What is A Bahama Mama?
Summer is in full swing. The sun is out, the good vibes are in, and you’re dreaming of a tropical island getaway.
Enter The Bahama Mama
This delicious, tropical-flavored cocktail is perfect for this time of year. It combines bright, fruity flavors with ultra-smooth rum. Best of all, it’s an easy-to-make drink that quenches your thirst and whisks you away to a tropical island paradise.
How to Make a Bahama Mama?
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Crushed Ice
- 1 oz. of Orange Juice
- 1 oz. of Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz. of Rum
- ½ oz. of Coconut-Flavored Rum
- ½ oz. of Grenadine Syrup
Directions
- Mix crushed ice, orange juice, pineapple juice, standard rum, coconut-infused rum, and grenadine in a blender.
- Blend until the mixture reaches a slushy consistency.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
What Rum Should I Use to Make a Bahama Mama?
When making a Bahama Mama, it is all about the rum. Here’s our list of ones to use to make this iconic cocktail.
Regular Rums
Bacardi
In 1862, Don Facundo Bacardi Mao set out to revolutionize rum as we know. After ten years of dedication to the craft, he succeeded with a rum that smoothly balances vanilla and almond together in every sip.
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Ron Flor De Cana Anejo
A medium-bodied rum with a vanilla bouquet. This rum won Best in Class at the 2005 International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, and many awards since.
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Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
Inspired by rums origins of Prohibition and smuggling, Captain Morgan is a Caribbean rum with a smooth, yet spiced body and subtle notes of vanilla and caramel.
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Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum
Sailor Jerry was passionate about historical, maritime rums. It’s because of that passion he was able to craft a smooth rum full of rich flavor that’s perfect for mixing in your favorite cocktails.
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Plantation Rum
White rum at its finest. Plantation Rum provides an aroma of honey, coffee, and cocoa bean followed by notes of vanilla and allspice. The flavors of root beer, dark chocolate, and toasted marshmallow are then smoothed off with a biscuity, light-bodied mouthfeel.
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Malibu Coconut Rum
The taste of Alibu sunshine in a bottle with smooth, fresh coconut flavor. Not only is this the original Caribbean rum with natural coconut flavor, it’s the world’s best selling one too.
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Parrot Bay Rum – Coconut
This rum is a premium merge of rich, fresh flavors that light tropical, subtly sweet, and creamy. All designed to envelop your senses and transport you to the type of island you want to be stranded on.
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Cruzan Coconut Rum
Since the early 1800s, every bottle of Cruzan has been based out of St. Croix and captures the unique essence of the island. This one smoothly blends high-quality rum with the creamy flavor found in the coconut.
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Bacardi Coconut Rum
Bardcardi elevated the spirits world by creating a smooth, light bodied spirit. Then, they set out to do it again. The aroma and flavor? Pure, rich coconut with a clean, fresh finish.
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Admiral Nelson’s Coconut Rum
A premium, smooth-tasting, light rum that mixes easily into any rum cocktail.
Add to cartDid This Drink Originate in the Bahamas?
This seems like a no-brainer. Like of course a drink called Bahama Mama originated in the Bahamas. Why would they call it that if it didn’t originate from there?
And while it appears that all signs point to yes, this is true, very little is known about this popular drink. It is thought by some that the cocktail was created in the 1950’s in the Bahamas and the drink’s name was inspired by the 1932 song, “Bahama Mama”. Some fans have other theories:
One of the more popular theories is that Oswald Greenslade, also known as “Slade”, was the creator of Bahama Mama. Slade was born in the Bahamas and made a long, illustrious 40-year career as a bartender which saw him create over 1000 cocktails.
Another theory is that the drink got its name when it gained popularity during the Prohibition and the Bahamas were used as a rum smuggling base.
Some have also speculated that the drink’s name is an homage to the Caribbean dancer and performer, Dottie Lee Anderson, who went by the stage name “Bahama Mama.”
While no one now can know for sure the origins of this classic tropical libation, we know these two things. It’s fun to order and fun to drink. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Are There Variations on The Bahama Mama?
Yes, there is! In fact, there have been numerous variations of this tropical cocktail since its inception.
Jamaican Variation
Tiki Master, Paul McGee, made a spin on the Bahama Mama where he toned down the portions and sweetness to make a rum-forward cocktail. He even added banana liqueur to give it some funk.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Crushed Ice
- 5 Ice Cubes
- 1 oz. Jamaican Rum
- ¾ oz. Overproof Jamaican Rum
- 1 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz. Lemon Juice
- ½ oz. Coconut Syrup
- ½ oz. Pomegranate Syrup
- ¼ oz. Curaçao
- ¼ oz. Banana Liqueur
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin, then add 5 ice cubes.
- Shake for 5 seconds.
- Strain into a Hurricane glass filled with crushed ice then garnish with tropical fruit of your choosing.
Spiced Bahama Mama
You can easily sweeten up your Bahama Mama and give it a more robust taste by using spiced rum instead.
Ingredients
- 1 oz. Spiced Rum
- 1 oz. Pineapple Rum
- 1 oz. Pomegranate Syrup
- 1 oz. of Orange Juice
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- 1 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
- ¼ oz. of Grenadine Syrup
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing tin and shake well.
- Pour mix into a glass and garnish with your choice of fruit.
Skinny Version
Counting calories but still want to feel like you’re on vacation? No worries. This skinny version of the Bahama Mama has you covered.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of Ice
- 1 oz. of Orange Juice
- 1 oz. of Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz. of Rum
- ½ oz. of Coconut Sparkling Water
- ½ oz. of Grenadine Syrup
- 1 Maraschino Cherry
- 1 Orange
Directions
- Combine rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker and shake.
- Add ice in a glass and pour the mix over it.
- Top with coconut sparkling water and garnish with an orange slice and Maraschino cherry.
