Tahitian Cocktail Recipe

Tahitian Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

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

History

The Tahitian cocktail is a tropical delight that originated in the beautiful islands of Tahiti. Known for its vibrant colors and exotic flavors, this cocktail quickly gained popularity among travelers and locals alike. The Tahitian cocktail is a favorite among those who enjoy fruity and refreshing drinks.

  • The Tahitian cocktail was first created in the 1960s by a local bartender in Tahiti
  • It gained popularity among tourists visiting the islands and eventually made its way to bars around the world
  • The cocktail is often associated with beach vacations, luaus, and tiki-themed parties

How Tahitian Tastes?

The Tahitian cocktail is a delicious combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a refreshing taste with a hint of tropical tanginess. The drink is light and easy to sip, making it perfect for warm summer days or beachside lounging.

Interesting facts about Tahitian

  • The Tahitian cocktail is sometimes called a 'Tahitian Treat' due to its delightful taste and presentation
  • The cocktail is often served in a tiki-themed glass or a hollowed-out pineapple for an extra touch of tropical flair
  • The vibrant colors of the Tahitian cocktail are reminiscent of the stunning sunsets that can be seen in Tahiti

Ingredients

White rum (2 oz)

White rum is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a smooth and slightly sweet foundation. Its subtleness allows the tropical flavors to shine through. If the amount is less, the cocktail may be too weak; too much and it may overpower the delicate fruit juices. Tip: You can substitute it with coconut rum for an extra tropical kick but it will add more sweetness to your drink.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple juice (2 oz)

Pineapple juice brings a taste of the tropics and sweetness that compliments the rum. It also adds a tangy note to the mix. Using less juice can make the drink less fruity, while more might make it too sweet. Trick or Treat: If you want a sharper tang, think about adding a splash of lime juice for a pucker-worthy punch.

Mary Mitkina

Orange juice (1 oz)

Orange juice provides a citrusy balance to the sweetness of the other ingredients. A smaller quantity may not cut through the sweetness enough, while too much can overpower the pineapple. Play around with blood orange juice for a dramatic twist and extra tang.

Alex Green

Grenadine (0.5 oz)

This pomegranate syrup gives the cocktail a beautiful sunset color and a touch of sweetness. Turning down its volume may lead to a less colorful and slightly more tart cocktail; more and you're boarding the SS Sweetness. Hacking the Hue: A dash of blue curacao instead of grenadine creates a mesmerizing greenish hue known as the 'Tahitian Twilight'.

Mary Mitkina

Crushed ice (1 cup)

The crushed ice is essential for cooling the ingredients and delivering a refreshing texture. Skimping on ice might result in a lukewarm and less enjoyable beverage. Pro Tip: to avoid diluting the drink, you can freeze some of the pineapple or orange juice into ice cubes beforehand!

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino cherry (1)

It's the playful splash of color and classic garnish that also adds a tiny nibble of sweetness if you choose to eat it. No cherry, no cheer! They're not just to look pretty, they add a retro charm and a hint of cherry flavor. Swap Scene: Try replacing it with a fresh cherry for a more natural taste.

Alex Green

Pineapple wedge (1)

Once you lay your eyes on that tropical garnish, you're no longer just sipping a drink; you're on vacation. It adds aroma, a burst of flavor, and an indulgent touch for those who eat their garnishes. Upgrade: Grill the pineapple slice before garnishing to caramelize the sugars and elevate the island vibe.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Tahitian Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice
  2. Add white rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine to the shaker
  3. Shake well until all ingredients are combined and chilled
  4. Strain the mixture into a tiki glass or a hollowed-out pineapple filled with ice
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh juices for a more vibrant and authentic taste
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it cool longer
  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well mixed

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp: The sweetness of the shrimp complements the tropical flavors of the cocktail.
  • Coconut Chicken Tenders: Their slight sweetness and crispy texture are a delightful match with the Tahitian's fruity notes.
  • Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips: A refreshing snack that enhances the fruitiness of the drink.

Main Courses

  • Teriyaki Glazed Salmon: A dish that pairs nicely with the sweetness and tanginess of the cocktail.
  • Pork Sliders with Pineapple Slaw: The pork's savory depth balances with the fruity accents of the drink.

Desserts

  • Mango Sorbet: A light and fruity dessert to cleanse the palate after enjoying the Tahitian cocktail.
  • Key Lime Pie: The tart and sweet profiles harmonize with the cocktail's flavors.

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What you could change in Tahitian

  • White rum: Can be replaced with dark rum for a deeper flavor
  • Pineapple juice: Mango juice can be used for a different tropical twist
  • Grenadine: Can be substituted with a dash of cranberry juice for a less sweet option

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Tahitian Blue

  • Use coconut rum instead of white rum for a tropical twist.
  • Replace grenadine with blue curaçao for a vibrant ocean blue color.

Shake well, serve in a glass adorned with a sugar rim, and garnish with a slice of starfruit.

The taste will be slightly sweeter with a coconut layer, and the blue curaçao will give it a beachy vibe. Surf's up in your tiki glass!

Spicy Tahitian Twist

  • Add a small slice of jalapeño into the shaker before muddling.
  • Use a smoky rum to infuse an unexpected depth.

The heat from the jalapeño will give the drink a fiery kick, and the smoky rum will dance with the tropical flavors. It's like a tiki torch for your taste buds!

Tahitian Sunset

  • Add a splash of passionfruit juice.
  • Top with a float of dark rum after pouring.

The passionfruit juice will add a touch of exotic tartness, and the dark rum will create a deeper flavor profile, much like a sunset deepens the hues of the sky. A drink to end your perfect island day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tahitian

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Tahitian

What is the significance of the Tahitian cocktail name?

The cocktail is named after the islands of Tahiti, its place of origin. The flavors are meant to evoke the tropical scenery and experience of these islands.

How should I choose the rum for this recipe?

This largely depends on personal preference. A quality white rum is usually recommended to keep the cocktail light and refreshing, but you can also use dark rum for a deeper flavor.

Do I need any special equipment to make a Tahitian cocktail?

A cocktail shaker is essential for mixing the ingredients properly. Additionally, it's a nice touch to have tiki-themed glasses or a hollowed-out pineapple for serving.

Can non-alcoholic substitutes be used to create a mocktail version of the Tahitian cocktail?

Absolutely. Non-alcoholic rum substitutes are available, and the other juices in the cocktail are already non-alcoholic. The grenadine could be replaced with a non-alcoholic grenadine syrup or a splash of cranberry juice.

I see cocktails shaken and stirred. Which one is appropriate for the Tahitian cocktail?

The Tahitian cocktail should be shaken. The shaking process helps to mix the ingredients thoroughly and chill the drink, enhancing its flavor.

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