The Bahama Mama is one of my favorite tropical cocktails to mix up when I want to feel like I’m on a sunny beach getaway. It’s fruity, smooth, and just the right amount of boozy with a blend of rum, coconut, and citrus flavors. Whether I’m lounging by the pool or hosting friends, this drink instantly sets the mood for fun and relaxation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how vibrant and refreshing this drink is—it’s like sipping vacation in a glass. It’s super easy to make, and the combination of dark rum, coconut rum, and sweet fruit juices makes every sip taste like paradise. I can make a single glass or scale it up for a crowd, and it never fails to impress.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Dark rum
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Coconut rum
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Orange juice
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Pineapple juice
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Grenadine
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Optional: fresh lime juice or a splash of lemon juice
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Ice
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Orange slice or cherry, for garnish
directions
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I fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
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I pour in the dark rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine.
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I shake it well until everything is chilled and mixed.
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I strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
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I garnish with an orange slice or a maraschino cherry before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 cocktail. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare. I can easily double or triple the recipe if I’m serving guests or making a pitcher.
Variations
Sometimes I add a splash of lime juice to balance out the sweetness or a dash of club soda for a fizzy twist. If I want it extra tropical, I’ll use banana liqueur or mango juice in place of some of the pineapple. For a frozen version, I blend everything with ice until slushy.
storage/reheating
This cocktail is best served fresh, but I’ve mixed a batch in advance for parties and kept it chilled in a pitcher for a few hours. I just stir it well before serving. No reheating needed—just ice cold refreshment.
FAQs
Can I use light rum instead of dark rum?
Yes, I’ve made it with light rum, but I find dark rum gives it a richer, more balanced flavor.
What’s the best juice ratio?
I usually go with equal parts orange and pineapple juice, but I adjust it depending on how sweet or citrusy I want it.
Is Bahama Mama a strong drink?
It has a good kick from the rum, but the fruit juices balance it out. I can make it stronger or lighter depending on my taste.
Can I make this into a frozen drink?
Absolutely. I just blend all the ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy, beachy treat.
What’s the difference between this and a rum punch?
Bahama Mama usually includes coconut rum and grenadine for a sweeter, tropical profile, while rum punch often leans more citrusy and spicy.
Conclusion
The Bahama Mama is the ultimate tropical escape in a glass. I love how easy it is to make and how festive it feels with every sip. Whether I’m relaxing solo or hosting a summer get-together, it’s my go-to cocktail for island vibes and sweet refreshment.
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Bahama Mama
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tropical cocktail that combines dark rum, coconut rum, and fruity juices into a refreshing, beachy drink—perfect for summer parties or lounging poolside.
Ingredients
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
- Optional: 1/2 oz fresh lime juice or splash of lemon juice
- Ice
- Orange slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add dark rum, coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled and mixed.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry before serving.
Notes
- Add lime juice for balance or club soda for fizz.
- Substitute banana liqueur or mango juice for a tropical twist.
- Blend with ice for a frozen version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
