Jamaican Me Happy Cocktail Recipe
Jamaican Me Happy Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0 g
Protein:0 g
Carbohydrates:28 g
Alcohol %:7
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 Jamaican Me Happy cocktail is a tropical delight that has been enjoyed by beach-goers and party enthusiasts for years. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy fruity, refreshing drinks. This cocktail is often associated with joyful, relaxed settings and is a favorite at beach parties and summer gatherings.
How Jamaican Me Happy Tastes?
The Jamaican Me Happy cocktail has a sweet, fruity taste with a hint of tartness. The combination of lemon, strawberry, watermelon and guava flavors creates a refreshing and tropical taste sensation that is light and enjoyable.
Interesting facts about Jamaican Me Happy
- The Jamaican Me Happy cocktail is often served in a tall glass over ice, making it a perfect drink for hot summer days.
- Despite its name, the cocktail doesn't have any specific connection to Jamaica.
- The cocktail is often garnished with a slice of lemon or a strawberry for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
A few good options for Jamaican Me Happy are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Lemonade
The zing of 4 oz of lemonade offers acidity and a bright base, keeping the cocktail crisp and not overly sweet. Without it, you'd lose that 'sunshine in a glass' feeling, and the drink might become too cloying.
Alex Green
Strawberry Juice
2 oz of strawberry juice brings a summery sweetness and a touch of nostalgia – who doesn't reminisce about picking strawberries as a kid? If omitted, you'd miss the subtle romantic notes, but you could substitute with raspberry juice for a tarter profile.
Mary Mitkina
Watermelon Juice
At 2 oz, watermelon juice adds a thirst-quenching quality and a subtle backdrop of summer freshness. Skipping it would make the cocktail less juicy. Try swapping with cantaloupe juice for a more melony vibe.
Emma Rose
Guava Juice
Guava juice punches in another 2 oz of tropical flair. Excluding it would take away the exotic twist, but mango juice could be a stand-in, bringing a different kind of paradise to the palate.
Alex Green
Vodka
A modest 1.5 oz lets the vodka sneak in without overpowering but still offers a smooth kick. Overpour, and you're in a boozy haze; underpour, and why bother? No vodka? No problem! Try white rum for a true Jamaican spirit.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Jamaican Me Happy Drink
- Fill a tall glass with ice.
- Pour in the lemonade, strawberry juice, watermelon juice, and guava juice.
- Add the vodka.
- Stir well.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon or a strawberry.
- Serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- For a more intense flavor, you can muddle some fresh strawberries and watermelon at the bottom of the glass before adding the other ingredients.
- Make sure to stir well to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The zesty and sweet flavors of the cocktail would complement the smokiness of the grilled shrimp.
- Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders: The tropical notes in the cocktail enhance the coconut flavor, making it a joyous combination.
Main Courses
- Jerk Chicken: The spicy and bold flavors of classic Jamaican jerk seasoning will be balanced out by the sweet and refreshing taste of the cocktail.
- Citrus-marinated Fish Tacos: The fruity flavors of the drink will pair delightfully with the light and zesty taste of the fish.
Desserts
- Mango Sorbet: The sweetness of the sorbet would be a perfect counterpoint to the tart and fruity cocktail.
- Lemon Pound Cake: The citrusy notes will echo the lemonade component of the drink, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.
Non-alcoholic Drinks
- Iced Tea: A plain iced tea can complement the cocktail's flavors without overpowering them, and offers a non-alcoholic option for guests.
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What you could change in Jamaican Me Happy
- You can substitute the vodka with rum for a different flavor profile.
- If you don't have all the different juices, you can use a tropical juice blend instead.
Explore all drinks starting with J here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Jamaican Me Happy
Ingredients: Same as original, plus a few slices of jalapeño. Recipe: Follow the original recipe but muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the glass before adding the ice. This adds a spicy kick that balances the sweetness and brings out a fiery contrast.
Jamaican Me Merry
Ingredients: Substitute vodka with white rum, add a splash of coconut cream. Recipe: Use rum instead of vodka for a deeper Jamaican vibe, and add a splash of coconut cream for a creamy twist. It's like a tropical holiday on a beach in your mouth!
Sunrise on the Beach
Ingredients: Same as original, replace lemonade with orange juice, add grenadine. Recipe: Use orange juice instead of lemonade for a morning freshness, and finish with a splash of grenadine that will settle at the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
In case you forgot basics how to make Jamaican Me Happy
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing 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!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Jamaican Me Happy
What is the origin of the name 'Jamaican Me Happy'?
The name 'Jamaican Me Happy' is simply a playful pun that combines the phrase 'you’re making me happy' with a nod to the Jamaican culture often associated with laid-back and joyful atmospheres, similar to the mood this cocktail is meant to provoke.
Can I prepare 'Jamaican Me Happy' without alcohol?
Absolutely. You can easily make a non-alcoholic version of the Jamaican Me Happy cocktail by simply leaving out the vodka. It will still be a refreshing and flavorful drink.
What serves best with 'Jamaican Me Happy'?
'Jamaican Me Happy' pairs well with light fare such as grilled fish or chicken, summer salads, or tropical fruits.
Is 'Jamaican Me Happy' good for cocktail parties?
Yes, 'Jamaican Me Happy' is a great choice for cocktail parties, particularly those with a summer or tropical theme.
'Jamaican Me Happy' seems to be a sweet cocktail, can I regulate its sweetness?
Yes, the sweetness of the drink can be adjusted by using less juice or adding extra lemonade for a more tart taste.
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