Hummingbird Cocktail Recipe

Hummingbird Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:30g

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

History

The Hummingbird cocktail is a tropical delight that originated in the Caribbean. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity, sweet drinks. It's often enjoyed on the beach or at poolside parties. The name 'Hummingbird' is said to be inspired by the bird's love for sweet nectar, which is reflected in the cocktail's sweet and fruity flavors.

  • Origin: Caribbean
  • Best Enjoyed: Beach or Poolside Parties

How Hummingbird Tastes?

The Hummingbird cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet and creamy flavors. The banana liqueur adds a tropical sweetness, while the rum gives it a slight kick. The cream and pineapple juice balance out the sweetness, making it a smooth and refreshing drink.

Interesting facts about Hummingbird

  • The Hummingbird cocktail is named after the bird because of its sweet taste, similar to the bird's love for nectar.
  • It's a popular cocktail in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica.
  • The cocktail is often served in a hurricane glass, garnished with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Ingredients

Rum

Rum is the backbone of the cocktail, providing a smooth and slightly sweet alcoholic base. If you skimp on it, the drink loses its kick and may become too sweet. Opt for a good quality rum; a white rum keeps it light, while an aged rum adds depth.

Alex Green

Banana Liqueur

Banana Liqueur brings a tropical sweetness that personalizes this cocktail. Without it, you'd miss the distinct banana flavor. In a pinch, muddle some ripe bananas with simple syrup as a substitute.

Emma Rose

Strawberry Liqueur

This gives the cocktail a fruity punch and a beautiful color. Without it, the drink's flavor profile would be less complex. Substituting it with a splash of strawberry syrup can work, but it may be sweeter.

Mary Mitkina

Cream

Cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the fruit acidity. Leave it out, and the cocktail becomes thinner and sharper on the tongue. A dairy-free alternative like coconut cream would create a different, but equally exotic twist.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

It's your sip of sunshine, adding tartness and body to the drink. It cannot be omitted; otherwise, the cocktail would lack its signature tropical character. If needed, mango juice could be a fine alternative, introducing a slightly different tropical note.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Slice and Cherry

Garnishes are the cherry on top, enhancing the visual appeal and hinting at the flavors within. Skip them, and the presentation is less festive. No big whoop, but why not celebrate each drink like it's a tiny party in a glass?

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Hummingbird Drink

  1. Fill a blender with ice.
  2. Add the rum, banana liqueur, strawberry liqueur, cream, and pineapple juice.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour into a hurricane glass.
  5. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best taste.
  • Blend the ingredients until smooth for a creamy texture.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail for a refreshing drink.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The sweet and tropical flavors of the Hummingbird cocktail complement the smoky and slightly charred taste of grilled shrimp very well.
  • Fried Plantains: Their sweet, caramelized exterior and starchy, soft interior balance the refreshing, fruity profile of the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Coconut Cream Pie: The silky coconut flavor pairs harmoniously with the tropical and creamy notes of the Hummingbird.
  • Lemon Sorbet: The sharp, refreshing citrus cuts through the rich creaminess of the drink, providing a palate cleanse.

🍹 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 Hummingbird

  • Rum: You can substitute the rum with vodka for a lighter taste.
  • Banana Liqueur: If you don't have banana liqueur, you can use banana syrup or banana flavored rum.
  • Cream: If you're lactose intolerant, you can use coconut milk or almond milk instead of cream.

Explore all drinks starting with H here

And of course - twists🍹

Hummingbird on the Rocks

  • Ingredients: Same as original but served on ice.
  • Recipe: Instead of blending, shake all ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass.
  • Flavor: This version would be less thick, with a more pronounced chill and dilution, providing a crisper, lighter drink experience.

Spiced Hummingbird

  • Ingredients: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the original.
  • Recipe: Blend as usual, then sprinkle the spice on top before serving.
  • Flavor: The added spices would bring warmth and a hint of aromatic spiciness, contrasting with the sweetness.

Berry Hummingbird

  • Ingredients: Substitute strawberry liqueur with a mix of berry liqueurs.
  • Recipe: Blend with a mix of blackberry, raspberry, and blueberry liqueurs.
  • Flavor: This cocktail would have a more complex, berry-forward profile, with a deeper color and taste from the varied berry notes.

In case you forgot basics how to make Hummingbird

Garnishing 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 garnishing

Find 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 Hummingbird

Can I make the Hummingbird cocktail non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by leaving out the rum and the liqueurs, and adding extra juice or a splash of soda water.

What type of rum works best for this cocktail?

A white or light rum works best for the Hummingbird cocktail to not overwhelm the other sweet and fruity flavors.

Is there a specific type of cream that should be used?

Any type of heavy cream is suitable for this cocktail. The cream gives it a smooth and creamy texture.

Should I use a specific brand of fruit liqueurs?

No specific brand is required. However, for the best flavor, it's recommended to use high-quality fruit liqueurs.

Can this cocktail be prepared in large batches for a party?

Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities of ingredients to make a large batch of hummingbird cocktail. Make sure to keep it refrigerated and serve it chilled.

More similar recipes to Hummingbird!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe