We take a little literary turn now as we craft a cocktail pairing for this pineapple petit four.  Cocktails abound in books and book lore, from authors who are well known for their signature drink to the characters they create with similar proclivities.  Puzzle boxes on the other hand are fairly scarce in literature, although they make an important appearance in Anthony Doerr’s amazing novel, "All the Light We Cannot See”, which I highly recommend.  One of Charles Dickens' memorable characters from The Pickwick Papers is the Reverend Stiggins, who has a fondness for pineapple rum.  Pineapple rum was a common consumption in the 1800s, and dates back to the late 1700’s when distillers would soak pineapples into barrels of rum to sweeten it up.  The cocktail historian David Wondrich, who has researched, refined and resurrected numerous spirits (in this case literally and figuratively) from days long gone, has teamed up with the makers of fine cognacs and other spirits, Maison Ferrand, to recreate this old style of pineapple rum, which is not overly sweet but imparts delicious hints of the fruit.  

The Pineapple Express with Plantation Pineapple "Stiggin's Fancy" Rum -  a cocktail fit for Charles Dickens himself 

In homage to the raucous reverend, they have named it “Plantation Pineapple Rum, Stiggin’s Fancy 1824 Recipe” and bottled it with a retro cool label which recalls the best and worst of times.  The Pineapple Express cocktail, created by Freddie Sarkis from the Broken Shaker in Chicago, is a simple daiquiri (how could I resist?) which utilizes this special pineapple rum in a perfect way that lets you appreciate its subtle and unique flavor.  So treat yourself to something really special on the sweetest day, whether its puzzles, pineapples, potions, or simply the pleasure of your progeny, partner, and people in your life.

A Pleasing Pair of Pineapples - Cheers!

Pineapple Express by Freddie Sarkis

1 1/2 oz Plantation Pineapple Stiggin’s Fancy

3/4 oz 100 proof rhum agricole (e.g. Neisson)

3/4 oz fresh lime

1/2 oz simple syrup

Shake ingredients together over ice and strain into a favorite glass