For you skippers out there, you’ve probably heard the name Sammy Hagar—you know, the former frontman of the iconic band Van Halen? Also known as the Red Rocker, Sammy is the songwriter behind such hits like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Right Now,” and “Why Can’t This Be Love?” However, music is just one of Sammy’s passions, and if you’ve spent any time in Cabo San Lucas, I bet you’re familiar with Sammy’s cantina Cabo Wabo and the assortment of tropical drinks on display.
Thus, this month’s cocktail, the cheekily named “F’ Me Ginger,”is from Hagar’s newly released book, Sammy’s Cocktail Hits: 85 Personal Favorites from the Red Rocker, which I recently had the pleasure of co-authoring with him.
Now, a little backstory about our featured cocktail. “Shiver me timbers!” is what pirates would holler when a large wave or cannonball smashed into their sailing ship, shuddering the hull and splintering the timbers into oblivion. Here, “F’ me ginger!” may just be what you’ll holler—pronounced “ginja” if you use your best sailor voice—when you take a sip of this delicious concoction. It’s the first drink Sammy developed that marries his pineapple and macadamia rums and further elevates them with fresh tropical juices. This fruity cocktail, with a snap of flavor thanks to the zing of freshly grated ginger, is perfect for those opening spring days on the boat or enjoyed all summer long on the dock while perched in your sun lounger.
F’ ME GINGER COCKTAIL
Serves 1
1 ounce Sammy’s Beach Bar Pineapple Rum*
1⁄2 ounce Sammy’s Red Head Rum**
1⁄2 ounce triple sec (or Cointreau)
1⁄2 ounce fresh lime juice
1 ounce fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger root
For the rim:Vanilla extract and ground cinnamon (or a mixture of ground cinnamon and powdered sugar)
For garnish:Fresh mint sprig
Dip the rim of a chilled martini glass in some vanilla extract, then roll the moistened rim in ground cinnamon. Set the glass aside. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add the pineapple rum, Red Head Rum, triple sec, lime juice, orange juice, and ginger. Shake for at least 30 seconds to infuse the flavor of the ginger. Strain into the prepared martini glass and garnish with a fresh mint sprig. Note: For a lighter version, strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with soda water.
*You can substitute Plantation Pineapple Rum here if you don’t have Sammy’s handy, or you can also muddle 1-1/2 ounces of white rum with 1 large slice fresh pineapple for the same effect, but strain before you pour.
**This wonderful macadamia nut rum is worth sleuthing. You can find the Red Head rum, as well as Sammy’s Beach Bar Pineapple Rum, at sammysbeachbarrum.com. Order both and enjoy all spring and summer long!
