Caribou Lou Cocktail Recipe
Caribou Lou Nutrition Facts
Calories:230
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:17g
Alcohol:17%
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
Caribou Lou is a popular cocktail that was first introduced by rapper Tech N9ne in his 2006 song titled 'Caribou Lou.' The song's catchy lyrics and upbeat tempo helped to popularize the drink, making it a favorite among party-goers and hip-hop fans alike. The cocktail is known for its tropical flavors and potent mix of ingredients, making it a popular choice for those looking to unwind and have a good time.
How Caribou Lou Tastes?
Caribou Lou boasts a deliciously sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of coconut and pineapple. The combination of 151-proof rum, coconut rum, and pineapple juice creates a smooth, tropical flavor that is both refreshing and invigorating. The drink's high alcohol content adds a strong, warming sensation that balances out the sweetness and leaves a lasting impression.
Interesting facts about Caribou Lou
- The name 'Caribou Lou' is a play on the words 'Caribou' and 'Malibu,' referencing the drink's main ingredients of 151-proof rum and Malibu coconut rum.
- Tech N9ne's song 'Caribou Lou' has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), further solidifying the drink's popularity.
- The cocktail is often served in a large glass or pitcher, making it a popular choice for sharing with friends at parties and social gatherings.
Ingredients
- 151 proof rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Malibu coconut rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
151-proof Rum
The 151-proof rum is the powerhouse of the Caribou Lou giving it a potent kick. It's the foundation that provides warmth and depth. Using less can make the cocktail milder, while using more can quickly lead to a drink that's too strong and overpowers the other flavors.
Alex Green
Malibu Coconut Rum
This sweet, lower-proof rum infuses the cocktail with a tropical coconut flavor. It's the soul of the drink and brings a balance against the strong 151 rum. Without it, you miss out on the Caribbean touch which is essential to the vibe.
Emma Rose
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice adds sweetness, tartness and a fruity freshness that lighten the drink. It makes Caribou Lou refreshingly tropical. If skipped, you forfeit the cocktail's signature fruity appeal.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
Ice is crucial for chilling the ingredients, melding the flavors together, and diluting the cocktail just enough to make it smooth and palatable.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Caribou Lou Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add 1 oz of 151-proof rum, 1 oz of Malibu coconut rum, and 2 oz of pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until all ingredients are combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry, if desired.
Pro Tips
- Shake well: The key to a great Caribou Lou is to shake the ingredients well to ensure they are fully combined.
- Use fresh pineapple juice: For the best flavor, use fresh pineapple juice.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The sweet and savory flavors of Caribou Lou are an excellent match with seafood, especially when it's slightly charred for that smoky flavor complement.
- Chicken Satay: The tropical notes in the pineapple juice perfectly enhance the spices in the satay sauce.
Main Courses
- Hawaiian Pizza: Controversial to some, but this cocktail pairs well with the ham and pineapple topping, blending the overall tropical theme.
- Teriyaki Glazed Salmon: The sweetness in Caribou Lou will complement the glaze on the salmon while balancing the richness of the fish.
Desserts
- Coconut Cream Pie: Enhances the coconut rum's presence and creates a harmonious tropical dessert pairing.
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: Matches the cocktail's pineapple component, making for a complementary dessert experience.
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What you could change in Caribou Lou
- 151-proof rum: If you can't find 151-proof rum, you can use any overproof rum.
- Malibu coconut rum: If you don't have Malibu, you can use any other coconut rum.
- Pineapple juice: If you don't have pineapple juice, you can use any other tropical fruit juice.
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And of course - twists🍹
Caribou Lou with a Minty Twist
- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This gives a refreshing herbal note to the cocktail. Use the same proportions of the original ingredients.
Spiced Caribou Lou
- Replace the 151-proof rum with spiced rum for a more aromatic experience with notes of vanilla and cinnamon.
- Add a dash of angostura bitters for added depth.
Caribou Lou Frozen
- Combine all ingredients in a blender with a scoop of crushed ice.
- Blend until smooth for a frozen variation that is more of a tropical slushie than a cocktail.
In case you forgot basics how to make Caribou Lou
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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Caribou Lou
Would using a different type of rum drastically change the flavor of the Caribou Lou?
Yes, using a different type of rum could definitely affect the taste. The 151-proof rum and the Malibu coconut rum are chosen because they complement the pineapple juice and bring out the tropical flavors. A different type of rum might not mesh as well with these flavors.
Is the Caribou Lou mainly served at parties, or can it be enjoyed in more casual settings?
While the Caribou Lou is often associated with parties due to its origin and high alcohol content, it can certainly be enjoyed in more casual settings. The tropical flavors make it an excellent choice for a chilled evening on the patio or a relaxed night in.
What are some food pairings that would go well with the Caribou Lou?
Given the cocktail's tropical flavors, it pairs well with food that has a sweet and spicy profile. Grilled fish, coconut shrimp, or even Hawaiian pizza could all be excellent choices.
Is the Caribou Lou a good cocktail for beginners to make?
Yes, the Caribou Lou is relatively straightforward to make and doesn't require any complex techniques or rare ingredients. It's a great cocktail for beginners to try out.
Are there any variations of the Caribou Lou?
Yes, while the original recipe for the Caribou Lou is the most popular, some variations include adding a splash of blue curaçao to create a tropical blue cocktail, or substituting the pineapple juice for mango or passionfruit juice for a different flavor profile.
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