Bahama Mama Cocktail Drink

Bahama Mama

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Bahama Mama recipe gives you all the ingredients you need to make a great drink. It’s easy to make and combines rums with fruit juices seamlessly.

Bahama Mama Recipe

Sip into summer with this Bahama Mama recipe! Packed with rum, tropical juices, and a splash of coffee liqueur. This vibrant cocktail is your one-way ticket to relaxation.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

232 kl

Ingredients

  • ½ oz Jamaican Rum
  • 2 tsp Overproof Rum
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz coconut Liqueur
  • ½ oz coffee Liqueur
  • 3 oz pineapple juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice, mint and cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Pineapple Juice: Pour 3 oz pineapple juice into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz lime juice to the mix.
  • Add Coffee Liqueur: Measure and pour ½ oz coffee Liqueur into the shaker.
  • Add Coconut Liqueur: Add ½ oz coconut Liqueur to the mix.
  • Add Overproof Rum: Carefully measure and pour 2 tsp Overproof Rum.
  • Add Jamaican Rum: Pour ½ oz Jamaican Rum.
  • Prep the shaker: Fill up the shaker three quarters full of ice cubes.
  • Shake: Shake the mixture well.
  • Pour: Strain the shaken mixture into your highball glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Place a pineapple slice, mint and cherry into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Jamaican Rum: If you don't have Jamaican rum, you can use Cognac. It will have a different rum complexity, but it'll do the job.
  • Coconut liqueur: No coconut liqueur? I've used coconut milk mixed with white rum or vodka. It could be stronger but gives a nice coconut flavor.
  • Overproof Rum: Spiced rum can work as a substitute for Overproof rum. It adds a different spice profile, but it's interesting.
  • Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of Coffee liqueur, a simple syrup with a shot of espresso can replace it.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 4 oz of Jamaican Rum, 2 oz of Overproof Rum, 4 oz of Coconut Liqueur, 4 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of Coffee Liqueur and 24 oz of Pineapple Juice. 
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use non-alcoholic rum-flavored syrup for the rums.
  • Coconut and Coffee liqueur: Use flavored syrups to mimic the original flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are vegan. However, some grenadines use animal-derived coloring. Use a vegan-friendly grenadine, or make your own with pomegranate juice and sugar.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
232
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.2
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
4
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Potassium
 
128
mg
4
%
Protein
 
0.4
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.01
g
Vitamin A
 
11
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
13
mg
16
%
Calcium
 
13
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%

 

Bahama Mama Cocktail Drink

Bahama Mama Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Sip into summer with this Bahama Mama recipe! Packed with rum, tropical juices, and a splash of coffee liqueur. This vibrant cocktail is your one-way ticket to relaxation.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 232

Ingredients
 

  • ½ oz Jamaican Rum
  • 2 tsp Overproof Rum
  • ½ oz lime juice
  • ½ oz coconut Liqueur
  • ½ oz coffee Liqueur
  • 3 oz pineapple juice
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice, mint and cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Pineapple Juice: Pour 3 oz pineapple juice into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Add ½ oz lime juice to the mix.
  • Add Coffee Liqueur: Measure and pour ½ oz coffee Liqueur into the shaker.
  • Add Coconut Liqueur: Add ½ oz coconut Liqueur to the mix.
  • Add Overproof Rum: Carefully measure and pour 2 tsp Overproof Rum.
  • Add Jamaican Rum: Pour ½ oz Jamaican Rum.
  • Prep the shaker: Fill up the shaker three quarters full of ice cubes.
  • Shake: Shake the mixture well.
  • Pour: Strain the shaken mixture into your highball glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Place a pineapple slice, mint and cherry into the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Jamaican Rum: If you don't have Jamaican rum, you can use Cognac. It will have a different rum complexity, but it'll do the job.
  • Coconut liqueur: No coconut liqueur? I've used coconut milk mixed with white rum or vodka. It could be stronger but gives a nice coconut flavor.
  • Overproof Rum: Spiced rum can work as a substitute for Overproof rum. It adds a different spice profile, but it's interesting.
  • Coffee Liqueur: If you're out of Coffee liqueur, a simple syrup with a shot of espresso can replace it.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 4 oz of Jamaican Rum, 2 oz of Overproof Rum, 4 oz of Coconut Liqueur, 4 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of Coffee Liqueur and 24 oz of Pineapple Juice. 
  • Mix: Combine all the ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Rum Substitute: Use non-alcoholic rum-flavored syrup for the rums.
  • Coconut and Coffee liqueur: Use flavored syrups to mimic the original flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

  • Check Your Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are vegan. However, some grenadines use animal-derived coloring. Use a vegan-friendly grenadine, or make your own with pomegranate juice and sugar.

What is a Bahama Mama?

A Bahama Mama is a mix of dark rum, overproof rum, coconut, coffee, and pineapple juice. The drink is popular for its balanced blend of fruity and boozy flavors.

A side shot of a Bahama Mama cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a dark brown wooden table with a jigger and a shaker on the brackground

What is a Bahama Mama made of – The ingredients

For a Bahama Mama, you need these ingredients:

  • Jamaican Rum: Provides the base alcohol, setting the stage for the cocktail’s overall potency.
  • Overproof Rum: adds an extra layer of flavor and boosts the alcohol strength of the drink
  • Coconut liqueur: Adds a tropical coconut flavor, enhancing the drink’s island vibe.
  • Coffee liqueur: Adds complexity to the sweet base of the drink. 
  • Pineapple Juice: Offers natural sweetness and tartness, balancing the rums.
  • Lime juice: Delivers a citrus hint to the mix.
  • Ice Cubes: Chill the ingredients, making the cocktail refreshing.
  • Pineapple slice, mint, and cherry: Serves as a garnish, adding visual appeal and a hint of extra flavor.

Jamaican rum, overproof rum, coconut liqueur, coffee liqueur and pineapple juice laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Bahama Mama?

Let us teach you a simple way to mix a Bahama Mama with our guide:

1
<p>Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to prepare it for the cocktail.</p>

Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to prepare it for the cocktail.

2
<p>Add pineapple juice to the shaker, introducing the fruity elements.</p>

Add pineapple juice to the shaker, introducing the fruity elements.

3
<p>Add lime juice for citrusy.</p>

Add lime juice for citrusy.

4
<p>Add coffee liqueur for an energetic touch.</p>

Add coffee liqueur for an energetic touch.

5
<p>Pour the coconut liqueur, giving the cocktail its exotic taste.</p>

Pour the coconut liqueur, giving the cocktail its exotic taste.

6
<p>Pour the overproof rum, adding one part of the alcoholic base to your drink.</p>

Pour the overproof rum, adding one part of the alcoholic base to your drink.

7
<p>Pour the Jamaican rum, adding the other part of the alcoholic base to your drink.</p>

Pour the Jamaican rum, adding the other part of the alcoholic base to your drink.

8
<p>Ice up your shaker.</p>

Ice up your shaker.

9
<p>Shake the mixture well to blend all the ingredients thoroughly.</p>

Shake the mixture well to blend all the ingredients thoroughly.

10
<p>Remove old ice cubes from your chilled highball glass.</p>

Remove old ice cubes from your chilled highball glass.

11
<p>Add fresh ice cubes to your chilled highball glass.</p>

Add fresh ice cubes to your chilled highball glass.

12
<p>Strain the shaken mixture into your highball glass.</p>

Strain the shaken mixture into your highball glass.

13
<p>Place a pineapple slice, mint and cherry into the glass to garnish your drink.</p>

Place a pineapple slice, mint and cherry into the glass to garnish your drink.

14
<p>Enjoy your Bahama Mama cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Bahama Mama cocktail!

What’s the difference between Mai Tai and Bahama Mama?

The types of rum used are different. A Bahama Mama combines white, coconut liqueur, and dark rum, while a Mai Tai usually sticks to a blend of white and dark rum, skipping the coconut. Next, the fruit juices and sweeteners set them apart. Bahama Mama uses pineapple juice, but a Mai Tai typically includes orgeat syrup, a sweet almond-flavored syrup for sweeteners. Lastly, a Mai Tai often includes a dash of orange curaçao, which you won’t find in a standard Bahama Mama.

Bacardi Bahama Mama

Bacardi has a solid offering if you’re in the market for a pre-mixed Bahama Mama. Known for their wide range of rums, Bacardi brings credibility to the pre-mixed cocktail scene. Their drink comes in a bottle and packs a punch with its blend of Bacardi rums and tropical fruit juices. While other brands like Malibu and Parrot Bay are also in the game, Bacardi’s version stands out for its authentic rum base and well-balanced flavors. 

A Bahama Mama cocktail, shot from above, in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a dark brown wooden table.

More Tropical drinks – Recipe Variations

Interested in exploring more options? I’m excited to share some of our top picks:

  • Bahama Mama Smoothie: Blending all the ingredients with crushed ice transforms it into a frozen treat, perfect for hot days.
  • Banana Bahama Mama: Adding a sweet, creamy banana flavor, often from banana liqueur, this drink is smooth and rich. The banana gives it a velvety layer that’s really satisfying.
  • Frozen Bahama Mama: Blending the ingredients with ice, this drink is perfect for hot days. It’s slushy, refreshing, and cools you down right away. I love its icy texture for summer afternoons; it feels like a tropical holiday in a glass.
  • Blue Bahama Mama: This vibrant blue drink gets its color and a tangy citrus flavor from blue curaçao. It’s not just tasty but also a visual treat. I really like its eye-catching color; it’s like a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

History and Origins

The Bahama Mama cocktail has roots in the Bahamas, as its name suggests. The drink gained popularity in the mid-20th century, although the exact date of its creation remains to be determined. It’s widely believed that the cocktail originated as a way to showcase the local rums of the Bahamas, combining them with tropical fruit juices to create a drink that encapsulates the island vibe.

Over the years, the drink has become a staple in bars and restaurants, not just in the Bahamas but also worldwide. Its popularity soared particularly in the United States, where it became a common offering in tiki bars and tropical-themed establishments. The cocktail has also found its way into popular culture, appearing in movies and TV shows, further cementing its status as a beloved tropical drink.

A side shot of a Bahama Mama cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a dark brown wooden table with a green plant on the brackground

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Bahama Mama?
A typical Bahama Mama contains around 230-250 calories, depending on the brands of alcohol and juices used.
How strong is a Bahama Mama?
The strength can vary, but the standard drink has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of about 10-15% and a proof range of 20-30.
What type of alcohol is used in a Bahama Mama?
White rum, coconut rum, and dark rum are the primary alcohols in a Bahama Mama.
In which glass is a Bahama Mama typically served?
Usually, a Bahama Mama is served in a highball glass.
What does a Bahama Mama taste like?
The Bahama Mama offers a balanced blend of fruity and boozy flavors, with notes of coconut, citrus, and a touch of sweetness from coconut and coffee liqueur.
What is the ratio of alcohol to juice in a Bahama Mama?
The ratio is generally ½ oz Jamaican Rum, 2 barspoons of Overproof Rum, ½ oz Lime juice, ½ oz Coconut Liqueur, ½ oz Coffee Liqueur, 3 oz Pineapple Juice, with sometimes a splash of Grenadine.
How is a Bahama Mama served in terms of ice?
It's typically served over ice cubes in a highball glass.
Is a Bahama Mama a tiki drink?
While not a traditional tiki drink, it's often found on tiki bar menus due to its tropical ingredients.
Can I make a Bahama Mama in advance?
You can mix the rums and juices beforehand, but add the ice just before serving.

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