Paul Kushner
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail—a smooth, fruity blend packed with bold island flavors. Coconut and spiced rum create a rich, warming base, while banana liqueur and pineapple-orange juice add a sweet, citrusy twist. A dash of bitters enhances the complexity, and a splash of maraschino cherry juice brings just the right amount of sweetness. Finished with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a pineapple garnish, this exotic cocktail is perfect for laid-back sipping and vacation vibes in a glass!
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Tasting Notes
The Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail is a tropical delight with layers of sweet, spiced, and citrusy flavors. The coconut rum brings creamy smoothness, the spiced rum adds warmth, and the banana liqueur enhances the fruity profile. A splash of cherry juice and a hint of nutmeg create a rich, well-rounded sip.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending, a strainer for a smooth pour, and a chilled highball or hurricane glass for the best presentation. A jigger ensures accurate measurements, and a fine grater helps with the fresh nutmeg garnish.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Pineapple-Orange Juice
- 1 1/2 ounces Coconut Rum
- 1/2 ounce Spiced Rum
- 1/2 ounce Banana liqueur
- 2 dashes Bitters
- 1 splash Maraschino Cherry Juice you can adjust to desired taste
- Ground Nutmeg for garnish
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Begin by chilling a cocktail glass in the freezer to ensure your drink stays cool.
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine pineapple-orange juice, coconut rum, banana liqueur and spiced rum.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of bitters to the shaker. This will give your cocktail a nice depth of
- Shake: Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Be sure to strain carefully to avoid diluting the cocktail with melted ice.
- Add a small splash of maraschino cherry juice over the top for an extra layer of flavor and color.
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg over the cocktail for a warming spice note.
- Garnish with a cherry and a pineapple wedge on the rim or as you prefer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical, spiced flavors of your Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail.
Pro Tips
- For a richer flavor, use fresh pineapple-orange juice.
- Adjust the maraschino cherry juice to taste—more for sweetness, less for subtlety.
- Lightly toasting the nutmeg before grating enhances its aroma. If you like a frothier texture, shake the juice separately before adding the spirits.
When to Serve
Perfect for summer gatherings, beach parties, and tiki nights, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser. Serve it at backyard barbecues, tropical-themed events, or as a vacation-style escape in a glass. Its smooth, fruity profile makes it an easy-drinking choice for any fun occasion.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Malibu or Cruzan Coconut Rum offers a smooth, creamy base, while Captain Morgan or Sailor Jerry are excellent spiced rum choices. For banana liqueur, Giffard or Bols provide a rich, natural banana flavor. Use Angostura bitters for a classic depth of taste.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail, here are five similar cocktails to try:
- Mermaid Rum Punch: Tropical, spiced, and vibrantly smooth.
- Mermaid Water: A refreshing and tropical drink
- Calypso Cooler: Fruity, spiced, and vibrantly layered.
- Electric Shark Cocktail: Tropical, fizzy, and electrifyingly smooth.
- Caribbean Sunset: Tropical, citrusy, and beautifully layered.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 ounces Pineapple-Orange Juice
- 1 1/2 ounces Coconut Rum
- 1/2 ounce Spiced Rum
- 1/2 ounce Banana liqueur
- 2 dashes Bitters
- 1 splash Maraschino Cherry Juice you can adjust to desired taste
- Ground Nutmeg for garnish
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass: Begin by chilling a cocktail glass in the freezer to ensure your drink stays cool.
Mix the Cocktail:
- In a shaker filled with ice, combine pineapple-orange juice, coconut rum, banana liqueur and spiced rum.
- Add Bitters: Add 2 dashes of bitters to the shaker. This will give your cocktail a nice depth of flavor.
- Shake: Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Strain: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass. Be sure to strain carefully to avoid diluting the cocktail with melted ice.
Final Touches:
- Add a small splash of maraschino cherry juice over the top for an extra layer of flavor and color.
Garnish:
- Sprinkle a pinch of ground nutmeg over the cocktail for a warming spice note.
- Garnish with a cherry and a pineapple wedge on the rim or as you prefer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical, spiced flavors of your Drunken Monkey Rum Cocktail.
