If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze, Don’s Delight might just become your new favorite. It’s a perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and fizzy, with just the right amount of citrusy zing. Whether you’re relaxing on the patio or hosting friends, this drink is a real crowd-pleaser. I’ve made it countless times, and it never disappoints—let me walk you through it!
Don's Delight
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one cocktail:
- White rum: 2 oz (60 ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 1 oz (30 ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz (15 ml)
- Simple syrup: 0.5 oz (15 ml) (or swap for agave syrup for a smoother sweetness)
- Club soda: A splash
- Ice: Enough to fill your glass
- Optional garnish: A lime slice, edible flower, or fresh mint sprig
Equipment: You’ll need a cocktail shaker, highball glass, and a strainer. If you don’t have a shaker, a mason jar with a lid works just fine.
Prep Time & Serving
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail
How to Make Don’s Delight
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the white rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the mixture feels cold to the touch. This chills the drink and blends the flavors perfectly.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass. (If you prefer a more elegant presentation, you can use a martini glass instead—just skip the ice in the glass.)
- Top it off with a splash of club soda for that light fizz. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a slice of lime or an edible flower for a pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprig of mint adds a lovely aroma too.
Take a sip—it’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of refreshing. Trust me, you’ll want to make another!
Tips for the Best Don’s Delight
- Always use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor. Bottled lime juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink extra refreshing. A quick 5 minutes in the freezer does the trick.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sugary cocktail, reduce the simple syrup slightly or use a sugar-free alternative.
Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re hosting a party, you can mix the rum, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup in a pitcher ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge until guests arrive, then pour over ice and top with club soda just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Don’s Delight pairs beautifully with light, summery foods. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled shrimp or a tangy ceviche—the citrus in the cocktail complements seafood perfectly.
- Spicy appetizers like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers—the sweetness in the drink balances the heat.
- Lemon or mango sorbet for dessert—a refreshing combo that’s hard to beat.
Variations to Try
Want to switch it up? Here are a few fun ways to make this cocktail your own:
Don’s Sunset
- Add a splash of cranberry juice for a pretty pink hue. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Don’s Cooler
- Muddle fresh mint leaves and cucumber slices before shaking the ingredients for a crisp, garden-fresh twist.
Don’s Orchid
- Add a splash of lychee liqueur for an exotic, floral note. Garnish with a lychee fruit for an elegant touch.
Virgin Don’s Delight
- Skip the rum and orange liqueur. Replace them with coconut water or a mix of pineapple and lime juice for a refreshing mocktail version.
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftover pre-mixed ingredients (minus the club soda), store them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Common Questions
What makes Don’s Delight special?
Its balance of sweet and sour flavors, along with its flexibility for creative garnishes, makes it a standout cocktail that everyone loves.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely! Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Just wait to add the club soda until right before serving to keep the fizz fresh.
What if I don’t have white rum?
You can substitute it with coconut rum for a tropical vibe or even vodka for a milder flavor.
How do I avoid making it too sweet?
Cut back on the simple syrup or swap it for honey or agave syrup, which have a more subtle sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Don’s Delight is one of those cocktails that feels like a mini vacation in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it solo on a quiet evening or serving it up at a party, it’s bound to impress. Play around with the variations and make it your own—you might even create the next great twist on this classic!
