The Quintessential Tropical Rum Cocktail: A Refreshing Lime and Rum Drink

Ready to be transported to a tropical paradise? Our 'You Deserve This!' recipe is the quintessential tropical rum cocktail. This delicious lime and rum drink, inspired by the menu at Cochon Restaurant in New Orleans, is a unique twist on the classic Mai Tai. It artfully blends pineapple rum with a hint of red wine vinegar and our premium El Guapo™ bitters. It's the perfect way to bring a taste of the tropics home.

What is a Tropical Rum Cocktail?

A tropical rum cocktail is a mixed drink that typically features rum as a base spirit, complemented by a variety of tropical fruit juices, syrups, and fresh herbs. Common ingredients include pineapple, coconut, passion fruit, and lime. These drinks are known for their vibrant flavors and are often associated with beach vacations and warm weather. They are typically light and refreshing, perfect for sipping on a hot day.

'You Deserve This!': A Mai Tai-Inspired Lime and Rum Drink

This recipe, served at one of our favorite local restaurants, Cochon, takes a bold step by adding a dash of red wine vinegar for an acidic punch that beautifully cuts through the sweetness. The El Guapo™ Orgeat Syrup adds a nutty, floral complexity, and the Polynesian Kiss Bitters bring a hint of island spice.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Plantation Pineapple Rum
• 1/2 tsp Red wine vinegar
• 3/4 oz. El Guapo™ Orgeat Syrup
• 1 oz. Lime juice
• 4 dashes El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters
• Freshly shaved nutmeg
• Mint bouquet, for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a clean shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, red wine vinegar, lime juice, orgeat, and two dashes of El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters.
3. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled.
4. Strain the cocktail over crushed ice into a snifter glass.
5. Top with the remaining two dashes of bitters and a sprinkle of freshly shaved nutmeg.
6. Garnish with a mint bouquet.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orgeat syrup?

Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup made from almonds, sugar, and rose water or orange blossom water. It has a distinctive nutty flavor that is a key component in classic tiki and tropical rum cocktail recipes like the Mai Tai. Our El Guapo™ Orgeat Syrup delivers that authentic, rich flavor profile.

Why is red wine vinegar used in this recipe?

While it might seem unusual, a small amount of red wine vinegar can add a complex layer of acidity and brightness to a cocktail. In this lime and rum drink, it helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple rum and orgeat syrup, creating a more dynamic and refreshing taste.

What do Polynesian Kiss Bitters taste like?

El Guapo™ Polynesian Kiss Bitters offer a warm, tropical, and spicy flavor profile. With notes of pineapple, cinnamon, allspice, and clove, they are designed to complement tropical and rum-based drinks, adding depth and complexity to the cocktail.