Preparation
- Add all ingredients to a suitable blender along with about half a cup of crushed ice to start.
- Blend until an even, icy texture forms. Add a little more ice if needed.
- Pour the entire contents into the serving glass.
- Finish with a garnish: mint sprig and pineapple slice.
What does it taste like?
Pineapple and mint take the lead. Both are fresh in the glass rather than in syrup form, which is why the drink tastes juicy and herbaceous. The honey lends a round, soft sweetness, while the lime pushes back with acidity. Peach liqueur adds a second layer of fruit on top. Rum is dosed rather sparingly at 30 milliliters and stays in the background. Blending with crushed ice makes everything cold, thick, and slightly foamy, almost like a smoothie. The danger here: the alcohol is hardly noticeable.
When does it work best?
The Missionary's Downfall is a drink for a lazy afternoon outdoors or a summer party. It's fruity, cold, and easy to drink, making it suitable for beginners too. It doesn't pair well with food, being too sweet and too thick for that. If you prefer clear, dry cocktails, you'll find it too fruity. Set aside some time—there's no making this one without a blender.
What matters
Mix the honey blend beforehand: equal parts honey and water, otherwise the honey won't dissolve in the cold drink. Use fresh pineapple and fresh mint, as both give this recipe its character. Blend only until the mixture is evenly icy. Blending too long warms it up, makes it watery, and turns the mint bitter.
Where the drink comes from
The Missionary's Downfall is credited to Donn Beach and his circle around Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood. It dates from the early Tiki era. Many Tiki drinks rely mainly on strong spirits. Here it's different: mint, pineapple, honey, and the blended icy texture take center stage. That's why the result depends just as much on fresh ingredients as on the choice of rum. Tired pineapple or wilted mint stand out immediately. This also explains why this drink comes from the blender and not the shaker.