Panama Cocktail Recipe
Panama Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0.5g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol %:14
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 Panama cocktail is a classic tropical drink that originated in the early 20th century. It was named after the Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914 and connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This cocktail became popular among travelers and sailors who passed through the canal and enjoyed the refreshing taste of this exotic drink. The Panama cocktail is perfect for those who love fruity and tropical flavors.
- The Panama cocktail was created to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal
- It gained popularity among travelers and sailors passing through the canal
- The tropical flavors of this cocktail make it a favorite among those who enjoy fruity drinks
How Panama Tastes?
The Panama cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of sourness. It is a well-balanced drink that combines the flavors of pineapple, orange, and lime. The rum adds a smooth and slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Interesting facts about Panama
- The Panama cocktail is named after the Panama Canal, which was completed in 1914
- This tropical drink gained popularity among travelers and sailors passing through the canal
- The fruity flavors of the Panama cocktail make it a favorite among those who enjoy sweet and refreshing drinks
Ingredients
- White rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Maraschino cherry: 1
- Ice cubes: as needed
White Rum
White rum is the backbone of our Panama cocktail, providing a smooth, slightly sweet base that lets the fruity flavors shine. At 2 oz, you get the perfect kick without overpowering the mix. If you skip it, you'll have a mocktail on your hands! As an alternative, try using cachaça for a Brazilian twist that’ll add a grassy note.
Emma Rose
Pineapple Juice
At 2 oz, pineapple juice adds a tropical punch and a touch of sweetness that feels like a mini-vacation in a glass. Less juice, and you might miss out on the tropical vibe; too much, and it could become cloying. Mango juice could be a fun substitute, bringing a different type of sweetness.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
The 1 oz of orange juice brings citrusy brightness and slight acidity, creating a well-rounded profile. If you omit it, you lose balance and depth. Tangerine juice could offer a similar taste with a slight twist of flavor.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Juice
It's all about the zing with 0.5 oz of lime juice! It cuts through sweetness and adds a refreshing edge. Too little, and the cocktail could be too sweet; too much, and your face might pucker up! Lemon juice could be used instead for a slightly different sharp tang.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
A mere 0.5 oz of grenadine provides a hint of color and sweetness to tie it all together. Miss it out, and you lose that charming pink hue. A splash of raspberry syrup might do the trick as a change-up, adding a berry twist.
Alex Green
Maraschino Cherry
The cherry on top! Not only does it look fabulous, but it also offers a sweet finish to your last sips. No cherry? You could try a slice of pineapple for a tropical garnish that matches the theme.
Mary Mitkina
Ice Cubes
Ice, ice baby! They keep everything cool and diluted just right. Without ice, you’d have a lukewarm experience—literally.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Panama Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
- Add the white rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine to the shaker
- Shake well until all ingredients are well combined and chilled
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry
Pro Tips
- Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer
- Use freshly squeezed juices for a more authentic and refreshing taste
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix all the ingredients
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
The zesty and tropical flavors of the Panama cocktail make it an excellent match for seafood dishes, particularly those with a hint of sweetness or citrus. Think grilled shrimp, ceviche, or a fresh crab salad.
Spicy Dishes
The sweetness and acidity of the cocktail can balance out the heat from spicy food. Pair it with Indian curries or Thai stir-fries for a palate-cleansing effect.
Desserts
The fruity notes in the cocktail complement fruit-based desserts like pineapple upside-down cake or an orange sorbet. It could also cut through the richness of a cheesecake.
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What you could change in Panama
- White rum: Can be replaced with dark rum for a deeper flavor
- Pineapple juice: Mango juice can be used as a substitute
- Orange juice: Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice can be used instead
- Maraschino cherry: Can be replaced with a slice of lime or orange for garnish
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Coconut Panama
Swap out the white rum for coconut rum and add a splash of cream of coconut. Your Panama cocktail will become a creamy, tropical delight reminiscent of a piña colada. Ingredients: Coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, cream of coconut, maraschino cherry, and ice. By adding these creamy elements, you're creating a richer, more indulgent version that's like a dessert in a glass.
Spicy Panama
Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker before mixing the ingredients. The spicy kick from the pepper will contrast with the sweetness and add an exciting twist. Ingredients: White rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, maraschino cherry, jalapeño, and ice. This version is for those who love a little heat with their sweet. It's a cocktail with a kick that'll keep you on your toes!
Herbal Panama
Include a handful of fresh basil leaves in the cocktail shaker. The herbaceous notes will bring a fresh, aromatic quality to the drink that pairs well with its fruity profile. Ingredients: White rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, maraschino cherry, basil leaves, and ice. The herbal twist offers a drink that's as refreshing as it is sophisticated, perfect for a summer garden party.
In case you forgot basics how to make Panama
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 Panama
Is Panama a traditional cocktail?
Yes, the Panama cocktail is a traditional cocktail that originated in the early 20th century.
Can I use ready-made juices for the Panama cocktail?
Yes, ready-made juices can be used. However, for an authentic and refreshing taste, it is recommended to use freshly squeezed juices.
How can I enhance the flavour of my Panama cocktail?
You can try using fresh fruits for garnishing or add a hint of spices according to your taste preference.
What is the best time to enjoy a Panama cocktail?
The Panama cocktail is a perfect drink for summer nights or beach parties due to its tropical flavors.
What food pairs well with a Panama cocktail?
Light appetizers, seafood, or tropical fruits go well with the refreshing and fruity Panama cocktail.
Does the Panama cocktail contain a lot of alcohol?
The Panama cocktail contains 2 ounces of rum, which provides a balanced and not too strong alcoholic content.
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