You Deserve This: Refreshing Tropical Rum Cocktail
Sep 18, 2025
If y’all want a drink that sends you straight to vacation mode, You Deserve This is it. This tropical rum cocktail takes a cue from the menu at Cochon in New Orleans. It brings pineapple rum, bright citrus and a surprising splash of red wine vinegar for a sharp little lift.
It is a Mai Tai inspired lime and rum drink with real personality. El Guapo bitters and orgeat make it shine.
What is a Tropical Rum Cocktail?
A tropical rum cocktail leans on rum, fresh fruit and bright citrus. Think pineapple, coconut, passion fruit and lime. These drinks are lively, refreshing and built for warm weather. Simple on paper, joyful in the glass.
'You Deserve This!': A Mai Tai-Inspired Lime and Rum Drink
Cochon serves a version of this cocktail, and we love its bold choices. Red wine vinegar adds acidity that cuts through sweetness. El Guapo Orgeat Syrup brings nutty floral depth. Polynesian Kiss Bitters add island spice that rounds out the entire drink. It is balanced, aromatic and playful.
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
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add rum, red wine vinegar, lime juice, orgeat and two dashes of Polynesian Kiss Bitters.
- Shake until cold.
- Strain over crushed ice into a snifter.
- Top with two more dashes of bitters and a sprinkle of fresh nutmeg.
- Garnish with a mint bouquet.
Layering Complexity: Orgeat and Polynesian Kiss Bitters
The magic here is in the balance. Orgeat brings creamy nutty richness. Polynesian Kiss Bitters add warm spice with pineapple, allspice and cinnamon. The red wine vinegar cuts through with bright acidity. Together they turn a simple tropical rum cocktail into something layered and refreshing.
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 is an almond syrup with floral notes. It is a staple in tiki drinks. Our El Guapo Orgeat Syrup brings clean, rich flavor that fits beautifully in this cocktail.
Why is red wine vinegar used?
It adds brightness. Just a small splash sharpens the drink and balances the sweetness of the rum and orgeat.
What do Polynesian Kiss Bitters taste like?
Warm spice with tropical notes. Pineapple. Cinnamon. Allspice. Clove. Designed to bring depth to rum based cocktails.
