Bring a Taste of the Caribbean Home with These Tropical Cocktails

Summer months inspire visions of sand, sun, surf and for many the perfect tropical cocktail. Whether in a tall glass, with a paper umbrella, or housed in a fresh coconut or pineapple, the following libations will give you a taste of the tropics.

Tall, Dark and Handsome

This grapefruit and rum tropical take on a Dark’ n Stormy is bright in flavor and appearance.

1 ounce Don Papa Rum

1.5 ounces grapefruit juice

.17 ounces Italicus Bergamot Liqueur

Tonic water to taste

Grapefruit slice for garnish

Preparation: Shake first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serve in an iced highball glass. Add tonic water to top off the glass and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Broken Pineapple

Vodka lovers will enjoy this fruity cocktail with Grenadine and pineapple juice.

1 ounce Broken Shed Vodka

2.5 ounces pineapple juice

¼ ounce vanilla bean infused Grenadine

Pineapple for garnish

Preparation: Combine vodka and pineapple juice with ice in a shaker, shake and then strain into a glass. Pour the vanilla bean-infused grenadine around the inside of the glass. Garnish with a pineapple chunk. 

Guava –Colada

This pina colada has a guava twist and is refreshing, creamy and fruity.

1.5 ounce Santa Teresa 1796 Rum

.75 ounce lime juice

.75 ounce guava juice

.75 ounce Coco Lopez Coconut Cream

Burnt cinnamon stick and lime wheel for garnish

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain and fill a Hurricane glass with crushed ice and serve. If desired, garnish with burnt cinnamon stick and lime wheel. 

Date Night

This floral fragrant drink with a hint of sparkle is perfect to start off any evening.

2 ounces X by Glenmorangie

2/3 ounce lemon juice

2/3 ounce elderflower cordial

Club soda or sparkling water to taste

Lemon slice for garnish

Preparation: Fill highball glass with crushed ice, add X by Glenmorangie, lemon juice and elderflower cordial. Stir and top with club soda or sparkling water to taste. Garnish with a lemon twist. 

Spicy Mango Daiquiri

This combination of spicy and sweet make the perfect daiquiri.

1.5 ounce Santa Teresa 1796 Rum

1 ounce lime juice

.5 ounce Monin Mango Syrup

1 or 2 dashes of bitters

Tajin spice and lime slice for garnish

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and fine strain in a chilled glass. Garnish with lime wheel and rim with Tajin spice. 

Non-Alcoholic Ocean Breeze

For those that enjoy a mocktail, this alcohol free drink is full of tropical flavors.

½ bottle of Betty Buzz Myer Lemon Club Soda

1.25 ounce pressed coconut water

Drop of vanilla

Mint and orange zest for garnish

Preparation: Add coconut water and vanilla  in a shaker with ice. Shake gently and strain into a stem or rocks glass with ice. Top with Betty Buzz Meyer Lemon Club soda and garnish with fresh mint and grated orange zest.

Written by Shaena Engle