How to Make a Bahama Mama

A Bahama Mama is a rum cocktail with lots of citrus flavors and a few different rums blended together. Like most cocktails, there is some debate about the exact ingredients of a "true" Bahama Mama, but you should experiment with the many variations to find out which Bahama Mama suits you the best.

Ingredients

Classic Bahama Mama

1/2 ounce of dark rum (Captain Morgan, Sailor Jerry's, etc)
1/2 ounce white rum (Malibu, Mount Gay, etc.)
1 ounce Banana/Coconut Liquor
1/2 ounce grenadine
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce orange juice
Strawberry, cherry, or orange slice for garnish
Ice

Additional Ingredients

1/2 ounce 151 proof rum
Splash lemon-lime soda
1 ounce coffee liquor (substitute for banana or coconut)
1/2 ounce cherry liquor

Steps

1
Fill a tall glass with ice. Usually large cocktail glasses, like a hurricane glasses or a goblets, are used for Bahama Mamas. You can also fill a cocktail shaker and pour into a glass later, but by pouring your ingredients directly in the glass you can be sure you have the right amount to fill the cup.
2
Pour in the rums. To keep track, bartenders use a "count system." 1/2 ounce equals a "two count" (start pouring, count "1,2," and then stop). The slower your count, the stronger the drink. You can also use a shot glass for measurements -- 1 shot equals 1.5 ounces.
- Feel free to mix and match different rums (light, dark, coconut, 151 proof, etc.)-- you want a total of 1-1.5 ounces of rum total.
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3
Add an ounce of flavored liquor. Most bartenders use banana liquor, but some use cherry or coffee as well. To measure an ounce, use a 4 count ("1,2,3,4," then stop pouring).
4
Add your fruit juices and grenadine. Pineapple is used in almost every Bahama recipe, and orange juice is common as well. Fruit juices are generally a 4 count, but some bartenders just add them to the top of the glass after the alcohol is poured.
- Bahama Mamas are usually contain 1 part rum, 2-3 parts juice and liquor. That means you usually have two or three times as much juice as rum.
5
Place a metal cocktail shaker over the rim of your glass. Make sure to place it firmly so that it makes a seal. Ignore this step if you have been mixing the ingredients directly in your shaker.
6
Shake well. You do not need to mix for very long -- a quick 2-3 second shake should be enough.
7
Pour the drink directly into a glass. Garnish the top with a cherry, strawberry, and/or a slice of orange and enjoy!
- When possible, always add a paper umbrella on top. This is crucial.