift.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires a good quality black pot still rum, fresh lime and lemon juice, grenadine for sweetness, and a touch of absinthe or Pernod for its signature anise flavor. It is topped with club soda for effervescence.
  • Black Pot Still Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    A dark, funky Jamaican rum is recommended.
  • Fresh Lime Juice30 ml / 1 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for best flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential.
  • Grenadine15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Homemade or high-quality grenadine is preferred.
  • Absinthe or Pernod5 ml / 1 teaspoon
    Provides the signature anise flavor.
  • Club SodaTop up (approx. 60 ml / 2 oz)
    To lengthen and add effervescence.

Ice type

  • Crushed or cracked ice

Mixing equipments

You will need a cocktail shaker to mix and chill the main ingredients. A jigger is essential for measuring accurately, and a strainer is used to pour the drink over fresh ice.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients
  • Jigger or measuring tool for accurate measurements
  • Strainer to strain the shaken mixture into the glass

Instructions

The method involves shaking the rum, citrus, grenadine, and absinthe with ice, then straining it into an ice-filled tall glass. The drink is then topped with soda and garnished.
1. Fill a Collins or Zombie glass with crushed or cracked ice to chill it.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and absinthe/Pernod to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
4. Shake vigorously for about 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared ice-filled glass.
6. Top with club soda.
7. Gently stir to combine.
8. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wheel.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh sprig of mint and a lime wheel or wedge. This adds a pleasant aroma and enhances the tropical presentation of the drink.
  • Mint sprig for aroma and visual appeal
  • Lime wheel or wedge for a citrus accent

Dietary Information

This cocktail is typically free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. It is also suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, provided the grenadine used does not contain non-vegan ingredients.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the rum and sugar in the grenadine. The carbohydrate and sugar content is also moderate, stemming from the juices and syrup.
Calories
Approximately 220-260 kcal / 920-1090 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 14-18 g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect for summer gatherings, Tiki-themed parties, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing and exotic escape. Its complex flavors make it a great choice for sipping on a warm evening.
  • Summer party
  • Tropical-themed event
  • Relaxing evening
  • Cocktail hour

Pairing suggestions

The Doctor Funk pairs well with the sweet, savory, and spicy flavors of Polynesian and Asian cuisine. Consider serving it with appetizers like a Pu Pu platter, coconut shrimp, or alongside grilled fish or a spicy noodle dish.
  • Spicy Asian dishes
  • Grilled seafood
  • Pu Pu platter
  • Coconut shrimp

The Doctor Funk: A Prescription for Refreshment

The Doctor Funk is a venerable Tiki classic that offers a unique and sophisticated flavor profile. Unlike many fruit-forward Tiki drinks, its character is defined by a bold combination of funky rum, sharp citrus, and a distinctive, herbaceous note of anise from absinthe. Refreshing and complex, it's a fantastic choice for those looking to explore beyond the more common tropical cocktails and experience a piece of Tiki history.

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