Don's Special Daiquiri
A tropical elevation of the classic daiquiri from tiki pioneer Donn Beach, blending aged rum with passion fruit, grapefruit, and lime for a fruit-forward, refreshing cocktail with vintage Polynesian charm.
- 1 ozgold jamaican rum
- ½ ozlight rum
- ½ ozpassion fruit syrup
- ½ ozfresh lime juice
- ½ ozhoney syrup
- Lime wheelgarnish
- 1Add gold Jamaican rum, light rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, and honey syrup to a shaker with crushed ice.
- 2Shake briefly until combined and chilled.
- 3Pour unstrained into a footed pilsner or coupe glass.
- 4Top with additional crushed ice if needed.
- 5Garnish with half a passion fruit.
Share this page
Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt, who reinvented himself as Donn Beach (or Don the Beachcomber), created this daiquiri variation at his legendary Hollywood tiki bar in the 1930s. Originally called the Mona Daiquiri when made with Mona rum, it evolved into Don's Special after that rum was discontinued. The recipe transforms the simple three-ingredient Cuban daiquiri into something more exotic by adding passion fruit and honey. In 2024, the IBA added this drink to their New Era category, recognizing tiki culture's lasting influence on modern cocktail making.
🛒 Tools for This Recipe
Everything you need to make a great Don's Special Daiquiri at home.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These links help support Jigger & Joy at no extra cost to you. Learn more
🍸 Drink Responsibly: Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age. Never drink and drive. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
⚠️ Allergen Notice: Allergen information provided on this site is for general guidance only and may not be complete or accurate. Ingredients and formulations can vary by brand and may change without notice. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, always verify ingredients directly with manufacturers and check all product labels before consumption. Consult a healthcare professional if you have specific dietary concerns. Jigger & Joy is not liable for any adverse reactions resulting from the consumption of recipes on this site.
Disclaimer: Recipes are provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nutritional information, ABV estimates, and other data are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods used.