Awesome Monster Recipe

Combine and shake

Add light rum, dark rum, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, simple syrup, and angostura bitters into a cocktail shaker. Add a generous handful of ice (or about 6–8 large cubes).

Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is well-chilled and slightly frosted on the outside (if you did not use egg white for the foam).

If you used egg white for foam: dry-shake first (no ice) for 10 seconds, then add ice and shake again 12–15 seconds to emulsify and chill.

Fill a tall tiki or Collins glass with cracked or crushed ice (about 1 cup). Strain the shaken cocktail over the ice, leaving room at the top for the float/foam.

Prepare the float

In a small measure or jigger, combine the 0.5 oz dark/overproof rum with 0.25 oz grenadine. If you used egg white in the cocktail, pour the shaken foam from the shaker into the glass along with the cocktail. Otherwise, gently pour the rum+grenadine mixture over the back of a bar spoon so it floats on top of the drink to create a layered "monster" effect.

If you want a thicker frothy cap without raw egg: shake 0.5 oz egg white substitute (or aquafaba) with the rum and grenadine in a small shaker, then carefully float the foam on top of the drink using a spoon.

Optionally, carefully ignite the overproof rum float for a dramatic flaming presentation (only if using overproof rum, trained personnel, and all safety precautions in place). Extinguish before drinking.

Thread the maraschino cherry onto a short cocktail pick and rest it across the orange wheel. Place the orange wheel on the rim or float it on top of the foam.

Tuck a mint sprig into the side of the glass for aroma. Gently slap the mint first to release oils if desired.

Serve immediately with a straw and a warning that the drink contains raw egg if egg white was used.

This recipe yields one cocktail. If using raw egg white, use fresh eggs from a trusted source; those with compromised immune systems, pregnant people, or small children should avoid raw egg.

Adjust sweetness by increasing or decreasing simple syrup and grenadine. Swap orange juice for pineapple juice for a fruitier variant.