Bahama Breeze I

Bahama Breeze I Recipe - Authentic Taste of The Bahamas

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Introduction

The Bahama Breeze I cocktail is a vibrant and tropical drink that captures the essence of island life. This refreshing concoction combines the rich flavors of dark rum, banana, apricot, and coconut, balanced with the tanginess of lemon, orange, and pineapple juices, and sweetened with a touch of grenadine and honey. It's the perfect beverage for those looking to bring a bit of the Bahamas into their home.

History

This delightful recipe was discovered at a quaint hotel on Elbow Cay, where the bartender, known for his innovative and tropical drink creations, shared his secret for the perfect island cocktail. Over the years, the Bahama Breeze I has become a favorite among visitors and locals alike, embodying the laid-back and sunny spirit of the Bahamas.

Ingredients

1 oz (28 g) of dark rum
0.5 oz (14 g) of banana liqueur
0.5 oz (14 g) of apricot liqueur
0.5 oz (14 g) of coconut rum
0.25 oz (7 g) of grenadine
0.25 oz (7 g) of honey
0.5 oz (14 g) of lemon juice
1 oz (28 g) of orange juice
1 oz (28 g) of pineapple juice

How to prepare

Blend the ingredients thoroughly with a couple of ice cubes. Pour the mixture over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with orange slices, cherries, or any other desired toppings.
I obtained this recipe from the bartender at our hotel on Elbow Cay several years ago.

Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the liquors with additional fruit juices or flavored syrups. To make a frozen Bahama Breeze, blend the ingredients with a cup of ice until smooth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best flavor, use fresh juices whenever possible. The freshness adds a vibrant taste that can't be matched by store-bought versions. When blending the ingredients, a few seconds are all that's needed to combine the flavors without diluting the drink too much. For an extra touch of elegance, chill the glass before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Bahama Breeze I in a tall glass over ice, garnished with a slice of orange, a cherry, or a sprig of mint for an extra touch of island flair.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique for this recipe is blending. A quick blend ensures the ingredients are well mixed without becoming too diluted.

Ingredient Substitutions

If banana liqueur is unavailable, banana syrup can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute. Similarly, apricot nectar can replace apricot liqueur for a lighter version.

Make Ahead Tips

The liquors and juices can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Add ice and blend just before serving to ensure the drink is fresh and cold.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with tropical fruits such as pineapple wedges, mango slices, or even edible flowers to enhance the island vibe of the Bahama Breeze I.

Pairing Recommendations

This cocktail pairs beautifully with light appetizers, seafood dishes, or tropical salads. Its sweet and tangy profile complements spicy foods as well.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a fresh cocktail, the Bahama Breeze I is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. It is not recommended to store or reheat this beverage.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of the Bahama Breeze I contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively moderate choice for a cocktail.

Carbohydrates

This cocktail contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from the natural sugars in the fruit juices and the added honey and grenadine.

Fats

The Bahama Breeze I is virtually fat-free, making it a light and refreshing choice for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

This drink contains minimal protein, as it is primarily composed of fruit juices and liquors.

Vitamins and minerals

Thanks to the fruit juices, this cocktail provides a modest amount of vitamins, particularly vitamin C from the orange and pineapple juices, as well as some minerals like potassium.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. However, those with allergies to specific fruits should exercise caution.

Summary

Overall, the Bahama Breeze I is a moderately caloric drink with a good balance of carbohydrates and minimal fats and proteins. It offers a small nutritional boost from the vitamins and minerals present in the fruit juices.

Summary

The Bahama Breeze I is a delightful tropical cocktail that brings the flavors of the Bahamas to your glass. With its combination of dark rum, fruit liqueurs, and juices, it's a refreshing choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a sunny afternoon or as a vibrant start to your evening, this cocktail is sure to transport you to island time.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Bahama Breeze. It was a warm summer evening, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria, who had just returned from a trip to the Bahamas. As we sat on her porch sipping lemonade, she pulled out a worn and weathered cookbook from her suitcase and excitedly flipped through the pages.

"Ah ha! Here it is," she exclaimed, pointing to a page with a vibrant photo of a tropical cocktail. "This is the most delicious drink I had while I was there - Bahama Breeze. You have to try it!"

I leaned in closer to examine the recipe. The ingredients were simple enough - rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine. But it was the combination of flavors that intrigued me. I had never tasted anything quite like it before.

Maria handed me the cookbook and insisted I make it for our next get-together. I thanked her profusely and promised to do just that. Little did I know that this recipe would become a staple at all of my future gatherings.

The following weekend, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and set to work. As I poured the rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice into a shaker with ice, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The scent of coconut and pineapple filled the air, transporting me back to Maria's porch in the Bahamas.

I shook the cocktail vigorously and strained it into a tall glass filled with ice. A splash of grenadine on top added a pop of color, reminiscent of a vibrant sunset over the ocean. I took a sip, and my taste buds exploded with tropical flavors. It was like a vacation in a glass.

From that moment on, Bahama Breeze became my signature drink. I served it at every party, family gathering, and special occasion. It became synonymous with fun, laughter, and good times shared with loved ones.

Over the years, I experimented with the recipe, adding my own twists and variations. I would sometimes garnish it with a slice of fresh pineapple or a sprig of mint. Other times, I would use different types of rum or fruit juices to create new flavor combinations.

But no matter how many times I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Bahama Breeze remained the same - a refreshing and tropical cocktail that never failed to put a smile on people's faces.

As time went on, I shared the recipe with friends and family who were equally captivated by its deliciousness. They would often request it at gatherings or ask me to make it for special occasions. It became a tradition, a symbol of togetherness and celebration.

One day, my granddaughter came to me and asked me to teach her how to make Bahama Breeze. I smiled at her eagerness and gladly passed down the recipe, just as Maria had done for me all those years ago.

As we stood side by side in the kitchen, mixing the rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I was passing on a piece of my culinary heritage to the next generation, ensuring that the tradition of Bahama Breeze would live on for years to come.

And as we clinked our glasses together and took a sip of the tropical cocktail, I knew that the recipe for Bahama Breeze would forever hold a special place in our hearts - a reminder of the bonds we share and the memories we create together.