Knickerbocker Special

This week I’m staying old school, Savoy style, but changing up the base spirit.  I’m switching gears over to rum and I’m going to be mixing up the Knickerbocker.  Well, more specifically, the Knickerbocker Special from the Savoy.  I include the differentiator because the standard Knickerbocker recipe is completely different, calling for dry and sweet vermouth and gin.  Basically a Martini with a new name.  And since I’ve already explored the Martini, more than once, I’ll be sticking to the rum variant exclusively.

Knickerbocker Special (Savoy via Underhill Lounge)

1 1/2 oz Rum
1 tsp Raspberry Syrup
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Orange Juice
2 Dashes Curacao
1 Chunk of Pineapple

1) Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice
2) Shake until well chilled
3) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
4) Garnish with pineapple

The pineapple bit is  speculative on my part.  Erik suggests muddling it with the other ingredients before shaking and straining.  The Savoy doesn’t mention what to do with it.  I’ll play around and let you know what I find out.
As for the name, my first guess was that it was named after the half-pants of the same name.  Thankfully Dr. Cocktail has a better explanation in Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails.  “‘Father Knickerbocker’ was the allegorical patron saint of New York City and generations of native New Yorkers claimed kinship to him.”  That certainly makes a lot more sense.

On to the mixing!