Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to craft your own Bahama Mama at home:
Main Ingredients:
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1 oz light rum
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1 oz coconut rum (Malibu or similar)
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1/2 oz dark rum (optional float for depth)
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1/2 oz banana liqueur (optional, adds tropical sweetness)
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1 oz orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)
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1 oz pineapple juice
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1/2 oz grenadine
Ice:
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Enough to fill a shaker and your serving glass.
Garnish Options:
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Orange slice
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Maraschino cherry
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Pineapple wedge
(Bonus points for a mini cocktail umbrella ????)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Glass
Start with a tall glass (Collins, hurricane, or tiki mug). Add fresh ice to fill the glass three-quarters full.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine:
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Light rum
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Coconut rum
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Orange juice
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Pineapple juice
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(Optional) Banana liqueur
Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled.
Step 3: Pour and Add Grenadine
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass over the ice. Then, slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. It will sink and create a beautiful red-to-orange gradient, mimicking a tropical sunset.
Step 4: Float the Dark Rum (Optional)
To give the cocktail added depth and a layered, moody flavor, gently float the dark rum on top by pouring it over the back of a spoon. This gives a more complex finish as you sip.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with an orange slice, cherry, and/or a wedge of pineapple. Serve with a straw or drink stirrer and enjoy the tropical vibes.
Notes
The Bahama Mama’s exact origins are murky, but many credit Caribbean bartenders for its invention in the mid-20th century. It has become a staple in tiki culture thanks to its layered look and fruit-forward profile. Some say the name honors a calypso singer from the Bahamas, while others say it reflects the island’s nurturing, feel-good spirit—either way, it’s a vibe in a glass.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 240–280 kcal
- Sugar: 20–25 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Carbohydrates: 24–30 g
- Protein: 0.3g