Dovell and Moo's Missionary's Downfall

There used to be a restaurant in Chicago called Don the Beachcomber. As I understand it, Don's was part of a chain and was the original "tiki" restaurant and bar (predating Trader Vic's). Well there was a rum drink that my parents loved. As the family lore goes, Don's bartender wouldn't give them the recipe so they decided to figure it out for themselves. They'd drop in, have a Missionary, discuss what they thought were the ingredients, and then they'd rush home and try to reproduce the drink. Sometimes they'd do this several times in the same night. No fear of drunk driving in those days because they lived within walking distance. But they did tell us how once they got the idea to walk down Michigan Avenue with their eyes closed. The plan was one would keep their eyes open and serve as the guide for the other. But roles got crossed and they both closed their eyes as they walked down Michigan Avenue together. Ah youth! Here is their version of the Missionary's Downfall, which is pretty close to the recipe I've since found on the Web.

1 1/2 oz. light rum (kept in the freezer for maximum chill)
1 1/2 oz. simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled until sugar completely dissolves, this keeps well)
Juice of one lime
10-12 mint leaves
1/2 jigger of peach liquor (today I use Peachtree)
1 oz. of canned, crushed pineapple

Put rum, syrup, lime juice, mint leaves, Peachtree and pineapple in blender. Blend until mint leaves are completely chopped up and give a green tinge to the drink. Add crushed ice to your preference. You want the drink icy but not completely frozen. This should make one drink. I like to serve in a large martini or champagne glass (not a flute). For the full effect, keep glasses in freezer until ready to serve. Garnish with a sprig of mint.