The High Tide is one of those cocktails that looks just as good as it tastes. Bright, beachy blue with a burst of tropical flavor, it’s the kind of drink that instantly feels like summer—whether you’re sitting on a patio, by the pool, or just dreaming of the ocean. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to impress friends or hit the spot on a warm evening.
High Tide
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball or Collins glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– A few fresh mint leaves
– Ice (enough to fill your glass)
– Lime slice, for garnish
How to Make It
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Add the white rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake it all up for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This helps everything chill and mix well.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice, then strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Gently clap a few mint leaves between your hands to release their oils, then add them as garnish along with a lime slice.
That’s it—your High Tide is ready to enjoy. It’s bright, citrusy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice—it makes a big difference in brightness and flavor.
– Don’t skip the mint. Even if you’re not a huge mint fan, it adds a refreshing aroma that lifts the whole drink.
– Shake well! A good shake chills the drink and blends the ingredients smoothly.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix everything except the ice and mint up to a few hours ahead. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, shake it with ice, pour, and garnish fresh.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Sometimes I like to switch things up depending on what I have on hand or the crowd I’m serving. Here are a few easy tweaks:
- Rum: Try dark rum for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Juice: Mango juice makes a fun twist—sweeter and a little thicker.
- Syrup: Agave syrup works well if you’re out of simple syrup or want a slightly different sweetness.
Fun Variations
Tropical High Tide
– Swap pineapple juice for mango juice.
– Everything else stays the same.
– The result is extra fruity and super smooth.
Spicy High Tide
– Infuse your simple syrup with jalapeño slices for a little heat.
– Adds a fun contrast to the sweet and citrusy base.
Coconut High Tide
– Use coconut water instead of pineapple juice.
– It’s lighter, hydrating, and has a subtle nutty flavor.
Virgin High Tide (Mocktail)
– Skip the rum and Blue Curaçao.
– Use extra pineapple juice and a splash of soda water for fizz.
– Still refreshing, still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Seafood
Think grilled shrimp, ceviche, or fish tacos. The tropical notes in the drink bring out the freshness of the seafood.
Grilled Chicken
The char and smoky flavors from the grill balance the cocktail’s sweet and tangy flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Especially with mango, pineapple, or kiwi—it’s like matching a drink with its fruity twin.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights, especially when I want something that feels festive without being fussy. The mint and lime give it a crisp finish, while the pineapple and Blue Curaçao bring that unmistakable beachy vibe.
Storage
If you’ve made a bigger batch, store any extra (without ice or mint) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake with ice before serving to bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Skip the rum and Blue Curaçao. Add extra pineapple juice and a splash of soda water for a non-alcoholic version.
What if I don’t have Blue Curaçao?
You can use Triple Sec or orange juice, but it’ll change the color and flavor slightly. Still tasty, just different.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use less simple syrup or swap it for a natural sweetener like stevia. You can also add a splash more lime juice for extra tang.
Best way to garnish?
Fresh mint leaves and a lime slice are classic. You could also add a pineapple wedge or a cocktail umbrella for a bit of fun.
Can I make a pitcher for a party?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by how many servings you want, mix everything (except ice and mint) in a large jug, chill, then shake individual servings with ice when it’s time to pour.
Other juices that work?
Try passion fruit, mango, or orange juice. Each gives a slightly different tropical vibe.
There’s something about that vibrant blue color and the zing of lime that makes the High Tide feel like a mini vacation in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just winding down after a long week, this cocktail brings a splash of the beach right to your kitchen. Cheers!
