Belly Dancer Recipe
Belly Dancer Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0 g
Protein:0 g
Carbohydrates:25 g
Alcohol %:20
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Belly Dancer is a cocktail that originated in the Middle East. It was first created by a bartender who was inspired by the graceful movements of a belly dancer. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity drink with a hint of spice.
- It was first created in the 1980s
- The cocktail was named after the belly dancers who performed at the bar where it was first served
- It quickly gained popularity and is now served in bars worldwide
How Belly Dancer Tastes?
The Belly Dancer cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of spice. The combination of rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine gives it a tropical flavor, while the dash of cinnamon adds a warm and spicy note.
Interesting facts about Belly Dancer
- The Belly Dancer cocktail is often served in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge and cherry garnish
- Despite its sweet and fruity flavor, it has a relatively high alcohol content due to the rum
- It's a popular cocktail in beach bars and tropical-themed parties
Ingredients
- Rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pineapple juice: 4 oz(120ml)
- Grenadine: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cinnamon: 1 dash
- Pineapple wedge: 1 piece
- Cherry: 1 piece
Rum
The 2 oz of rum create the strong backbone of this shot, contributing both warmth and a little kick. If you pour less, you'll have a tamer dance, while too much might turn the belly dance into a wild carnival ride. A light rum keeps it tropical; dark rum adds complexity.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
The 4 oz of pineapple juice give the drink its tropical sweetness and help to mellow out the rum. Cutting it down could make the shot sharper, while more could create a smoothie rather than a shot. Mango juice could be a tangy alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
1 oz of grenadine adds not just sweet notes but a vibrant color, enough to paint your cheeks with a sunset glow, less and you risk losing the visual appeal, more and you're flirting with syrupiness. Pomegranate syrup is a possible substitute with a similar effect.
Alex Green
Cinnamon
A dash of cinnamon adds an exotic, spicy twist. It's the hip shimmy in the belly dance, so to say. Too much might overwhelm the other flavors, too little and you'll lose the subtle warmth. Nutmeg could step in as an alternative spice.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Wedge
A pineapple wedge is both garnish and snack - the tiara on the dancer. Without it, the shot loses some of its visual allure and tropical authenticity. Mango or papaya could swing in as substitutes for a different flare.
Mary Mitkina
Cherry
The cherry is the proverbial cherry on top – it adds a touch of elegance and a little extra sweetness with each bite. Losing the cherry might not affect the flavor much, but the presentation takes a hit. A raspberry can make a suitable stand-in.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Belly Dancer Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice
- Add 2 oz of rum, 4 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of grenadine, and a dash of cinnamon
- Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry
Pro Tips
- Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor
- Don't overdo it with the cinnamon, a little goes a long way
- Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing drink
Perfect Pairings
Food Pairings
- Spicy Appetizers: The sweet and fruity profile of the Belly Dancer shot nicely counters the heat from spicy foods such as jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings.
- Tropical Salads: A tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and nuts would echo the pineapple's flavor and create a harmonious taste experience.
- Desserts: Enjoy it with desserts like coconut cream pie or pineapple upside-down cake to enhance the tropical theme of the drink.
Drink Pairings
Complement the Belly Dancer shot with a light beer or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to cleanse the palate between sips.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Belly Dancer
- You can substitute the rum with vodka for a lighter taste
- If you don't have grenadine, you can use a mix of pomegranate juice and sugar as a substitute
Explore all drinks starting with B here
And of course - twists🍹
Coconut Belly Dancer
Swap out the rum for coconut rum and add a splash of coconut cream for a creamier, more indulgent twist. This version has a richer texture and a sweeter flavor profile that's like a dessert in a glass.
Spicy Belly Dancer
Introduce a small amount of chili pepper syrup in place of cinnamon for a surprising kick that'll make you shimmy. The extra heat adds an adventurous edge to the shot, perfect for those looking to spice up their evening.
Berry Dancer
Replace the grenadine with raspberry syrup and add a few fresh raspberries into the shaker. The result is a berry-infused variation, with a slightly tart edge and a deeper flavor, perfect for a summer night out.
In case you forgot basics how to make Belly Dancer
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Belly Dancer
What is the best rum to use for the Belly Dancer cocktail?
The Belly Dancer cocktail is versatile and can be made with various types of rum. However, a light or gold rum is often preferred due to its smooth and slightly sweet flavor.
Can I use bottled pineapple juice?
Although fresh pineapple juice is recommended for optimal flavor, bottled pineapple juice can be used as a convenient alternative.
Can I make the Belly Dancer cocktail in advance?
To preserve the fresh flavor and fizzy texture, it is best to make the Belly Dancer cocktail just before serving. Premixing all the ingredients except for the pineapple juice, and adding it right before serving can be a time-saving option.
What is the origin of the name 'Belly Dancer'?
The cocktail was named 'Belly Dancer' to pay homage to the mesmerizing belly dancers who performed at the bar where this drink was first served.
More similar recipes to Belly Dancer!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Bumbo
Bumbo has a sweet and spicy taste, with a hint of warmth from the rum. It is smooth and rich, with a velvety texture and a lingering finish.
Hot Toddy
The Hot Toddy is a warm, soothing, and comforting cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The sweetness of honey and the warmth of whiskey are complemented by the tanginess of lemon and the subtle spiciness of cinnamon and cloves.
Eggnog
Eggnog is a sweet, creamy, and rich drink with a velvety texture. It has a subtle hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, giving it a warm and comforting flavor. The drink is mildly boozy, with a smooth and gentle finish.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Pink Lady
The Pink Lady has a delicate, fruity, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of tartness. The gin provides a subtle, herbal undertone, while the grenadine and egg white create a smooth, velvety texture.
Jack Rose
The Jack Rose cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The apple brandy provides a rich, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The grenadine imparts a subtle sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon cocktail has a sweet and tangy taste with a hint of citrus. It is light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm summer days. The combination of blue curaçao and lemonade gives it a unique, tropical flavor.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Cuba Libre
The Cuba Libre has a sweet and refreshing taste, with the sweetness of the cola balanced by the warmth and spice of the rum. The addition of lime juice adds a touch of tartness and brightness to the drink.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.
Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is a savory, spicy, and tangy cocktail with a strong tomato flavor. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Worcestershire and hot sauce provide a complex depth of flavor. The lemon juice adds a touch of acidity, and the celery salt and black pepper give it a slight earthiness.
Dark 'N' Stormy
The Dark 'N' Stormy has a bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The rich, dark rum provides a strong base, while the ginger beer adds a refreshing, zesty kick. The lime juice adds a touch of tartness to balance out the sweetness.
Tequila Mockingbird
The Tequila Mockingbird is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of tequila, lime juice, and green crème de menthe creates a refreshing and invigorating taste, while the jalapeño adds a subtle kick.