Bahama Mama
This sunny rum cocktail layers pineapple, orange, coconut, and a splash of grenadine over plenty of ice. It is fruity, bright, and easy to shake at home with standard bar tools.
Total
5 min
Servings
1 cocktail
Level
Easy
A Bahama Mama is a tropical rum drink with big vacation energy: pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut rum, and grenadine come together in a tall glass of ice.
Many versions include dark rum for depth and a little lime juice to keep the drink from tasting too sweet. This recipe keeps the method simple and the balance bright, so it works for a backyard cookout, beach-themed party, or relaxed evening at home.
You do not need fancy equipment, but a cocktail shaker helps chill and blend the juices. If you do not have one, a jar with a tight lid works well.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
8 items · 1 cocktail
- 1 ounce coconut rum
- 1 ounce dark rum
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- 1 cup ice, plus more for serving
- Pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry, for garnish
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Chill the glass
Fill a hurricane glass, tall glass, or large rocks glass with ice. Let it sit while you mix the drink so the glass gets cold.
2. Measure the rums
Pour the coconut rum and dark rum into a cocktail shaker. Measuring helps keep the drink balanced instead of too strong or too sweet.
3. Add the juices
Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, and fresh lime juice to the shaker. Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail a clean, tart edge.
4. Pour in the grenadine
Add the grenadine. Grenadine is a sweet red syrup, often made with pomegranate flavor, and it gives the drink color and a fruity note.
5. Shake with ice
Add about 1 cup of ice to the shaker. Close it tightly and shake for 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside feels cold.
6. Strain over fresh ice
Discard the ice from the serving glass if it has melted a lot, then refill the glass with fresh ice. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
7. Garnish and serve
Add a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry. Serve right away while the drink is cold and the flavors are bright.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: Mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate, then shake with the rums and ice just before serving.
- Storage: A finished Bahama Mama is best served immediately. If it sits, the ice melts and waters it down.
- Batch for a small group: For 6 cocktails, combine 6 ounces coconut rum, 6 ounces dark rum, 12 ounces pineapple juice, 6 ounces orange juice, 3 ounces lime juice, and 3 ounces grenadine. Chill, then shake individual portions with ice or stir the batch well and pour over ice.
- Rum swap: Use light rum instead of dark rum for a cleaner, lighter flavor. Use all coconut rum if you want a sweeter, more coconut-forward drink.
- Less sweet option: Cut the grenadine to 1/4 ounce or add an extra squeeze of lime.
- No shaker: Use a clean jar with a tight lid. Shake carefully, then strain through the lid opening or a small sieve if needed.
Cook's note
This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. For a nonalcoholic version, skip the rums and use 2 ounces coconut water or coconut-flavored sparkling water. Shake or stir with the juices, lime, grenadine, and ice.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
What is in a Bahama Mama?
A Bahama Mama usually includes rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, and sometimes lime juice. Some older versions also include coffee liqueur, but this recipe keeps the flavor tropical and fruit-forward.
Can I make a Bahama Mama without coconut rum?
Yes. Use light rum or dark rum instead, then add a small splash of coconut water or a few drops of coconut extract if you still want coconut flavor. The drink will be less sweet without coconut rum.
Why is my Bahama Mama too sweet?
The usual cause is too much grenadine or very sweet juice. Add more fresh lime juice, use unsweetened pineapple juice, and measure the grenadine carefully.
Can I blend this into a frozen Bahama Mama?
Yes. Add the ingredients to a blender with 1 to 1 1/2 cups ice and blend until slushy. If it is too thick, add a splash more pineapple juice.
What glass should I use?
A hurricane glass is traditional for tropical cocktails, but any tall glass or large rocks glass works. The most important thing is plenty of ice.
05Keep cooking
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