Lapu Lapu Cocktail Recipe

Lapu Lapu Nutrition Facts

Calories:260

Fat:0g

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 Lapu Lapu cocktail is named after the Filipino tribal chief who led the first resistance against Spanish colonization. It's a tropical cocktail that's perfect for those who love fruity and refreshing drinks. It's often served in a hollowed-out pineapple, adding to its tropical appeal. This cocktail is popular in tiki bars and is a favorite among those who enjoy rum-based cocktails.

How Lapu Lapu Tastes?

The Lapu Lapu is a sweet and tangy cocktail with a strong citrus flavor. The rum adds a warm, rich undertone that balances the sweetness of the fruit juices. It's a refreshing and tropical cocktail that's perfect for a hot summer day.

Interesting facts about Lapu Lapu

  • The Lapu Lapu cocktail is named after a Filipino tribal chief.
  • It's a tropical cocktail that's often served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
  • This cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy rum-based cocktails.

Ingredients

Light Rum

Light rum adds a smooth, subtle sweetness without overpowering the cocktail's fruity flavors. It's used as the base, and if you skimp on it, you might lose that gentle hum of sugar cane that plays so well with the citrus notes. Go overboard, and your potion might cast you adrift in a boozy sea!

Emma Rose

Dark Rum

The dark rum gives depth and a hint of molasses that whispers tales of tropical nights. It's that dash of mystery in the drink. Without it, you'll miss out on complexity. Substitute it with bourbon for a twist, and you invite a spicier, moodier crowd to your taste bud party.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

Fresh, zippy, and blushing with sunshine, orange juice brings acidity and sweetness. It's like the best friend who lights up the room—take it away, and the party loses its sparkle. Switch it up with mango juice, and you've given your drink a velvety, tropical makeover.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

This juice is the life of the party! It's tropical, it's tangy, and it knows how to mingle. Pineapple juice lifts the drink's spirit with its bright flavor. Lose it, and you lose the lapu in your Lapu Lapu. Swap it for peach nectar, and suddenly you're waltzing instead of limbo dancing.

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

Sharp, tangy, and fresh off the citrus press! Lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, keeping the balance just right—a true equilibrium engineer. Forget to add it, and your drink becomes a syrupy monologue. Use lime for a cheeky tartness that keeps it all in the citrus family.

Mary Mitkina

Simple Syrup

It's the liquid lullaby that sings all the ingredients to sleep. Too little, the drink's too tart, and guests might pucker more than they should. Too much, they'll be swinging from the chandeliers in a sugar rush. Replace with honey for a richer, earthier sweetness.

Alex Green

Pineapple Slice and Cherry

The final flourish! The pineapple is the crown jewel, the cherry is the gleaming ruby. Without the garnish, it's like a king without his crown—it still rules, but it doesn't look as regal. The visual appeal is almost as important as the taste; it's what winks at you before the first sip.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Lapu Lapu Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add the light rum, dark rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a hollowed-out pineapple or large glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry.

Pro Tips

  • For a more tropical flavor, try using fresh pineapple juice.
  • If you're serving this in a pineapple, make sure to scoop out the inside carefully to avoid puncturing the skin.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: The citrus notes of the Lapu Lapu cocktail complement the smoky and briny flavors of grilled shrimp or fish.
  • Asian Cuisine: Spicy Thai or Filipino dishes can be balanced with the sweet and sour elements of the drink.
  • BBQ: The sweet and tangy notes can counteract the smokiness of barbecued meats.
  • Salads: A tropical fruit salad or a citrus-dressed mixed greens salad would echo the cocktail’s fruity undertones.

Drink Pairings

  • Chilled Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the sweet cocktail.
  • Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option that complements the cocktail's effervescence.
  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic and less sweet beverage option to balance the Lapu Lapu's sweetness.

🍹 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 Lapu Lapu

  • You can substitute the light rum with white rum.
  • If you don't have simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water.

Explore all drinks starting with L here

And of course - twists🍹

Smoky Lapu Lapu

Replace the dark rum with a smoky mezcal. The smokiness will add a mysterious depth to the cocktail.

Ingredients: 2 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Mezcal, 3 oz Orange Juice, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 1 oz Simple Syrup, Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

Recipe: Follow the original recipe, substituting dark rum with mezcal. This twist brings a smoky intrigue, perfect for those who enjoy a cocktail that tells a tale by the fire pit.

Spicy Lapu Lapu

Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing. The spicy kick will contrast the sweetness of the drink.

Ingredients: 2 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, 3 oz Orange Juice, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 1 oz Simple Syrup, 1 small slice of Jalapeño, Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño slice in the shaker, then add the other ingredients and mix well. This fiery alteration is for those who like to walk on the hot sand and dance with danger.

Herbal Lapu Lapu

Infuse the simple syrup with herbs like basil or mint for an aromatic twist.

Ingredients: 2 oz Light Rum, 1 oz Dark Rum, 3 oz Orange Juice, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, 1 oz Lemon Juice, 1 oz Herbal Simple Syrup, Pineapple slice and cherry for garnish

Recipe: Make the herbal simple syrup by simmering regular simple syrup with a handful of basil or mint leaves. Strain and cool. Mix as you would the original recipe. This version is as refreshing as finding shade under a palm tree on a sunny beach day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Lapu Lapu

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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 shake

Place 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 strain

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 Lapu Lapu

What type of cocktail is the Lapu Lapu?

The Lapu Lapu is a Tiki style cocktail.

Which type of glass should the Lapu Lapu typically be served in if not using a pineapple?

The Lapu Lapu should ideally be served in a hurricane glass when not using a pineapple.

What contributes to the strong citrus flavour in a Lapu Lapu?

The different fruit juices added to the cocktail, including orange, pineapple and lemon juices, contribute to its strong citrus flavor.

I am allergic to Pineapple, How can I enjoy Lapu Lapu?

You can substitute pineapple juice with mango juice or other tropical fruit juices of your choice to enjoy Lapu Lapu.

Is Lapu Lapu a good cocktail for beginners?

Yes, the Lapu Lapu is an excellent cocktail for beginners due to its fruity and refreshing taste, as well as its simple preparation.

More similar recipes to Lapu Lapu!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe