Shark

The Shark is a sophisticated, tiki-influenced cocktail created by Tom Macy for the New York City speakeasy PDT (Please Don't Tell). It expertly blends a botanical gin base with the funk of overproof Jamaican rum and the fruitiness of applejack. The addition of fresh pineapple and lemon juices provides a bright, tropical acidity, balanced by a touch of simple syrup, resulting in a drink that is both refreshing and deceptively strong.
Shark

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Shark is classified as a modern classic cocktail. It falls into the "sour" family of drinks due to its citrus and sweetener components, but its complex, multi-spirit base also gives it characteristics of a tiki-style drink.

Serving

The Shark is served cold and "up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe glass. It is a spirit-forward cocktail with a high alcohol content, so it should be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approx. 150 ml / 5 oz
Alcohol content
Approx. 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

Created by bartender Tom Macy in 2009 at the influential New York City cocktail bar PDT. The name "Shark" is a nod to the dangerous combination of three different spirits, which gives the drink its potent "bite." It quickly became a favorite on the menu and is representative of the creative, complex cocktails that defined the modern craft cocktail revival.
Origin
The Shark cocktail was invented by Tom Macy around 2009 at the Please Don't Tell (PDT) bar in New York City, USA.

Shark

The drink is primarily known simply as the "Shark," a modern classic originating from the famous New York bar, PDT (Please Don't Tell). It is sometimes referred to by the bar's name to specify its origin, but it doesn't have other widely recognized alternative names.
Original name
Shark
Alternative name
PDT Shark Cocktail

Characteristics overview

This cocktail offers a complex flavor profile that is fruity, botanical, and slightly funky from the rum. It's a refreshing and summery drink with a smooth texture and a long, warming finish.
Flavor
fruity, tropical, botanical, complex, slightly funky, tart
Aroma
pineapple, juniper, apple, citrus, molasses
Taste balance
sour, sweet
Aftertaste
long, complex, fruity, warming
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
pale yellow, slightly hazy
Texture
smooth, full-bodied
Seasonality
refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The Shark has a pronounced fruity and sour character, balanced by a subtle sweetness. Its high alcohol strength is well-integrated but noticeable, while a lack of carbonation allows its complex spirit base to shine through.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This drink requires three distinct spirits: a dry gin, a funky overproof Jamaican rum, and an apple brandy or applejack. Fresh pineapple and lemon juice are essential for its bright, tropical flavor profile.
  • Dry Gin45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Plymouth Gin is specified in the original recipe, but a good quality London Dry Gin also works well.
  • Overproof Jamaican Rum15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Smith & Cross is the classic choice and provides a distinct funky flavor.
  • Applejack or Bonded Apple Brandy15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Laird's Bonded Apple Brandy is the traditional choice.
  • Fresh Pineapple Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is highly recommended for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Must be freshly squeezed.
  • Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 oz
    Standard 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaker set for this drink. Double-straining through both a Hawthorne and a fine-mesh strainer is recommended to remove ice chips and pineapple pulp for a smooth texture.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling.
  • Jigger for measuring ingredients accurately.
  • Hawthorne strainer to separate ice from the liquid.
  • Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining.

Instructions

The method is straightforward: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, and shake well. Double-strain into the glass to ensure a smooth consistency, then add the garnish to serve.
1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
2. Combine the gin, overproof rum, applejack, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double-strain the cocktail through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into the chilled coupe glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple pineapple wedge serves as the perfect garnish. It enhances the tropical aroma and visually signals one of the drink's key flavor components.
  • Pineapple wedge, placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as caffeine, dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets, and is typically gluten-free, depending on the specific spirits used.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

The Shark is a moderately caloric cocktail, with most calories coming from its high alcohol content and some from the sugar in the juices and syrup. The carbohydrate and sugar levels are relatively low for a fruit-based cocktail.
Calories
Approx. 200-240 kcal / 837-1004 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approx. 10-12 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approx. 8-10 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for summer gatherings, tiki parties, or any cocktail hour where a complex and refreshing drink is desired. Its tropical notes make it an excellent choice for warm-weather sipping and impressing guests with a modern craft cocktail.
  • Summer Parties
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Tiki-Themed Events
  • Happy Hour

Pairing suggestions

The Shark's tropical and tart profile pairs beautifully with seafood like grilled shrimp or fresh ceviche. It also complements the heat and richness of spicy coconut curry dishes or simple salty snacks like plantain chips, providing a refreshing contrast.
  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers
  • Spicy Coconut Curry
  • Salty Plantain Chips
  • Ceviche

The Shark: A Deceptively Dangerous Delight

The Shark is a potent and complex modern classic from New York's famed PDT bar. It bravely combines gin, overproof rum, and applejack to create a unique spirit-forward base, which is then perfectly balanced by the bright, tropical notes of fresh pineapple and lemon juice. This tiki-style sour is refreshing, sophisticated, and surprisingly strong, making it a perfect choice for adventurous cocktail enthusiasts. It's a testament to the creativity of the craft cocktail revival era.

Similar Cocktails

Jungle Bird

A similar tiki-style cocktail featuring dark rum, Campari, pineapple juice, and lime juice, sharing the tropical and complex flavor profile.

Saturn

A classic tiki gin sour that uses gin, lemon juice, passion fruit syrup, orgeat, and falernum, offering a different but equally complex tropical gin experience.

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