There’s something about the Tahitian cocktail that instantly puts you in vacation mode. With its tropical blend of rum, coconut, and fruit juices, it’s like sunshine in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially on warm summer evenings-and it never fails to bring a little island magic to the table. It’s fruity, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet.
Tahitian
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Highball glass or tiki mug
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) coconut cream
– 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice (preferably fresh)
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice (fresh if you can)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice cubes
– Optional garnish: pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or edible flower
Method
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice, then shake well for about 10-15 seconds until the outside feels cold.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Slowly pour the grenadine into the glass. It’ll sink and create that gorgeous layered, sunset effect.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry, and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Tahitian Cocktail
- Use fresh juice if possible-especially pineapple and orange. It makes a big difference in flavor.
- Chill your glass before serving to keep the drink cool longer.
- Pour grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon to help it layer instead of mixing in right away.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix everything except the grenadine and ice ahead of time and keep it chilled in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just shake with ice, pour, and finish with the grenadine.
Ingredient Substitutions
– No rum? Try vodka for a cleaner, crisper version.
– Want it lighter? Use coconut water instead of coconut cream.
– No grenadine? A homemade pomegranate syrup or raspberry syrup works well too.
– Dairy-free? Coconut cream is already dairy-free, but you can also use coconut milk or almond milk for a thinner texture.
Flavor & Texture
This drink is creamy, sweet, and citrusy with a smooth finish. The coconut cream adds richness, while the pineapple and orange juices bring brightness. The grenadine adds a touch of sweetness and that signature blush of color at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this with foods that bring out its tropical notes. Here are some of my favorites:
Grilled Seafood
Shrimp skewers or grilled mahi-mahi go great with the sweet and creamy flavors of the cocktail.
Spicy Snacks
Try it with spicy chicken wings or jalapeño poppers-the sweetness of the drink balances the heat beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Mango, papaya, pineapple, and kiwi make a refreshing side that echoes the cocktail’s fruity vibe.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner pairings, too: this cocktail with a scoop of coconut sorbet. It’s like a beach vacation for your taste buds.
Variations to Try
Tahitian Blue
Swap the grenadine for blue Curaçao to give the drink a vibrant ocean-blue color and a hint of orange flavor.
Spiced Tahitian
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for a warm, spicy twist. It’s especially nice in cooler weather.
Tahitian Sunset
Add a splash of raspberry liqueur instead of grenadine for a deeper berry flavor and a beautiful red layer.
Virgin Tahitian
Skip the rum and add a little more pineapple and orange juice. It’s just as refreshing and perfect for everyone.
Storage
This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (or want to prep in advance), store the mixed base (without ice or grenadine) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake it well before serving and layer the grenadine just before drinking.
Common Questions
Can I use bottled juice?
Yes, but go for 100% juice with no added sugar. Fresh juice will always taste brighter and more vibrant.
What kind of rum should I use?
White rum is the classic choice-it blends smoothly without overpowering the fruit flavors. But if you want a deeper flavor, try a lightly aged rum.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the grenadine or use a tart juice like cranberry to balance things out.
What’s the best coconut cream to use?
Look for one made for cocktails (like Coco Lopez) for the richest texture. If you’re watching calories, coconut milk works too-it just won’t be as creamy.
How do I get that beautiful layered look?
Pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. It’ll sink to the bottom and create that perfect sunset effect.
Final Sip
The Tahitian cocktail is a little tropical escape you can enjoy anytime. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, relaxing after work, or just dreaming of the beach, this drink brings the island vibe straight to your glass. Cheers!
