Goombay Smash Cocktail Drink

Goombay Smash

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

This Goombay Smash recipe is just what you need! The drink boasts a unique blend of ingredients, making it a standout cocktail to enjoy.

Goombay Smash Recipe

Kick back with this Goombay Smash recipe! It's the ultimate summer refresher with a delightful mix of rums, fruity juices, and a hint of apricot brandy.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

150 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • ½ oz Coconut Rum
  • oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • ¼ oz apricot Brandy
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your highball glass to chill it.
  • Add Apricot Brandy: Measure and pour ¼ oz apricot Brandy into the shaker.
  • Add Coconut Rum: Measure and add ½ oz Coconut Rum.
  • Add Juices: Add 1½ oz pineapple juice and 1 oz orange juice to the mix.
  • Add Dark Rum: Pour 1 oz Dark Rum into the shaker.
  • Shake: Fill your shaker with ice cubes, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain your mixture in your highball glass over fresh ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Add a pineapple slice or cherry for garnish.
  • Serve: Enjoy your Goombay Smash immediately. Cheers!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark Rum: If I run out of dark rum, I've used spiced rum before, which adds a unique kick to the drink. But for a lighter profile, white rum also works.
  • Coconut Rum: I use coconut cream or coconut milk mixed with white rum when I don't have coconut rum. It is not the same but gives that coconut flavor.
  • Apricot Brandy: Peach schnapps or peach liqueur can be a good replacement. I've also tried a splash of apricot nectar to reduce the alcohol content slightly.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll want 8 oz of dark rum, 4 oz of coconut rum, 12 oz of pineapple juice, 8 oz of orange juice, and 2 oz of apricot brandy.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into ice-filled Highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Dark Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dark rum essence or flavoring.
  • Coconut Rum Substitute: For the tropical touch, use coconut water or coconut cream.
  • Apricot Brandy Substitute: Apricot juice or nectar provides a fruity touch without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Swap out the alcohol with these non-alcoholic options and follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

The Goombay Smash recipe, as provided, is already vegan. However, always check labels to ensure no animal-derived ingredients or processing agents are used in alcohols or juices. Some alcohols, for instance, might be processed using animal products.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
7
g
8
%
Potassium
 
113
mg
3
%
Protein
 
0.3
g
1
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.03
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
59
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
18
mg
22
%
Calcium
 
9
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%

 

Goombay Smash Cocktail Drink

Goombay Smash Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Kick back with this Goombay Smash recipe! It's the ultimate summer refresher with a delightful mix of rums, fruity juices, and a hint of apricot brandy.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 150

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Dark Rum
  • ½ oz Coconut Rum
  • oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • ¼ oz apricot Brandy
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Chill Glass: Stir some ice cubes in your highball glass to chill it.
  • Add Apricot Brandy: Measure and pour ¼ oz apricot Brandy into the shaker.
  • Add Coconut Rum: Measure and add ½ oz Coconut Rum.
  • Add Juices: Add 1½ oz pineapple juice and 1 oz orange juice to the mix.
  • Add Dark Rum: Pour 1 oz Dark Rum into the shaker.
  • Shake: Fill your shaker with ice cubes, seal it, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain your mixture in your highball glass over fresh ice cubes.
  • Garnish: Add a pineapple slice or cherry for garnish.
  • Serve: Enjoy your Goombay Smash immediately. Cheers!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Dark Rum: If I run out of dark rum, I've used spiced rum before, which adds a unique kick to the drink. But for a lighter profile, white rum also works.
  • Coconut Rum: I use coconut cream or coconut milk mixed with white rum when I don't have coconut rum. It is not the same but gives that coconut flavor.
  • Apricot Brandy: Peach schnapps or peach liqueur can be a good replacement. I've also tried a splash of apricot nectar to reduce the alcohol content slightly.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'll want 8 oz of dark rum, 4 oz of coconut rum, 12 oz of pineapple juice, 8 oz of orange juice, and 2 oz of apricot brandy.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into ice-filled Highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Dark Rum Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic dark rum essence or flavoring.
  • Coconut Rum Substitute: For the tropical touch, use coconut water or coconut cream.
  • Apricot Brandy Substitute: Apricot juice or nectar provides a fruity touch without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Swap out the alcohol with these non-alcoholic options and follow the original steps.

Making it Vegan:

The Goombay Smash recipe, as provided, is already vegan. However, always check labels to ensure no animal-derived ingredients or processing agents are used in alcohols or juices. Some alcohols, for instance, might be processed using animal products.

What is a Goombay Smash?

Goombay Smash is a tropical rum cocktail with pineapple, orange, and a hint of apricot brandy. Many attribute its origin to the Bahamas, specifically a small bar in Green Turtle Cay. While there are various renditions of the Goombay Smash, its core ingredients remain consistent, making it a favorite for those seeking a Caribbean-inspired drink. You might come across numerous versions of the Goombay Smash recipe, but its essence lies in its refreshing tropical vibe. Even without any bartending expertise, one can appreciate the simplicity and charm of this classic cocktail.

A side shot of a Goombay Smash cocktail in highball glass on a coaster placed on a white table with a straw, two oranges, a pineapple, a jigger, a white cloth and two pineapple slices around, in front of a blurred yellow wall

What is a Goombay Smash made of – The ingredients

The composition of a Goombay Smash involves these key ingredients:

  • Dark Rum: Provides a robust base for the cocktail and infuses it with a rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Coconut Rum: Adds a tropical touch with its subtle coconut notes.
  • Pineapple Juice: Lends a fruity sweetness and contributes to the tropical taste.
  • Orange Juice: Introduces a citrusy zest, balancing out the cocktail’s sweetness.
  • Apricot Brandy: Imparts a deeper fruity layer with its slightly tart and aromatic qualities.

Dark Rum, Coconut Rum, pineapple juice, apricot juice and half orange laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Goombay Smash?

Master the art of preparing a Goombay Smash with our clear, step-by-step guide:

1
<p>Fill with ice cubes and stir them with a bar spoon to chill the highball glass.</p>

Fill with ice cubes and stir them with a bar spoon to chill the highball glass.

2
<p>Start pouring the apricot brandy into your shaker, deepening the drink’s fruity character.</p>

Start pouring the apricot brandy into your shaker, deepening the drink’s fruity character.

3
<p>Add the coconut rum to introduce a tropical twist to the mixture.</p>

Add the coconut rum to introduce a tropical twist to the mixture.

4
<p>Integrate the orange juice, giving the cocktail a splash of citrus brightness.</p>

Integrate the orange juice, giving the cocktail a splash of citrus brightness.

5
<p>Follow with the pineapple juice, enriching the drink with its sweet and tangy profile.</p>

Follow with the pineapple juice, enriching the drink with its sweet and tangy profile.

6
<p>Finish by pouring the dark rum into your shaker, creating a flavorful foundation.</p>

Finish by pouring the dark rum into your shaker, creating a flavorful foundation.

7
<p>Fill the shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

8
<p>Shake your ingredients.</p>

Shake your ingredients.

9
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled highball glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled highball glass.

10
<p>Strain your shaken cocktail in your fresh ice-filled highball glass.</p>

Strain your shaken cocktail in your fresh ice-filled highball glass.

11
<p>Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry if desired.</p>

Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry if desired.

12
<p>Enjoy your Goombay Smash cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Goombay Smash cocktail!

Best Rum for a Goombay Smash

Choosing the right rum for your Goombay Smash can elevate the drink from good to unforgettable. When it comes to dark rum, Mount Gay, with its rich Barbadian heritage, delivers a depth and robustness that beautifully complements the drink’s tropical nature. Malibu is a household name on the coconut rum side, known for its sweet and unmistakable coconut essence, which melds seamlessly with the drink’s fruity undertones. However, for a slightly edgier twist, consider branching out to brands like Blue Chair Bay or Kōloa, which offer a more nuanced coconut profile. If you’re looking to impress, I’d suggest a blend of Mount Gay for the dark rum and Kōloa for the coconut rum – a combination sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Can I make a Goombay Smash with Vodka?

Swapping out rum for vodka in your Goombay Smash? It’s not traditional, but a twist can bring a cleaner, crisper profile to the cocktail. Vodka’s neutral character can highlight the tropical juices without the added complexity of rum. If you’re venturing this route, quality matters. Brands like Tito’s or Grey Goose are renowned for their smoothness and purity, making them prime candidates for the switch. I’d lean towards Tito’s for a Goombay Smash with a vodka spin. It offers a silky texture that’ll play nicely with the drink’s fruity essence, giving you a refreshing take on this Bahamian classic.

A Goombay Smash cocktail, shot from above, in highball glass on a coaster placed on a white table with a straw, an orange, two pineapple slices and a tweezer around.

Variations

Curious about other variations? Discover some of our most cherished selections:

  • Watermelon Rum Punch: This refreshing and fruity choice stars watermelon, adding a juicy, summery twist. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the rum’s richness, creating a delightful balance. I appreciate how the watermelon’s natural freshness lightens the drink, making it perfect for hot summer days.
  • Royal Caribbean Goombay Smash: Inspired by a popular cruise ship, this takes the Goombay Smash to new heights. It features a unique blend of Kraken Rum and toasted coconut rum, offering a deeper, more nuanced flavor profile. The addition of coconut cream adds a tropical creaminess that I find irresistible. It’s like a mini vacation in a glass, evoking memories of sea breezes and sunny skies.
  • Blood Orange Caipirinha: This is a vibrant and tangy option, showcasing the distinct flavor of blood oranges. The blood orange’s rich color and slightly bitter taste provide a stunning visual appeal and a complex flavor. I’m particularly drawn to the way the tartness of the blood orange complements the sweetness of the other ingredients, making for an exciting and lively sip.

A side shot of a Goombay Smash cocktail in highball glass on a coaster placed on a white table with a straw, three oranges, a pineapple and two pineapple slices around, in front of a blurred yellow wall

History and Origin of the Goombay Smash

The Goombay Smash traces its roots back to the Bahamas, specifically to a small bar in Green Turtle Cay named Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar. Miss Emily Cooper, the bar owner during the 1960s, concocted this tropical cocktail. While the original recipe remains a closely guarded secret by her family, the essence of the Goombay Smash – a delightful mix of rums and tropical juices – quickly spread in popularity throughout the Bahamas and then globally. The name “Goombay” is linked to a form of Bahamian music and dance, further solidifying the drink’s deep connection to Bahamian culture. Today, travelers visiting the Bahamas often make it a point to try this iconic beverage, and many return home eager to recreate its tropical allure.

A Goombay Smash cocktail, shot from above, in highball glass on a white marmol table surrounded by a Dark Rum bottle, a Coconut Rum bottle, an orange juice bottle, a pineapple juice bottle, an Apricot Brandy bottle, half orange and two pineapple slices.

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories does a standard Goombay Smash contain?
The cocktail can have around 200-250 calories, depending on the exact measurements and specific ingredients used.
How strong is a Goombay Smash in terms of alcohol content?
It usually has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of around 15-20% translating to 40-50 proof.
What types of alcohol are used in a Goombay Smash?
The primary alcohols are dark and coconut rum, often complemented by apricot brandy.
In what type of glass is a Goombay Smash typically served?
It's traditionally served in a Highball glass.
What does a Goombay Smash taste like?
It offers a tropical taste profile, with flavors of pineapple, orange, coconut, and hints of apricot, making it fruity and refreshing.
What's the typical ratio of ingredients in a Goombay Smash?
While exact ratios can vary, a common blend includes 1.5 oz of rums and 2.5 oz of juices with a smaller portion of apricot brandy.
How is the Goombay Smash typically served with ice?
It's usually served over ice, ensuring a chilled and refreshing experience.
Can I make a Goombay Smash with Coconut Milk?
Yes, you can make the drink with coconut milk, adding a creamy texture and enhancing the coconut flavor.
What's the difference between a Goombay Smash and a Bahama Mama?
The Goombay Smash blends dark, coconut, and apricot brandy with pineapple and orange juices. At the same time, a Bahama Mama combines dark rum, coconut rum, coffee liqueur, pineapple and lemon juices.

Categories

Flavours

Spirits

Share
Pin
Post
Share
Send
Email

Rate this recipe

I don’t like it

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

You could also try...

Select language

The page you are looking at is also available in the following languages:

Recipe Overview

Explore our recipes by the categories below.

By spirit

By type

By flavour

Spirits Overview

Explore our spirits by the categories below.

Types