Tropical Cocktails with North Shore Distillery

Posted February 24, 2024

In Cocktail Compilations, Cocktail Recipes, Curaçao

Tropical cocktails may seem incongruous during winter, but at North Shore Distillery we think they’re absolutely appropriate for the season! This time of year lends itself to tropical cocktails — it’s the tail end of winter, we’re all sick of grey days and we’re wishing for a warm, sunny tropical beach. Even if a vacation isn’t in the cards at the moment, you can still get a pick-me-up with fun tropical vibes! We’ve broken down our favorite tropical drinks into three different categories; check it out!

Fun & Fruity

Since winter is citrus season, it makes total sense that these cocktails fit into winter, especially when paired with tropical fruits like pineapple, passionfruit, mango & more.

South Seas

Fruity, tropical & herbal all at once, the perfect sipper for these hot summer days or chilly winter nights.

1½ oz Third Coast Rum
1/2 oz Sirène Absinthe Verte
1/2 oz Pineapple Liqueur (we use Giffard)
1¼ oz Fresh Lime Juice
3/4 oz Pineapple Juice
3/4 oz Coconut Syrup (we use Giffard)

Shake ingredients with ice, then pour entire contents of shaker into a fish glass, if you have one, or a fun tiki glass. Garnish with a lime wedge & a cocktail umbrella, and an edible orchid if you have one!

Polynesian Spell

This gin-based cocktail is unusual in tropical cocktails, but features deep fruit, botanical & spice notes that bring it into the fold.

1½ oz Gin No. 6
½ oz Orange Curaçao
1 oz Grape Juice
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
½ oz Demerara Simple

Shake ingredients with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Mango Jalapeño Daiquiri

Third Coast Rum blends with rich, tropical mango & refreshing jalapeño spice in an extra-tropical riff on the classic rum cocktail.

1½ oz Third Coast Rum
1 oz Mango Juice
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Demerara Simple
1-4 slices of Jalapeño (to taste)

Muddle jalapeño slices, simplel & lime in mixing tin. Add mango & rum and shake with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Rich & Spiced

Tropical spices are rich, warm & comforting — they won’t literally warm you up, but they can provide a sense of warmth and coziness that is a great remedy for chilly nights.

Donga Punch No. 2

The perfect antidote to cold, snowy weather.

1½ oz Third Coast Rum
¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz Grapefruit Juice
¾ oz Cinnamon Simple

Shake ingredients with ice, then strain into Tiki mug over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge, and any extra tropical garnishes you like!

Lion’s Tail

This unique whiskey-based cocktail was created in the late 1930s, right at the start of the first era of tropical cocktails.

2 oz NS American Whiskey
½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Demerara Simple
½ oz Allspice Dram
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake well with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Fallen Idol

This cocktail gets a spice boost from Aquavit – Private Reserve, deep chai spices and ginger.

1¾ oz Third Coast Rum
¼ oz Aquavit – Private Reserve
1 oz Pineapple Juice
¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz Chai Simple
½ oz Apple-Ginger Simple

Shake ingredients with ice, then strain into tiki mug filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge & a cocktail umbrella.

The Classics

Sometimes you just can’t beat the tried-and-true cocktails that have stuck around for almost a hundred years.

Hurricane

We recently covered this one during Mardi Gras, but this New Orleans classic is perfect for any season.

1½ oz Third Coast Rum
1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1¼ oz Passionfruit Syrup
¼ oz Grenadine

Shake ingredients well with a lot of crushed ice, then pour entire contents of shaker into a hurricane glass (or a Collins glass). Garnish with an orange slice, and a popped out umbrella if you have one on hand!