Trader Vic’s Aku Aku

The word Aku-Aku can refer to a few things, one being the movement of a heavy flat bottomed object, and the other being a spiritual guide. It appears to be a rarotongan term, so the reality is anybody’s guess. But certainly you’ll be guided, spiritually to get your flat-bottomed object to a Trader Vic’s sometime for their delicious frozen concoction, the Aku-Aku.

Trader Vic’s Aku-Aku (Source: Trader Vic’s Tiki Party!)

• 1 ounce white rum
• 1/2 ounce peach liqueur
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces fresh pineapple chunks
• 8-10 large fresh mint leaves
• dash simple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups crushed ice

Blend until smooth, garnish with mint sprig and pineapple wedge

It’s a tasty drink, not a lot of booze but plenty of flavor.  The mint makes it really nice and refreshing, and since it’s blended, the mint leaves aren’t a thready or interruptive texture.  As well, as the bum pointed out, it’s a direct rip-off of Don the Beachcomber’s Missionary’s Downfall, with just a bit of difference in the amount of lime used (add about another ounce).  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so they say.

Blend, drink, and enjoy!