Test Pilot

Sidecar/New Orleans Sours & Riffs September 02, 2026

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A photo of the Test Pilot cocktail containing Appleton Estate 8 Year Old Reserve Rum, Planteray 3 Stars White Rum, Giffard Triple Sec, John D. Taylor's Velvet Falernum, Freshly squeezed lemon juice in a Old-Fashioned.

Other Ingredients

  • 0.25 fl oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

  • Add ice to shaker
  • Add all ingredients to shaker
  • Shake well with ice
  • Fine strain into ice-filled old-fashioned glass
  • Garnish with lime zest twist

Cocktail Description

This tiki-inspired riff on the classic sour brings together aged Jamaican funk and crisp white rum with the spiced, almond-tinged sweetness of Velvet Falernum for a drink that's both refreshing and deeply flavorful.

The blend of Appleton Estate 8 Year and Planteray 3 Stars creates a rum base with enough backbone to stand up to the cocktail's bright citrus and rich falernum, while Giffard Triple Sec adds a subtle orange note that rounds out the flavor profile. You'll taste warming baking spices—clove, ginger, and almond—balanced against tart lemon juice, with the lime zest garnish adding aromatic oils that lift the whole drink. It's a surprisingly sophisticated sipper that works beautifully as a pre-dinner refresher on a warm evening or as a companion to Sunday brunch.

The cocktail comes together quickly with a standard shake-and-strain technique, making it approachable for home bartenders who keep a decent rum selection on hand. Pair it with grilled jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, or citrus-marinated fish tacos—anything with bold, spicy flavors that can match the drink's tropical personality. The Old-Fashioned glass keeps things casual while the fine strain ensures a smooth, polished texture that makes each sip go down easy.

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