A Beach Bum cocktail is sunshine in a glass—tropical, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s the kind of drink that instantly makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just relaxing on your back porch. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends, and I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner drinks that always brings a smile.
Beach Bum
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass or mason jar
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) peach schnapps
– 2 oz (60 ml) orange juice (fresh is best)
– 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice
– Dash of grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: orange slice, maraschino cherry, or paper umbrella
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the rum and peach schnapps.
- Add the orange juice and cranberry juice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until everything’s nicely chilled.
- Fill your glass with ice, then strain the cocktail into it.
- Slowly pour in a dash of grenadine—it’ll sink and give that gorgeous “sunset” look.
- Garnish with a cherry or orange slice. Add a little umbrella if you’re feeling festive.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh juice when possible—it really lifts the flavor.
– For a bolder color contrast, drizzle grenadine over the back of a spoon so it settles gently at the bottom.
– Shake gently if you want to keep the color layers more distinct.
– If you want to tone down the sweetness, cut back on grenadine or add a splash of club soda.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice a few hours ahead of time. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just shake with ice and add the grenadine right before serving for the best flavor and look.
Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. If you’ve made a batch and have leftovers (rare, but it happens!), store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours without the ice. Add ice and grenadine when you’re ready to serve again.
Substitutions & Variations
Swaps:
– Use coconut rum instead of white rum for a tropical twist.
– Try mango liqueur in place of peach schnapps for a deeper fruit flavor.
– Fresh pineapple juice can be added or swapped in for orange juice.
Non-Alcoholic Version:
Mix equal parts orange juice and cranberry juice, add a splash of grenadine, and serve over ice. Garnish the same way—it’s still a showstopper.
Variations
Sunset Beach Bum
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice for more tropical flavor.
– Build it the same way, adding pineapple juice after the orange juice.
Spicy Beach Bum
– Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the liquids.
– Shake and strain as usual for a surprising, spicy edge.
Berry Beach Bum
– Use mixed berry juice instead of cranberry juice.
– It gives a deeper, richer fruit flavor with a vibrant hue.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cocktail with foods that echo its beachy vibe:
Grilled Fish Tacos
The flaky fish and tangy slaw play so well with the sweet and citrusy notes of the drink.
Coconut Shrimp
Crispy, lightly sweet shrimp balances the fruitiness of the cocktail.
Mango Salsa with Chips
A little sweet, a little spicy—perfect for snacking and sipping.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: if you’re serving a crowd, make a pitcher of the base (everything but the grenadine and ice), and let guests pour their own over ice, adding grenadine last for that wow-factor.
Q&A
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Mix the main ingredients ahead, refrigerate, and add ice and grenadine just before serving.
What kind of rum should I use?
White rum keeps it light and crisp, but spiced rum adds a cozy twist if that’s your thing.
Too sweet?
Use freshly squeezed juices and go easy on the grenadine. A splash of seltzer also helps balance it out.
Frozen version?
Absolutely. Blend everything with a cup of ice for a slushy treat. Serve immediately while it’s still icy.
What if I don’t have peach schnapps?
Try apricot brandy or mango liqueur. Even a touch of triple sec works in a pinch—just expect a slightly different flavor.
Can I serve it in something other than a highball glass?
Sure! A mason jar gives it a laid-back, beachy look. Any tall glass will do.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just winding down after a long day, the Beach Bum brings those sunny, toes-in-the-sand vibes straight to your glass. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and even easier to enjoy with good company.
