If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s like a little Caribbean vacation in a glass, the Mabi Cocktail is it. It’s bright, refreshing, and full of tropical flavor, with roots that go way back to island traditions. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails — it’s simple to make, easy to love, and perfect for warm evenings when you just want to kick back and relax.
Mabi Cocktail
Ingredients
What you’ll need:
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) Mabi concentrate (*see tip below*)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) simple syrup
– Soda water, to top off
– Ice cubes
– Lime wheel or mint sprig, for garnish
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
*Glassware:* A highball glass works best, but a mason jar adds a fun, rustic touch.
Method
- Fill a highball glass about three-quarters full with ice cubes.
- Pour in the rum, Mabi concentrate, lime juice, and simple syrup.
- Give it a gentle stir to blend everything together.
- Top off with soda water. Stir again lightly — just enough to mix without losing the bubbles.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or a fresh mint sprig, and serve right away.
Helpful Tips
– Chill your glass beforehand for an extra refreshing sip.
– Always use freshly squeezed lime juice — the bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing.
– If you can’t find Mabi concentrate, you can make a quick substitute by infusing simple syrup with tropical fruits like guava or passionfruit. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still taste amazing!
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, Mabi concentrate, lime juice, and simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add ice and soda water when you’re ready to serve.
Storage
If you somehow have leftover mixed base (without soda water), store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Once soda water is added, it’s best to drink it fresh — the fizz fades quickly.
What is Mabi?
Mabi (sometimes spelled Mauby) is a traditional Caribbean drink made from the bark of the Mabi tree. It’s lightly fermented, a little sweet, a little bitter, and super refreshing. The concentrate is a syrupy version used for cocktails and mocktails. It’s packed with flavor and brings a unique, earthy sweetness to the drink.
What it Tastes Like
The Mabi Cocktail hits you with a bright, citrusy punch from the lime, followed by the sweet, slightly earthy depth of the Mabi, and a crisp, fizzy finish from the soda water. That little hint of bitterness from the Mabi keeps it from being too sweet. Every sip feels like a cool breeze on a hot day — I’ve made this drink countless times for summer cookouts, and it’s always the first to disappear!
Food Pairings
Grilled seafood: Think shrimp skewers or a smoky grilled snapper — the cocktail’s citrus notes make everything pop.
Spicy appetizers: Jalapeño poppers, spicy wings, or even jerk chicken sliders go great. The Mabi Cocktail cools the heat perfectly.
Tropical salads: A mango, avocado, and shrimp salad with a light vinaigrette would be a dreamy match.
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun twists:
Spicy Mabi Cocktail
– Muddle a thin slice of jalapeño with the lime juice before mixing.
– Follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
– Adds a gentle heat that plays nicely with the sweetness!
Mabi Mojito Twist
– Muddle a few fresh mint leaves with the lime juice and simple syrup.
– Swap soda water for sparkling water if you like.
– The mint makes it extra refreshing.
Non-Alcoholic Mabi Fizz
– Skip the rum altogether.
– Double the Mabi concentrate and top with sparkling water.
– Perfect for anyone skipping the booze but still craving those tropical vibes.
Customizing Your Mabi Cocktail
– Rum choice: White rum keeps it light and crisp, but dark or spiced rum gives it a deeper, richer flavor.
– Sweetness level: If you prefer less sweetness, cut back on the simple syrup or swap it for honey.
– Fizzy twist: Try ginger beer instead of soda water for a spicy kick.
Common Questions
Can I make it without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just skip the rum and add a little extra soda or even coconut water for a tropical twist.
Is it sweet?
Yes, but the lime juice and soda water keep it from being syrupy. It’s nicely balanced — not cloying.
What if I can’t find Mabi concentrate?
Tropical fruit-infused syrups are a good backup, but if you can find Mabi, it’s worth it for that unique flavor.
Do I have to use white rum?
Nope. Feel free to play around with dark or spiced rums. Each one brings a different character to the drink.
Can I add anything else?
Sure! A sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of bitters can add even more depth.
How can I make it a little healthier?
Use a natural sweetener like agave or honey, and check that your Mabi concentrate doesn’t have added preservatives.
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This Mabi Cocktail has been my go-to for so many beach days and backyard BBQs. It’s simple, festive, and captures that easygoing island spirit in every sip. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the fun variations, it’s bound to be a hit!
