Sparkling water, which is used to make different tropical drinks.
Exotic tropical drinks are a fun and festive way to add to any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a luau or just looking for a way to cool off, tropical drinks can be the key to a relaxing island vibe. These drinks are usually alcoholic, but any can be modified to remove the alcohol and leave behind a delicious, fruity refresher.
The margarita comes from Mexico and is popular in restaurants. The drink is a combination of tequila, ice and fruit juice. Margaritas are served straight over ice or blended with ice for a chilled treat. Traditionally, these drinks are made with a lemon-based juice, which can be made fresh or bought in stores as a “margarita mix.” Any fruit juice or fresh fruit can be used, depending on what you prefer or have on hand. Coconut, pineapple and strawberry are the popular flavors of this tropical drink from south of the border.
Bananas are used to make some tropical drinks.
A Cuban drink that is gaining popularity is the Mojito, a refreshing elixir. To make a traditional mojito, mix lemon juice, white sugar, and fresh mint leaves. The mixture must be kneaded to extract the mint flavor. Add a shot of light rum per drink and fill glasses with sparkling or sparkling water. A “Dirty Mojito” is an alternative drink, made with dark rum and brown sugar.
A jigger is used to measure alcohol to make tropical drinks.
Hawaii is home to many popular tropical drinks, perfect for serving with a luau or tropical meal. For a Lava Flow, blend ½ cup strawberries with 60ml light or coconut rum until smooth. Pour this mixture into a tall serving glass, then give the blender a quick rinse. Make a banana puree with coconut cream and pineapple juice. Slowly pour the banana mixture into the serving bowl and watch the beautiful streaks of strawberry “lava” seep through the bowl.
A mojito usually includes rum, mint leaves, sugar, sparkling water, and fresh lemon juice.
For a less creamy tropical Hawaiian drink, try the colorful Blue Hawaii. Invented in 1957 as a tropical drink to introduce a new liquor, this drink may be the most brilliant of all tropical drinks. To make one, combine vodka and Blue Curacao with one cup (8 oz) of pineapple juice. Traditionally, the mixture is served over ice, but you can also mix it with an ice scoop for a margarita-like texture. Light up some Elvis, serve and enjoy.
Pineapple is commonly used to make tropical drinks.
Garnishing your tropical drinks is one of the most important stages of preparation. To make a salt or sugar rim, fill one shallow bowl with water and another with salt or sugar. Turn a glass upside down and dip the rim first into the water, then into the liner. Another popular way to garnish tropical drinks is to string a slice of pineapple or a whole strawberry onto the rim of the glass. For non-fruit decorated tropical drinks, never underestimate the allure of a paper umbrella or decorative toothpick.
Tequila is the main ingredient in a margarita, a popular tropical drink.
Tropical drinks are often served in beautiful cocktail glasses. Traditionally, a margarita is served in a wide-brimmed margarita glass, a Mojito, or a Blue Hawaii with ice in a tall, straight glass and a curvy hurricane-shaped lava flow. However, a large glass of wine is an acceptable substitute for both. As elegant or simple as you like, any of these drinks is sure to bring a tropical breeze to your day.