There’s something about the Tsunami cocktail that just screams summer. It’s colorful, tropical, and bursting with flavor-like a mini vacation in a glass. I’ve made this drink countless times for friends at backyard BBQs and beach days, and it always disappears fast. So I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-sunset cocktails with you-plus a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.
Tsunami
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass: Hurricane glass or highball glass
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) Blue Curaçao
– 2 oz (60 ml) Pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) Coconut cream (not coconut milk-this is the thick, sweet stuff)
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) Spiced rum
– Ice cubes, enough to fill your glass
– Optional garnish: pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or a cocktail umbrella for fun
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and spiced rum.
- Shake it up! Give it a good 15-20 second shake until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This step helps everything blend smoothly and gives the drink a light, frothy texture.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail over it.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry, and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It keeps the drink cooler longer and looks great with the frosty finish.
– Use fresh pineapple juice if you can-it makes a huge difference in flavor.
– Shake well. Coconut cream can separate a bit, so a good shake ensures everything comes together nicely.
– Don’t overdo the coconut cream. A little goes a long way-it should be creamy, not heavy.
– If your cocktail tastes too sweet, squeeze in a splash of lime juice for balance.
Make-Ahead Notes
Want to prep ahead for a party? Mix everything except the ice in a pitcher, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just shake individual portions with ice and pour.
Storage
Leftovers (if any!) can be stored in the fridge for a day. Just give it a good stir before re-serving, as ingredients may settle.
Ingredient Swaps
– No Blue Curaçao? Mix a few drops of blue food coloring with vodka or triple sec.
– Lower calorie? Use light coconut milk instead of coconut cream.
– Switch up the juice: Mango or passion fruit juice works beautifully for a different tropical vibe.
Variations to Try
Green Wave
– Replace Blue Curaçao with 1 oz (30 ml) Midori for a melon-flavored twist and a bright green hue.
Sunset Tsunami
– Pour 0.5 oz (15 ml) grenadine into the glass first, then slowly add the cocktail mix. You’ll get a gorgeous red-to-blue ombré effect.
Berry Tsunami
– Add a splash of raspberry liqueur and garnish with fresh berries for a fruity take.
Virgin Tsunami (Kid-Friendly)
– Mix 2 oz (60 ml) pineapple juice, 1 oz (30 ml) coconut cream, and a few drops of blue food coloring. Shake with ice and serve just like the original.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Tsunami with light, fresh dishes that let the cocktail shine:
Tropical Fruit Salad
Juicy mango, pineapple, and kiwi balance the cocktail’s creamy sweetness perfectly.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
A little char, a little spice, and a lot of flavor-shrimp and Tsunamis go hand in hand.
Spicy Bites
Jalapeño poppers or Thai chicken wings contrast with the sweet, cool drink, making every bite and sip feel exciting.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch or any gathering that could use a splash of color and fun. It’s easy, eye-catching, and always a hit.
Common Questions
Can I make this for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests. Prep in a pitcher, then shake individual servings with ice.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the coconut cream or add a squeeze of lime juice to brighten things up.
What if I don’t have a shaker?
Use a tightly sealed jar or travel mug with a lid. Just make sure it’s watertight before shaking!
What gives it that bright color?
Blue Curaçao is the magic here-it’s an orange-flavored liqueur with a vibrant blue hue that makes the drink pop.
Can kids enjoy it too?
Definitely! Make the Virgin Tsunami version-it’s fun, sweet, and totally alcohol-free.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just want to treat yourself to something tropical, the Tsunami cocktail is a colorful crowd-pleaser that’s as fun to make as it is to drink. Try one (or a few variations) and let the good times roll.
