A Caribou Lou is basically sunshine in a glass. It’s sweet, fruity, and just strong enough to sneak up on you. With pineapple juice, coconut rum, and a serious splash of high-proof rum, it’s a tropical favorite that’s made its way from beach bars to backyard parties. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially during summer get-togethers-and I’ve picked up a few tips along the way to help you nail it every time.
Caribou Lou
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 drink (easily scaled for a crowd)
Glassware: Hurricane glass or highball glass
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can batch it ahead (see tips below)
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) Bacardi 151 rum (or another overproof rum)
– 1 oz (30 ml) Malibu coconut rum
– 5 oz (150 ml) pineapple juice (fresh if possible)
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: pineapple wedge or cherry
Method
- Fill a hurricane or highball glass all the way to the top with ice. This keeps the drink cool and slightly dilutes the stronger alcohols as you sip.
- Pour in 1 oz (30 ml) of Bacardi 151 rum. This is the strong stuff-if you want something a bit tamer, go with a regular light or gold rum instead.
- Add 1 oz (30 ml) of Malibu coconut rum. This gives the drink its signature tropical coconut flavor.
- Top it off with 5 oz (150 ml) of pineapple juice. Fresh juice really takes this up a notch, but canned or bottled works just fine too.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. Don’t shake-it’ll get foamy and lose that smooth, easy-sipping feel.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry if you’re feeling fancy. Totally optional, but it adds a nice touch.
Tips & Tricks
– Fresh pineapple juice gives a brighter, more natural sweetness. If using bottled, go for 100% juice with no added sugar.
– Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving-it keeps the drink colder longer.
– Want to cut the sweetness? Use a splash of soda water or swap out some juice for pineapple-flavored sparkling water.
– If you’re making this for a party, mix everything except the Bacardi 151 in a pitcher. Add the overproof rum right before serving to avoid it overpowering the batch.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix a big batch of Malibu and pineapple juice ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the overproof rum and ice when you’re ready to serve. If you’re scaling up, here’s a quick ratio:
– 1 part Bacardi 151
– 1 part Malibu
– 5 parts pineapple juice
Flavor Profile
Caribou Lou is sweet, fruity, and coconut-forward, with a bold kick from the high-proof rum. It’s dangerously smooth-definitely a “sip slowly” kind of drink. I love how the pineapple and coconut come together like a beach party in your mouth.
Ingredient Swaps
– Don’t have Bacardi 151? Use any overproof rum like Plantation O.F.T.D. or even a bold dark rum for a richer flavor.
– No Malibu? Try any coconut-flavored rum or even coconut vodka.
– Out of pineapple juice? Mango, passionfruit, or papaya juice all bring a tropical twist. I once used mango juice on a whim and it was a huge hit.
Recipe Variations
Arctic Caribou
– Swap the pineapple juice for cranberry juice. It’s tart, refreshing, and gives the drink a beautiful pink color.
Caribou Sunset
– Make the original Caribou Lou, then slowly pour a splash of grenadine down the side of the glass. Don’t stir-it’ll settle and create a gorgeous “sunset” effect.
Jungle Lou
– Add a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. It adds depth and a hint of spice that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Virgin Caribou Lou
– Mix pineapple juice, coconut water, and a splash of lime juice. It’s light, hydrating, and perfect for kids or anyone skipping the booze.
What to Serve with It
Caribou Lou pairs best with bold, flavorful dishes that can stand up to its sweetness:
Grilled Shrimp
The caramelized, smoky flavor of grilled shrimp works beautifully with the tropical fruitiness of this drink.
Jerk Chicken
Spicy and rich, jerk chicken gets balanced out by the cool, sweet notes of pineapple and coconut.
Mango Salad
A refreshing mango salad with lime, chili, and herbs brings out the drink’s juicy sweetness and adds a nice tangy contrast.
Common Questions
Can I make a lighter version?
Absolutely. Use regular white rum instead of Bacardi 151, and cut back slightly on the Malibu if you want to tone down the sweetness.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes-use unsweetened pineapple juice or mix in a splash of soda water to mellow it out.
Is it vegan?
Yes, just check your rum brands to make sure they don’t use animal-derived ingredients. Most major brands are vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of juice?
You can! Blend fresh pineapple with a bit of water until smooth. It’ll be thicker, but adds amazing fresh flavor.
How strong is it?
With Bacardi 151, it’s definitely strong. You’ll taste the alcohol less than you feel it. If you’re not used to overproof rum, go easy or try a lighter version.
How do I make it fancier?
Serve it in a chilled hurricane glass, garnish with a pineapple leaf, and maybe add a cocktail umbrella. A sprig of mint also adds a fresh aroma.
Final Thoughts
The Caribou Lou is one of those drinks that’s as fun to make as it is to sip. It’s bright, tropical, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights-easy to throw together and always a hit with friends. Whether you’re mixing up a single glass or a party pitcher, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is.
Try it your way, tweak the flavors, and find your perfect balance. Cheers!
