A Sundowner is a simple rum cocktail consisting of coconut rum, pineapple juice and Angustura bitters mixed over ice.
A tropical rum cocktail is the next best thing to a beach vacation. Developed in the Caribbean in the 1600s, rum's popularity endures today. With a molasses base and 10 varieties--white, gold, aged, dark, spiced, flavored, Demerara, Agricole, overproof and navy--the cocktail applications for rum are infinite. Try one of these recipes to elevate your next cocktail from an ordinary beverage to a tropical escape.
Mai Tai
To mix a Mai Tai, fill a Boston shaker with ice and add 1 oz. white rum, 1 oz. dark rum, 1 oz. creme de noyaux (almond liqueur), ½ oz. triple sec, 1 ½ oz. sour mix, and a squeeze of lime juice. Cover, shake and strain into a tall cocktail glass. Top the mixture with pineapple juice and garnish with pineapple and maraschino cherries. Add an umbrella for a tropical look.
Bahama Mama
The Bahama Mama gets its tropical flavor from pineapple juice and coconut flavored rum. Traditionally, this is served as a cocktail, but is occasionally served as a shooter, as well. To mix, fill a Boston shaker with ice and add 1 oz. coconut rum, 1 ½ oz. gold rum, 1 ½ oz. Nassau Royale Liqueur, 2 oz. pineapple juice, 2 oz. orange juice, a dash of Angostura bitters and a dash of grenadine (or cherry juice). Cover, shake and strain into a tall cocktail glass. Garnish with the fruit of your choice. Pineapple, orange slices, or maraschino cherries are common. In place of Nassau Royale liqueur, you may substitute coconut or vanilla liqueur.
Pina Colada
The ubiquitous drink on beaches and island cruises, the Pina Colada is a rich and creamy cocktail consisting of light rum, coconut cream and pineapple. To make an old-fashioned-style Pina Colada, you will need a blender. In a blender, add 2 cups of crushed ice, 3 oz. light rum, 3 tbsp. coconut cream and 3 tbsp. crushed pineapple. Blend on high until ingredients are combined and serve in a tall cocktail glass with a straw.
Strawberry Daiquiri
The Strawberry Daiquiri is a simple, sweet cocktail that can be served up, on the rocks or blended. For variation, replace the strawberries with your favorite fruit. To make a blended Strawberry Daiquiri, combine in a blender, ½ oz. strawberry schnapps, 1 oz. light rum, 1 oz. lime juice, 1 tsp. confectionary sugar and 1 oz. fresh strawberries. This mixture can be served as-is, or strained into a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh strawberries and/or whipped cream.
Sundowner
The Sundowner is a quick and easy-to-make cocktail with just three ingredients: coconut rum, pineapple juice and Angostura bitters. To a Boston shaker, add ice, 1 ½ oz. coconut rum, 5 oz. pineapple juice and two dashes of Angostura bitters. Cover, shake and strain into a tall cocktail glass and garnish with your choice of fruit.
Tags: pineapple juice, cocktail glass, tall cocktail, tall cocktail glass, Angostura bitters, Boston shaker, coconut pineapple