Inspired by Admiral Ackbar’s ambush revelation during the Battle of Endor, “It’s a Trap” is a deceptively smooth, strong cocktail that balances multiple spirits with bright fruit and citrus for an easy-drinking yet dangerous finish. (Recipe Below)
While Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) lead a covert team on the planet to infiltrate the Empire base and lower the Death Star's shields, Lando Calrissian (Bily Dee Williams) and Admiral Akbar (Tim Rose (puppeteer), Erik Bauersfeld (voice)) command the rebel group that will attach the Death Star from space. As the rebel space battalion goes in to attack the Death Star, Admiral Ackbar realizes that it is fully operational and that they've been lured into an ambush. He exclaims, "It's a Trap!", and the rebel army is left to fight their way out. "It's a Trap" is our second cocktail, inspired by the ambush, we wanted to craft a cocktail that is so well balanced and delicious, you don't realize how strong it really is. Served in a Collins glass, this cocktail is an (almost) equal parts cocktail of Tequila, Gin, Silver Rum, Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, and Lime Juice. Shake it to emulsify the alcohol into the juices and top with soda water if there is any space in the glass. This cocktail is a bit sweet, tangy, and with a hint of smoke and botanicals from the Tequila and Gin. Easy to make, easy to drink, because "It's a Trap"!
It’s a Trap
.75 oz (22.5mL) Tequila
.75 oz (22.5mL) Gin
.75 oz (22.5mL) White Rum
.75 oz (22.5mL) Melon Liqueur
1 oz (30mL) Pineapple Juice
.75 oz (22.5mL) Lime Juice
Top Soda Water
In a shaker, combine .75 oz Tequila, .75 oz Gin, .75 oz White Rum, .75 oz Midori, 1 oz Pineapple Juice, and .75 oz Lime Juice. Add Ice, shake for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled collins glass with spheres and top with soda water. Garnish with a Maraschino Cherry.
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Teremana Reposado
80 proof/40% ABV, NOM 1613
Siete Bucks Spirits
Made from Jalisco region Blue Weber Highlands Agave. This small batch tequila is aged in American whiskey barrels producing oak and vanilla notes in this citrusy, smooth tequila with a slight char.
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Aviation Gin
84 proof/42% ABV
Diageo Company
A dry gin that balances citrus and herbal notes to make it a clean, multipurpose gin.
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Bacardi Superior White Rum
80 proof/40% ABV
Bacardi Limited
Designed for mixing, this rum has lightly floral and citrus notes. Bacardi rum is made from molasses a sugar cane biproduct, fermented with a proprietary yeast blend and aged in American Whiskey and Bourbon barrels.
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Melon Liqueur
Suntory Global
A lightly sweetened liqueur made with musk melons giving it hints of and earthy melon flavor without defining which melon. Great for adding sweetness and for smoothing out the astringent bite of high proof spirits.
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Pineapple Juice
4-6% Acidity
Similar to Lemon Juice in acidity, but significantly more natural sugars which leaves a naturally balanced juice if freshly pressed. It is highly recommended to test the sweetness of the juice before adding additional sweeteners.
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Lime Juice
6% - 8.5% Acidity
Lime juice is generally the most acidic of the citrus fruit juices used cocktails. The high acidity can help balance flavors and smooth bitterness as well as astringent flavors of high-spirited or unfiltered alcohol. Limes that have had more time to ripen will render a more concentrated and sweeter flavor with floral notes adding complexity to a cocktail. It is advisable to taste your fresh-pressed juice and adjust added sweeteners accordingly.
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Soda Water
Soda water is a great neutral mixer that will lower overall ABV while highlighting the flavor of the spirit. The effervescence adds a texture and interest of a drink while masking some of the bite associated with grain alcohol.
Against All Odds: Celebrating Return of the Jedi with Two Cocktails from Endor to “It’s a Trap!”
Set one year after Han and Leia declare their love, Return of the Jedi follows a wildly improbable rescue from Jabba the Hutt and a high-risk plan—mercifully excluding C-3PO’s calculations—to save the galaxy. The story culminates on Endor, where Luke confronts Darth Vader while the Rebels battle Imperial forces on the forest moon and in space above. Inspired by the Ewok homeland, the “Endor” cocktail blends woodsy gin, warm spices, and maple to evoke the depth of the forest and the brewing conflict. The ambush revealed by Admiral Ackbar’s iconic “It’s a Trap!” becomes a deceptively strong, well-balanced cocktail that hides its power behind bright, tropical flavors. With a calculated success rate of just 31%, the Battle of Endor stands as a triumph of heart, hope, and celebration—perfectly paired with two victory-worthy drinks.
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