Paul Kushner
The Ube Coconut Cooler is a vibrant, lightly sweet cocktail that blends the nutty earthiness of ube with tropical coconut and refreshing mint. It’s an eye-catching drink with a creamy base and sparkling finish, making it as fun to sip as it is to serve.
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Tasting Notes
The Ube Coconut Cooler offers a smooth and refreshing mix of nutty sweetness, mint, and tropical depth. Ube cream liqueur gives the drink a creamy texture with hints of vanilla and earthiness. Coconut rum brings a tropical touch, while dark rum adds depth and richness. Mint leaves add a cooling freshness, balanced by a splash of soda water that keeps the drink light and easy to sip. The simple syrup rounds it out with just the right amount of sweetness. Garnished with mint and coconut, the aroma and finish highlight both herbal and toasted coconut notes.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a jigger for measuring, and a strainer. A muddler is helpful if you want to gently press the mint for more aroma before shaking. Choose a highball or Collins glass for serving these taller glasses leave enough room for the soda water and garnish. A spoon or straw helps with final mixing. Crushed or pebble ice is ideal here, but cubed ice works if that’s what you have on hand. Use a small plate for rimming with coconut if you want extra visual appeal.
Ingredients
- 2 oz ube cream liqueur
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.75 oz coconut rum
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 5 mint leaves
- 3 oz soda water
- Garnish: mint leaves, desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Add ube cream liqueur, dark rum, coconut rum, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well to combine and chill.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with mint leaves and desiccated coconut.
Pro Tips
- Use crushed ice for faster dilution and a colder sip.
- Lightly slap mint leaves before adding to release aroma.
- Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer.
- For a stronger coconut flavor, rim the glass with coconut flakes.
- Swap soda water with coconut soda for extra tropical flavor.
- Adjust syrup to taste if your ube liqueur is already sweet.
- Gently stir after topping with soda water to preserve bubbles.
- Use a straw to avoid sipping the coconut garnish directly.
When to Serve
The Ube Coconut Cooler is best enjoyed during spring and summer gatherings, poolside hangouts, or brunch parties. Its striking purple color and cooling profile make it perfect for daytime events or tropical-themed get-togethers. It also works well as a dessert cocktail when you’re in the mood for something sweet but refreshing. This drink fits both casual and festive moods alike.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Ube Cream Liqueur
- Empress Ube Cream
- Chata Ube Cream
- Taralets Ube Cream
- Dark Rum
- Myers’s Original Dark
- Plantation Original Dark
- Gosling’s Black Seal
- Coconut Rum
- Malibu
- Kōloa Coconut Rum
- Cruzan Coconut Rum
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz ube cream liqueur
- 1 oz dark rum
- 0.75 oz coconut rum
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 5 mint leaves
- 3 oz soda water
- Garnish: mint leaves desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Add ube cream liqueur, dark rum, coconut rum, simple syrup, and mint leaves to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well to combine and chill.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with soda water and stir gently to mix.
- Garnish with mint leaves and desiccated coconut.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Clap the mint leaves between your hands before adding to the shaker to help release their aroma.
- For extra presentation, dip the rim of the glass in honey or syrup and roll it in desiccated coconut before pouring.
- Serve with a straw for easier sipping through the mint and coconut garnish.
