Bahama Mama on the Rocks

The Bahama Mama is a classic tropical cocktail that combines smooth coconut rum with flavorful fruit juices and a splash of grenadine. It’s the perfect drink to sip on while lounging by the pool or out on the beach in the summertime.

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality dark rum for the best flavor.
• Opt for freshly squeezed lime juice over bottled.
• Swap out 1 to 2 ounces of pineapple juice with orange juice for a different variation of this cocktail.
• Add a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
• Stir in a tablespoon of Bacardi 151 for an extra punch just before serving.

Recipe Variations:

• Make the Original: It may sound unusual, but the original version includes a little coffee liqueur. Add a splash or two for a flavor twist.
• Make it Frozen: Use a high-powered blender, some ice, and the liquid ingredients to blend this cocktail into a frozen Bahama Mama!
• Make a Mocktail: Turn this cocktail into a Bahama Mama mocktail by omitting the rum. Use pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine for a non-alcoholic fruit-flavored drink.
• Make a Pitcher: Make as much as you need in a pitcher with ice. Keep the ratios the same (or add a bit more rum) and scale the recipe up. It’s perfect for serving a crowd.
• Add Some Orange Juice: Our recipe does not include orange juice. You can easily add it by replacing some of the pineapple juice with orange juice.

Storage:

Refrigerator: This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, remove the ice and store them in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours.

What’s the Difference Between a Mai Tai and a Bahama Mama?

A Mai Tai is a classic cocktail made with rum, orange Curaçao, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. A Bahama Mama is made with coconut rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.

The taste of the two drinks differs slightly; while the Mai Tai has a sweet and tart flavor combination, the latter offers a fruity burst from the pineapple juice. Both beverages are served over ice in tall glasses.

Other Drinks With Pineapple Juice:

• Pineapple Upside Down Cake Drink
• Pineapple Martini
• Pineapple Coconut Margarita
• Blue Hawaiian
• Malibu Sunset
• Electric Smurf

Other Rum Cocktails to Try:

• Tropical Vodka Punch
• Frozen Daiquiri
• Dark and Stormy
• Malibu Bay Breeze
• Key Lime Martini
• Painkiller Drink

Ingredients and Possible Substitutions:

• Ice: You’ll need enough ice to fill a glass.
• Pineapple Juice: Use your favorite pineapple juice (canned, fresh, or jarred). The color and taste of the cocktail will vary slightly based on the type of juice you choose.
• Coconut Rum: We prefer coconut rum for its sweeter taste and tropical flavor. Feel free to use white rum if you prefer. It’s a great way to make the cocktail less sweet.
• Dark Rum: We like good quality dark rum for this drink. If one isn’t available, gold rum makes a good substitute. Avoid using spiced rum because the spices don’t mix well with the other flavors.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is the way to go. Steer clear of bottled lime juice if possible. The acid from the fresh lime juice works well to balance out the other flavors.
• Grenadine: You’ll need enough grenadine to top off your drink (a couple of splashes). Add as much or as little as you like. Depending on how much you add, the color of the drink goes from a bright yellow color to a pinkish-orange color to red. If you don’t want grenadine, skip it altogether or use maraschino cherry juice. It’s not exactly the same but will give you a similar look.
• Garnish: Pineapple wedges, lime slices, or maraschino cherries make a great garnish!

How to Make a Bahama Mama:

This drink takes less than 5 minutes to make, and you’ll be on your way to beachside bliss!

1. Pour the pineapple juice, coconut rum, dark rum, and lime juice into a glass over ice.
2. Top off with grenadine, and stir to combine.
3. Garnish, and serve.