Tropical drinks are often served with fruit as a garnish.
Tropical mixed drinks are often associated with warm weather and exotic locales. They are typically either a rum-based, tequila-based or vodka-based drink, and may be served either frozen or on the rocks. Tropical drinks are also usually served in clear glasses so that customers can see their bright, layered hues. Sometimes they are served along with bits of fruit such as pineapples or cherries, as well as a cocktail umbrella for garnish.
Tropical Rum-Based Drinks
Rum-based drinks are among the most popular types of tropical mixed drinks. Rum is an alcohol made from the byproducts of sugarcane and tends to go well with the sweet and fruity mixers used in tropical drinks. Some of the most popular tropical drinks mixed with rum include the pina colada, Bahama mama and Malibu breeze. These drinks have a distinct, sugary taste due in large part to their mixers. For instance, the pina colada is a mix of coconut juice, pineapple juice and rum. The Bahama mama features dark rum, light rum, pineapple juice, lemons, coffee liqueur and coconut liqueur.
Tropical Vodka-Based Drinks
Vodka is a Russian alcohol distilled from items like potatoes and grain. However, it is one of the most common liquors in the world and is often used in mixed drinks, including tropical mixed drinks. Some tropical cocktails made with vodka include the screwdriver, which is a simple mixture of vodka and orange juice; and the beachcomber, which is mixed with coconut rum, orange juice and pineapple.
Tropical Shots
Many bars also serve single-shot servings of alcohol to patrons. Some serve specialty, tropical fruit liqueur-based shots. These shots often combine two or three ingredients such as a liqueur plus a type of soda or syrup. For example, the neon green punch shot consists of liqueur and citrus soda. The shots, much like larger tropical cocktails, are often brightly colored.
Frozen Drinks
Frozen cocktails are another popular type of tropical mixed drinks. Some classic rum- and vodka-based cocktails such as the pina colada can be served either frozen or on the rocks. However, perhaps the most common type of tropical frozen drink is the margarita. Frozen margaritas are a mix of tequila, triple sec, lime juice and crushed ice. The ingredients are typically blended together and served in a special margarita glass. Many bartenders also salt the rim of the margarita glass and serve the drink with a lime. The frozen nature of the drinks make them ideal in tropical locations.
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