There’s something about the Caribbean Mist cocktail that feels like sunshine in a glass. With its creamy coconut flavor, sweet pineapple, and that eye-catching blue swirl from the blue curaçao, it’s the kind of drink that turns any day into a mini vacation. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially on warm evenings with friends-and it never fails to bring a little island magic to the table.
Caribbean Mist
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball or margarita glass
Storage: Best served fresh, but you can prep ahead (see tips below)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut cream
– 1 oz (30 ml) blue curaçao
– Ice (enough to fill your shaker and glass)
– Optional garnish: pineapple wedge, cherry, or cocktail umbrella
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the white rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice.
- Slowly pour the blue curaçao over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom, giving you that beautiful layered look.
- Add your garnish and serve right away.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass first-just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes. It helps keep the drink nice and cool.
– Use fresh pineapple juice if you can. It really boosts the tropical flavor.
– Don’t overdo the coconut cream-it can quickly overpower the drink. A little goes a long way.
– Want to make a batch? Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and shake in batches or stir in a large pitcher.
– I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails-this one’s perfect for sipping on a patio or pairing with light bites.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake well before serving. Add the blue curaçao right before pouring to keep the color layers fresh and pretty.
Ingredient Swaps
– No coconut cream? Try coconut milk for a lighter version, or almond milk for a nutty twist.
– Swap pineapple juice with mango juice for a different tropical flavor.
– No blue curaçao? A splash of grenadine gives a sunset effect instead of the ocean blue.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Grilled Fish
The smoky flavors of grilled mahi-mahi or snapper balance the drink’s sweetness.
Spicy Jerk Chicken
The creamy coconut and citrusy notes help cool down the heat.
Fresh Fruit Salad
A simple fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and papaya keeps the tropical theme going strong.
Fun Variations to Try
Sunset Mist
– Swap blue curaçao for grenadine
– You’ll get a warm pink-orange hue that looks like a tropical sunset
Tropical Storm
– Add a splash of dark rum and a dash of bitters
– This adds depth and a slightly spiced finish
Island Breeze
– Use coconut water instead of coconut cream
– Add a few fresh mint leaves
– It’s lighter, more refreshing, and perfect for hot afternoons
Mocktail Version
– Skip the rum and use more pineapple juice
– Add a squeeze of lime
– Use a non-alcoholic blue syrup (like blue raspberry or blue curaçao-flavored syrup) to keep the color
FAQs
Can I prep this drink in advance?
Yes! Mix everything except the blue curaçao. When you’re ready to serve, shake it up with ice, pour over fresh ice, and finish with the curaçao.
How do I get that layered look?
Pour the blue curaçao slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the drink. It’s heavier than the rest, so it’ll settle nicely at the bottom.
Is there a non-alcoholic blue curaçao?
There is! Look for blue-colored syrups in the cocktail mixer section of your store.
How do I garnish it?
Try a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or even a little paper umbrella for that vacation vibe.
What kind of rum works best?
A light white rum keeps the flavor crisp and clean. But if you like a little spice, a lightly aged or spiced rum can work too.
Too sweet for your taste?
Cut back on the coconut cream or blue curaçao. Or add a splash of soda water for a lighter, fizzy version.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want something special for a quiet night in, the Caribbean Mist is a simple, delicious way to bring a taste of the tropics home. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every sip.
