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Bahama Mama Cocktail Recipe


  • Author: Jessica
  • Total Time: 5–7 minutes

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to craft your own Bahama Mama at home:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 oz light rum

  • 1 oz coconut rum (Malibu or similar)

  • 1/2 oz dark rum (optional float for depth)

  • 1/2 oz banana liqueur (optional, adds tropical sweetness)

  • 1 oz orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)

  • 1 oz pineapple juice

  • 1/2 oz grenadine

Ice:

  • Enough to fill a shaker and your serving glass.

Garnish Options:

  • Orange slice

  • Maraschino cherry

  • 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:

  • Light rum

  • Coconut rum

  • Orange juice

  • Pineapple juice

  • (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