Travel to a tropical paradise with one of the most classic cocktail recipes! This Bahama Mama Cocktail is a classic drink that brings a taste of the tropics in every sip.
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We love a good tropical cocktail, whether it’s a Coconut Mojito or a Vanilla Sea Breeze. Tropical flavors like coconut and pineapple transport us to white sand beaches while we watch our worries trail off into the distance. That’s why we’re super confident you’ll love this Bahama Mama cocktail recipe. Made with coconut and strawberry rum, Kahlúa, grenadine, and pineapple juice, this fruity cocktail is an instant vacation in a glass.
What Is a Bahama Mama?
The Bahama Mama Cocktail originates from the Nassau Beach Hotel in the Bahamas during the 1950s. Claiming to have created this topical drink, Bahamian bartender Oswald “Slade” Greenslade named the drink after a local Calypso singer.
But the origin story isn’t the thing that sets this popular cocktail apart. It’s the not-so-secret ingredient – coffee liqueur. While you wouldn’t typically think a tropical drink contains coffee liqueur, the Bahama Mama makes it work by contrasting the coffee flavor with pineapple, coconut, and strawberry flavors.
What You Need to Make This Bahamian Cocktail
- White Rum – We used strawberry rum for a pop of flavor
- Coconut Rum – or coconut liquor
- Dark Rum – Or regular rum, or whatever other rum you have lying about.
- Kahlúa
- Grenadine
- Citrus Pineapple Juice – or regular pineapple juice
How to Make This Bahama Mama Drink Recipe
Set sail for the Caribbean with the fruity, vibrant Bahama Mama. This tropical cocktail, bursting with flavors of rum, fruit juices, and a hint of coffee, is a vacation in a glass.
Craft Your Drink
Combine all of the ingredients in your cocktail shaker with several ice cubes. Then, shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Add more ice if desired.
Expert Tips
- Garnish with an orange slice, pineapple wedge, or a maraschino cherry!
- Experiment with different types of rum to find your perfect flavor. For example, try a splash of dark rum to deepen things up a bit!
- Add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice for an extra tangy twist!
What to Serve With a Bahama Mama
Because a Bahama Mama has a ton of tropical flavor, it pairs well with Tropical Kabobs! Or, if you’re feeling fancy and want to have a nice tropical date with your significant other, pair your cocktails with these Grilled Swordfish Steaks! If you’re hosting a cocktail party and need some fun appetizers to serve your guests, try a cheese plate or these Asian Lettuce Cups!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Just throw all your ingredients into a blender and blend away!
Yes! You can swap Kahlúa for Tia Maria.
Definitely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the Bahama Mama, you can simply leave out the rum and replace it with a tropical-flavored non-alcoholic beverage. Mix together fruit juices, coconut flavorings, and grenadine syrup to recreate the delicious essence of a Bahama Mama without the alcohol. This way, you can still enjoy the tropical flavors and refreshing taste of this popular cocktail without the buzz.
It depends. The strength of the Bahama Mama cocktail is flexible and can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can simply reduce the amount of rum or opt for a light rum variety. Feel free to experiment and customize the drink to your liking.
Yes! If you want to make a larger batch of Bahama Mama, it’s as easy as multiplying the ingredient measurements to accommodate your desired quantity. You can mix everything in a pitcher or a large glass container for convenience.
More Tropical Cocktail Recipes to Try
Embrace the warm sand beaches of the Caribbean in every tropical sip of this Bahama Mama Cocktail! Made with tropical fruit flavors like coconut and pineapple, this tropical drink is the perfect way to unwind after a long day. No Bahamas needed! Although, we’d surely appreciate it. Also, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!
Bahama Mama
AmericanIngredients
- 1.5 oz Light Rum - We used strawberry rum for a pop of flavor
- 1.5 oz coconut rum - or coconut liquor
- 1.5 oz Dark rum
- 0.75 oz Kaluha
- 1.5 oz grenadine
- 1/2 cup Citrus Pineapple Juice - or regular pineapple juice
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in your cocktail shaker with several ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously and strain into a glass.
- Add more ice if desired.
Notes
- Garnish with an orange slice, pineapple wedge, or a maraschino cherry!
- Experiment with different types of rum to find your perfect flavor. For example, try a splash of dark rum to deepen things up a bit!
- Add a splash of lemon juice or lime juice for an extra tangy twist!
Nutrition
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
⭐ Tried this recipe? Rate it ⭐
Help out the next person and give it a star rating below!
Jeff says
Why did you even bother to put juice in it? Holy liquor! Are you sure you don’t live with the group of Storm Troopers?
Julia says
Mmmmm, I want this with a huge tray of chips and guac. For every meal.
Ai says
Mmmmm what is that cheesy yumminess in the background? Looks like a perfect match for your drink!!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I’m not big on coconut mixed drinks (for some reason it makes me think of what a tanning salon would taste like), but I love everything else in this drink so I may have to try it out
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
I love every single ingredient in this drink! Yum!
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
I am a lightweight but I might take this on 🙂
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
this is everything I need by the end of this week..I am not much of a sweet drink person but every once in a while I fancy pretty drinks 🙂
Nutmeg Nanny says
Oh my word, this drink sounds like fun 🙂
Lauren @ A Nerd Cooks says
I love that you included the caveat about Bacardi 151. Phew… that stuff is potent. That aside, this sounds like it would be the perfect summertime drink!
natalie @ wee eats says
strawberry rum is a thing? that is reason enough to make this…
Kita says
It is, and it’s fantastic: https://www.cruzanrum.com/lpa
Sommer @ ASpicyPerspective says
This sounds like a fun drink! 🙂
Pachomp says
I’ve been looking for a good Bahama Mama recipe! Thank you so much! This looks really good!