Cardamango Crush

A tropical twist with depth and spice, the Cardamango Crush brings together ripe mango, creamy coconut, and the warmth of cardamom bitters. A splash of high-proof rum and herbal Benedictine adds complexity, making this an adventurous choice for tiki-style sipping.

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Tasting Notes

The Cardamango Crush offers a bold, spiced take on tropical refreshment. Light rum and high-proof rum give it a warm backbone, while mango purée and coconut cream create a smooth, fruit-forward profile. Benedictine adds a touch of herbal sweetness that deepens the flavor without overwhelming. Lime juice provides balance and brightness. The dash of cardamom bitters adds a subtle spice that lingers on the finish, with the powdered garnish reinforcing the aroma. This drink is smooth and layered bright, earthy, fruity, and just a little unexpected thanks to the cardamom’s aromatic edge.

Equipment and Glassware

This Cardamango Crush is best made using a shaker tin for the whip shake and a bar spoon for topping with extra pebble ice. You’ll also need a jigger for accurate measurement and a small grater or microplane if you prefer to freshly grind cardamom. Pebble ice is key to the texture, so a Lewis bag and mallet or nugget ice maker are helpful tools. Serve it in a hurricane glass or any large curved glass that can handle extra ice and garnish. A fine mesh strainer isn’t necessary since the drink isn’t being strained just shaken and poured directly.

Ingredients

• 1 oz light rum
• 0.5 oz high-proof rum
• 0.5 oz Benedictine
• 1 oz mango purée
• 0.5 oz coconut cream
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 1 dash cardamom bitters

Garnish:

• Dehydrated lime wheel
• Pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a shaker with a small scoop of pebble ice.
• Whip shake (shake briefly to incorporate and aerate without over-diluting).
• Pour the entire contents into a hurricane glass.
• Add additional pebble ice to fill the glass.
• Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a dusting of cardamom powder.

Pro Tips

• Use pebble or nugget ice for the best texture.
• Whip shake (short shake with a small amount of ice) to blend without over-dilution.
• Pre-chill your hurricane glass to help the drink stay colder longer.
• For stronger cardamom flavor, infuse simple syrup with crushed cardamom pods.
• Fresh mango purée gives better results than store-bought versions with added sugar.
• If Benedictine isn’t available, try a honey-herbal liqueur as a substitute.
• Use a pinch of freshly ground cardamom for a more aromatic finish.
• Keep coconut cream at room temperature for easier mixing.

When to Serve

Cardamango Crush is perfect for warm afternoons, summer parties, or anytime you’re craving something fruity with a twist. Its tropical base and cooling texture make it well suited for poolside drinks or casual get-togethers. The cardamom adds a warming element that works surprisingly well into early fall. Whether served at tiki-themed nights or brunches that need something unexpected, this cocktail bridges familiar tropical flavors with a spiced, seasonal accent. It’s also a fun choice for showcasing unique bitters or experimenting with bold fruit and spice pairings outside of the usual flavor combinations.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Light Rum
  • Flor de Caña Extra Dry: Clean and dry
  • Bacardí Superior: Classic and widely available
  • Don Q Cristal: Smooth and neutral
• High-Proof Rum
  • Lemon Hart 151: Bold and flavorful
  • Plantation O.F.T.D.: Rich and aromatic
  • Rum Fire: Funky and high impact
• Benedictine
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.: The original and only widely used brand
• Cardamom Bitters
  • The Bitter End Cardamom: Intense and pure
  • Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters: Balanced and aromatic

Similar Cocktails

• Mango Lava Flow
• Tropical Pineapple Paradise
• Spicy Sake Mango Punch
• Strawberry Coconut Breeze
• Sweet Poison