A Kiss on the Lips is the kind of cocktail that instantly transports you to a breezy beach or the deck of a cruise ship—no passport needed. It’s icy, fruity, and sweet, with a tropical mango-peach combo that feels like summer in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to bring smiles all around. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting friends, this one’s a crowd-pleaser.
Kiss on the Lips
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (easily scales up)
Glassware: Martini or hurricane glass
Equipment: Blender
Ingredients
– 1 cup (150g) frozen mango chunks
– 1 cup (240ml) crushed ice
– 1 oz (30ml) peach schnapps
– 1 tbsp (15ml) grenadine syrup
Method
- In a blender, combine the frozen mango chunks and crushed ice. Pour in the peach schnapps.
- Blend until smooth and slushy. The texture should be thick but pourable—think adult smoothie.
- Pour the grenadine syrup into the bottom of your glass. Then gently pour the mango mixture on top to create a pretty layered effect. Don’t stir—it’s part of the charm!
Tips for Success
– Use frozen mango, not fresh. It gives the drink that frosty, smooth texture without needing extra ice.
– For a less sweet version, cut the grenadine in half or use a sugar-free version.
– Want it boozier? Add a splash of rum along with the schnapps.
– If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the mango sit at room temp for a few minutes before blending.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can blend the mango-ice-schnapps mixture ahead of time and freeze it in a sealed container. Just give it a quick stir or short blend before serving to refresh the texture. The grenadine should be added right before serving for that signature swirl.
Substitutions
– No peach schnapps? Try apricot brandy, coconut rum, or even peach juice for a non-alcoholic version.
– Out of mango? Frozen peaches or apricots work beautifully.
– Want a natural twist? Use pomegranate juice instead of grenadine.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is best served cold and fresh, ideally with a fun garnish. Here are a few ideas:
– A peach or mango slice on the rim
– A sprig of fresh mint
– A cocktail umbrella for that vacation vibe
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends—easy to whip up, and it always gets compliments.
Perfect Pairings
Pair this tropical delight with foods that balance its sweetness:
Grilled Shrimp
The smoky, savory flavors of shrimp are a perfect match for the fruity, icy drink. It’s like you’re dining seaside, even if you’re just in your backyard.
Tropical Fruit Salad
Let the fruit in your glass echo the fruit on your plate. Pineapple, kiwi, papaya—anything juicy and fresh will work.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Turn it into dessert hour. The creamy, subtle vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with the cocktail’s mango-peach brightness.
Fun Variations
Berry Kiss
– Use frozen mixed berries instead of mango
– Swap peach schnapps for raspberry liqueur
The result? A deeper, tangier flavor that still hits all the sweet, slushy notes.
Caribbean Kiss
– Add a splash of pineapple juice
– Use coconut rum instead of schnapps
– Serve in a sugar-rimmed glass
Tastes like a vacation in a glass.
Spicy Kiss
– Add a pinch of chili powder
– Use tequila instead of schnapps
– Rim the glass with chili-sugar
A little heat with your sweet—this one’s bold and fun.
Virgin Kiss on the Lips
– Blend frozen mango with peach juice and ice
– Add grenadine as usual
Perfect for kids or anyone skipping the alcohol. Still fruity, still fun.
Common Questions
Can I make this for a group?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients. A blender batch usually serves 3-4 drinks, depending on your glass size.
How do I get that layered look?
Pour the grenadine first, then slowly add the blended mango mix. It naturally settles on top without mixing—no spoon tricks needed.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes! Use less grenadine, opt for unsweetened fruit, or swap in fresh juice for schnapps.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yep. Store in an airtight container. When you’re ready, let it thaw a bit and stir or blend to get that slushy texture back.
What’s the best glass to use?
A hurricane glass adds a tropical touch, but a martini glass shows off the color beautifully. Use what you’ve got—this drink’s not fussy.
Is it kid-friendly?
The non-alcoholic version definitely is! Just swap the schnapps for juice and you’ve got a sweet, slushy treat kids will love.
Whether you’re making just one or a whole batch, Kiss on the Lips is a bright, breezy cocktail that brings the sunshine. It’s easy to personalize, fun to serve, and even more fun to sip. Cheers to sweet moments and good company!
