Shark’s Tooth Cocktail Recipe: A Tropical Tiki Classic

The Shark’s Tooth cocktail isn’t here to mess around. It’s a bold, rum-forward Tiki cocktail with a tropical pulse, a splash of drama, and a swirl of Luxardo cherry syrup that sets this version apart. Created by Donn Beach, this icy blend of rum, lime, pineapple, and maraschino cherry syrup hits every note—sweet, tart, and unmistakably strong. Served without a straw, it’s meant for slow sipping as the layers gradually mix.  It’s the kind of drink meant to be enjoyed poolside or slowly sipped on a long summer evening. 

Ian loves tropical drinks that taste like we are on vacation somewhere with a swim-up bar. I was looking for a way to use our homemade Luxardo cherries in a tiki-style summer cocktail, and the shark’s tooth was the perfect fit. This has become our go-to sundowner cocktail this summer; it has just enough flair to make it feel like a proper treat and makes our patio feel like a five-star resort. 

If you’re looking for more summer cocktails, try our Rhubarb Gin Cocktail or the bold and fruity Blackberry Bramble Recipe next.

Ingredients (and Easy Swaps)

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this bold and refreshing Shark’s Tooth Cocktail—perfect for easy summer mixing with big tiki flavor.

• Light Gold Rum — Gold Havana Club is our top pick for smooth, mellow tiki flavor. Can’t find it? Bacardi Gold or Mount Gay Rum are easy-to-find stand-ins that still keep things tropical.
• Fresh Lime Juice — Adds a bright, citrusy bite that balances the sweetness. Fresh is best, but bottled works if that’s what you have on hand.
• Pineapple Juice — Brings the juicy, tropical base to this cocktail. Orange juice works in a pinch, but it won’t bring the same tropical vibe.
• Rich Simple Syrup — This is just a classic simple syrup made with a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. That extra sugar creates a more concentrated sweetness, which means you can use less and still get great flavor. It also helps the drink stay bold and balanced without tasting watered down.
• Luxardo Cherry Syrup — Deep, sweet, and just a little mysterious. No Luxardo? Maraschino cherry juice or grenadine will do, though they’re a bit simpler in flavor.
• Aged Jamaican Dark Rum — Using a Jamaican rum like Myers’s Rum will bring deep molasses notes and a real tiki character. Appleton Estate is another great option if that’s what you have.
• Luxardo Cherries — A final flourish with real cocktail bar energy. Maraschino cherries work in a pinch, but Luxardo is worth the splurge. You can also make your own using our Homemade Luxardo Cherry Recipe.

How to Make the Best Shark’s Tooth Cocktail: FAQs & Expert Tips

Do I need two types of rum to make a Shark’s Tooth Cocktail?

Yes, it’s worth it!  The gold rum adds smoothness, while the aged Jamaican rum float brings that bold, funky top note tiki cocktails are known for. If you only have one type of rum, go ahead and give this cocktail a try.  But if you get a chance, try it in the future with the layered approach for a more complex drink. 

Can I make this cocktail without a blender?

Absolutely. The Shark’s Tooth Cocktail is normally made with crushed ice and a quick blend—just enough to get that frosty, slushy texture. No blender? Just shake with the crushed ice until it softens slightly, then pour it all into your glass and pile on a bit of crushed ice to finish.

What’s the point of the Jamaican rum float?

It’s all about depth and drama. That float of Jamaican rum brings a little extra warmth, a hint of funk, and a slow-building richness that unfolds as you sip. It’s added last so the flavors evolve as you drink the cocktail, just the way Donn Beach intended.

Don’t skip the garnish.

Those Luxardo cherries aren’t just for show—they add a deep cherry aroma and just the right hint of sweetness to balance the bold cocktail flavors. Drop in two for the classic Shark’s Tooth look. Want the full Tiki experience? Add a lime wedge and tuck in a few pineapple leaves for a dramatic, island-inspired finish. It’s all about that little extra moment of magic in the glass.

Sharks Tooth Cocktail

The Shark’s Tooth Cocktail is a bold, tropical blend of rum, lime, pineapple, and Luxardo cherry syrup—quickly blended and topped with a float of aged Jamaican rum. Sweet, tart, and icy cold, it’s the ultimate tiki cocktail for hot weather and Shark Week sipping.

5 from 2 votes

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Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Caribbean

Servings 1 Cocktail

Calories 152 kcal

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

  

• 1 oz light gold rum
• ½ oz lime juice freshly squeezed
• ½ oz pineapple juice
• ¼ oz rich simple syrup recipe in notes
• ¼ oz Luxardo cherry syrup homemade Luxardo cherry recipe
• large scoop of ice
• 1 oz aged Jamaican rum
• 2 Luxardo cherries to garnish homemade Luxardo cherry recipe

Instructions

 

• Blend: add rum, lime juice, pineapple juice, rich simple syrup, and luxardo cherry syrup in a blender with a large scoop of crushed ice and blend quickly and pour into a prepared glass
• Serve: pour the shot of aged rum over the blended drink and garnish with 2 luxardo cherries. Serve immediately without a straw.

Notes

Rich Simple Syrup – To make rich simple syrup, combine 2 parts sugar with 1 part water in a small saucepan. Heat gently and stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Let cool before using. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

 

Keyword Shark’s Tooth Cocktail, Tiki Cocktail