As the summer sun sets and the stars come out, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a bar or poolside with friends to enjoy a refreshing tropical cocktail. The tiki movement, born in the 1930s, has been making waves once again in recent years, thanks to its unique blend of exotic flavors, colorful presentation, and nostalgic charm.
To help you bring a taste of the islands into your own backyard this summer, we’ve rounded up 19 mouth-watering tropical tiki drink recipes that are sure to please even the most discerning palates. From classic Mai Tais to bold Piña Coladas and sweet Zombie Cocktails, there’s something for everyone in this collection of rum-based (and occasionally vodka-infused) treats.
So grab your shaker, don your favorite Hawaiian shirt, and get ready to shake up some fun with these tropical tiki drink recipes!
Classic Mai Tai with Fresh Lime Juice
Experience the tropical charm of this iconic cocktail, elevated by a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum (Jamaican or other type)
– 1 oz light rum
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz orange curaçao
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of club soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, light rum, lime juice, orange curaçao, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a prepared glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your Classic Mai Tai with Fresh Lime Juice!
Zombie Cocktail with Multiple Rums
A tropical blend of rums, fruit juices, and spices, this Zombie cocktail is a refreshing treat for those who dare to venture into the undead’s lair.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Dark Rum
– 1/2 oz Light Rum
– 1/2 oz Gold Rum
– 1/2 oz Coconut Cream
– 4 oz Pineapple Juice
– 2 oz Orange Juice
– 1 oz Grenadine Syrup
– Splash of Club Soda
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the Dark Rum, Light Rum, Gold Rum, Coconut Cream, Pineapple Juice, Orange Juice, and Grenadine Syrup.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a hollowed-out pineapple or glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of Club Soda.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few shakes.
Piña Colada with Coconut Cream
This creamy twist on the classic Piña Colada recipe adds a rich and velvety texture, perfect for sipping on a warm summer day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1 cup coconut cream
– 1/2 cup white rum (optional)
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple juice, coconut cream, and honey. Blend until smooth.
2. Add white rum, if using, and blend until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or rum level to your liking.
4. Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Blue Hawaiian with Blue Curaçao
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this refreshing cocktail featuring the vibrant blue hue of Blue Curaçao. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz light rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz Blue Curaçao
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Add light rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and Blue Curaçao.
3. Shake well for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry (if desired).
6. Enjoy your tropical getaway!
Cooking Time: None required! This cocktail is ready to serve in just a few minutes.
Painkiller with Pineapple and Nutmeg
Take your typical painkiller cocktail to the next level by adding sweet and spicy elements. This refreshing drink is perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Pinch of nutmeg
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and grenadine syrup.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top (optional).
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Scorpion Bowl for Sharing
A vibrant and flavorful sharing dish that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. This Scorpion Bowl is a symphony of textures, colors, and flavors, with each component complementing the others in harmony.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked sushi rice
– 1/2 cup black bean and corn mixture (cooked)
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese
– 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked sushi rice, black bean and corn mixture, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the ingredients and sprinkle with salt to taste.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time), serves 6-8
Singapore Sling with Cherry Brandy
A refreshing twist on the classic Singapore Sling cocktail, this recipe adds a hint of cherry flavor with the addition of cherry brandy. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a fruity and festive drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz gin
– 1 oz cherry liqueur
– 1 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
– 3-4 dashes Angostura bitters
– Splash of soda water
– Cherry brandy (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, cherry liqueur, orange juice, grenadine syrup, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Add Angostura bitters (3-4 dashes).
6. Top with a splash of soda water.
7. Garnish with a cherry and a sprig of mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Navy Grog with Honey and Grapefruit
Combine the classic Navy Grog cocktail with sweet honey and tangy grapefruit for a refreshing twist.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1/2 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– Splash of grenadine
– Ice
– Grapefruit slice or wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, honey syrup, and grapefruit juice.
3. Shake gently for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of grenadine for color and flavor.
6. Garnish with a grapefruit slice or wedge.
Cooking Time: None (ready in under 2 minutes!)
Enjoy your unique Navy Grog with Honey and Grapefruit cocktail!
Jet Pilot with Cinnamon and Falernum
Elevate your cocktail game with this smooth and spicy Jet Pilot variation. The addition of cinnamon and falernum takes the classic recipe to new heights, perfect for sipping on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz bourbon or whiskey
– 1 oz cinnamon-infused simple syrup (see note)
– 1/2 oz falernum liqueur
– 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add bourbon, cinnamon-infused simple syrup, falernum, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Planters Punch with Dark Rum
This refreshing cocktail is a perfect blend of tropical flavors, featuring dark rum as the star of the show. With a hint of citrus and spices, this punch is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed Orange Juice
– 1 oz Pineapple Juice
– 1/2 oz Grenadine Syrup
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
– Splash of Club Soda
– Ice
– Orange slice and cherry for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Chi-Chi with Vodka and Coconut
This tropical twist on the classic cocktail adds a creamy coconut element and a kick of vodka to create a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz vodka
– 1/2 oz coconut cream
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of grenadine syrup (optional)
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
3. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. If desired, add a splash of grenadine syrup for a hint of sweetness.
6. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cooking Time: None (just shake and serve!)
Royal Hawaiian with Gin and Pineapple
Royal Hawaiian with Gin and Pineapple: A refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this drink combines the sweetness of pineapple with the crispness of gin.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz gin
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Splash of grenadine (optional)
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry (optional).
6. If desired, add a splash of grenadine for an added layer of flavor.
Cooking Time: None
Three Dots and a Dash with Allspice Dram
A modern twist on the classic Tiki cocktail, this recipe combines the warm spices of allspice dram with the refreshing flavors of lime and ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz allspice dram
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum and allspice dram to the shaker.
3. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice.
4. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients (about 10-15 seconds).
5. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
6. Top with ginger beer and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Banana Daiquiri with Overproof Rum
Transform a classic cocktail into a Caribbean-inspired treat by adding the rich flavor of overproof rum to your banana daiquiri.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 1/2 oz overproof rum (such as Myers’s or Smith & Cross)
– 1 oz white rum (such as Bacardí or Brugal)
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup crushed ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine sliced bananas, overproof rum, white rum, and lime juice.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add crushed ice and blend until well combined and frosty.
4. Pour into glasses and garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! Simply blend and serve.
Mai Kai Rum Barrel Cocktail
Escape to a tropical paradise with this creamy rum cocktail, featuring the iconic Mai Tai flavors of pineapple, orange, and rum. This Mai Kai Rum Barrel Cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Dark Rum
– 1 oz Pineapple Juice
– 1/2 oz Orange Curacao
– 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 cup Club Soda
– Pineapple wedges and cherry halves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, pineapple juice, orange curacao, simple syrup, and lime juice.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a hollowed-out pineapple or a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda and garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry halves.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, serve, and enjoy!
Port Light with Bourbon and Passion Fruit
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Port Light. The sweetness of passion fruit pairs perfectly with the richness of bourbon, making for a unique and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz port wine
– 1 oz bourbon whiskey
– 1 oz passion fruit puree
– 1/2 oz lemon juice
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the port wine, bourbon, and passion fruit puree.
3. Add a squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 oz).
4. Top with a splash of soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
Cooking Time: None required – just mix and serve!
Enjoy your Port Light with Bourbon and Passion Fruit!
Polynesian Pearl Diver with Orgeat
A tropical twist on the classic cocktail, this Polynesian Pearl Diver combines the creamy richness of orgeat with the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple and coconut.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 oz white crème de cacao
– 1 oz orgeat syrup
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– Splash of club soda
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add rum, white crème de cacao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with pineapple wedges and cherry.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, so just shake and serve!
Suffering Bastard with Ginger Beer
This refreshing twist on the classic cocktail combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with the herbal notes of a Suffering Bastard. Perfect for warm weather or any time you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 3/4 ounce dark rum
– 1/2 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur (such as Domaine de Canton)
– 4 ounces ginger beer
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add gin, rum, lime juice, and ginger liqueur.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer.
6. Stir gently to combine.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (ready in minutes!)
Tradewinds with Apricot Brandy
Experience the warmth of the Caribbean with this rich and aromatic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Tradewinds rum
– 1/2 oz apricot brandy
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1/2 oz orange juice
– Splash of grenadine
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Tradewinds rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
3. Shake gently to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of grenadine for a subtle sweetness.
6. Garnish with pineapple wedges and a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation)
Summary
Get ready to cool off this summer with these 19 tropical tiki drink recipes! From classic cocktails like the Mai Tai and Piña Colada, to more adventurous creations like the Zombie and Scorpion Bowl, there’s something for everyone. With a range of flavors from coconut cream to honey and grapefruit, you’re sure to find your new favorite drink. So grab some rum, pineapple juice, and other tropical ingredients and get mixing! Perfect for summer nights spent lounging by the pool or having a backyard BBQ with friends.