There’s something magical about ending your day with a Sundowner cocktail in hand. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, it’s like a little celebration of the day’s best moments. Whether you’re watching the sun dip below the horizon or just kicking back after a long day, this drink is your perfect companion. I’ve been making Sundowners for years—it’s my go-to for summer evenings—and I’m excited to share my favorite recipe with you.
Sundowner
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for one glass:
- 2 oz (60ml) rum (light or aged works beautifully)
- 1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 0.5 oz (15ml) simple syrup (homemade is easy: equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved)
- Club soda to top up
- Ice cubes (enough to fill your glass)
- Garnish: Lime wheel or a sprig of fresh mint
Glassware tip: A highball glass is ideal for this cocktail—it’s tall and shows off the drink’s colors. No highball? A Collins glass works just as well.
Prep Time & Servings
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1 cocktail (but you can easily scale this up for a crowd!)
How to Make a Sundowner
- Pour 2 oz of rum into your glass.
- Add 1 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice. Trust me, fresh juice makes all the difference here—skip the bottled stuff!
- Stir in 0.5 oz of simple syrup. If you like your drinks less sweet, start with a little less and adjust to taste.
- Fill your glass to the top with ice cubes.
- Top off with club soda. Stir gently to combine all the flavors without losing the fizz.
- Finish with a garnish—a lime wheel or a mint sprig adds a fresh, elegant touch.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra-smooth drink, double strain it to catch any lime pulp or ice shards.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make-ahead: You can prep the lime juice and simple syrup in advance—store them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Batching for a party: Multiply the recipe by your number of guests and mix the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Add ice and soda just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with light, summery snacks. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: The smoky, savory flavors contrast perfectly with the Sundowner’s citrusy brightness.
- Spicy Nuts: The cocktail’s refreshing fizz cuts through the heat of spiced nuts like a dream.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: Sweet, juicy fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya complement the drink’s rum and lime base.
Tips for Success
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking—start small with the simple syrup and add more if needed.
- Experiment with your choice of rum. A light rum keeps it crisp, while an aged rum adds depth and richness.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Sundowner, have fun customizing it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Tropical Sundowner
- Ingredients: Add a splash of pineapple juice.
- How to Make: Mix the pineapple juice with the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup before topping with club soda.
Spicy Sundowner
- Ingredients: Infuse your simple syrup with chili for a fiery kick.
- How to Make: Use the spicy syrup in place of regular simple syrup for a bold twist.
Berry Sundowner
- Ingredients: Muddle fresh berries (like raspberries or blackberries) at the bottom of your glass.
- How to Make: Build the cocktail on top of the muddled berries, then garnish with a fresh berry for a pop of color.
Virgin Sundowner
- Ingredients: Skip the rum and add extra club soda or a splash of ginger ale.
- How to Make: Follow the same steps as the classic recipe, omitting the alcohol.
FAQs
When’s the best time to enjoy a Sundowner?
Traditionally, it’s sipped as the sun sets, but honestly, it’s a great anytime refresher—especially on warm afternoons.
Can I customize the sweetness level?
Absolutely! Start with less simple syrup and add more until it’s just right for you.
What’s the best rum for this cocktail?
A light rum is classic, but feel free to try an aged rum for a richer, more complex flavor.
Can I make this drink ahead of time for a crowd?
Yes! Mix the rum, lime juice, and syrup in advance, then add ice and soda when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make it healthier?
Swap the simple syrup for a natural sweetener like honey or agave, and choose a rum with no added sugar.
Sundowners are more than just a cocktail—they’re a mood. They’ve been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I hope they become one of your favorites, too. Whether you stick to the classic or try one of the fun variations, this drink is sure to bring a little extra joy to your evenings. Cheers!
