Aruba Ariba

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Sweet and fruity, the Aruba Ariba cocktail is a true Aruban treasure.

Sometimes I love to imagine what it must have been like at the time some of these drinks we explore here were born. Take tonight’s cocktail, for example. At first glance, you might look at the Aruba Ariba and assume it’s just another tropical drink. A simple and potent sipper, popular amongst resort-goers and city-folk while they splash in the warm waters off of whatever island paradise they’re vacationing at. You’d be right, but also wrong in thinking this was just another drink that could be served anywhere.

Let’s pretend it’s 1963, and you’ve just stepped off of a Pan Am flight that’s delivered you to the beautiful and charming shores of Aruba. With your vintage luggage in tow, you arrive at your home for the week, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Unfortunately, your spacious penthouse suite isn’t quite ready for check-in, so it’s off to the bar for a cocktail or two while you wait.

And it’s here that you meet Juan “Jocky” Tromp, the bartender, who is very excited to serve you a drink that he says he has just created, which he calls the Aruba Ariba. When in Rome, right? So you order one, and discover a delectable concoction of vodka, rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, and juices like orange, pineapple and cranberry. There’s something else too, something Jock says makes this a cocktail you can only find in Aruba, the local spirit coecoei.

While it’s fun to imagine being back in the 1960s to give this beverage a taste, the good news is that you can go to Aruba today and order it just about anywhere. It is so associated with the island nation that every July 1st, it is celebrated at the Hilton where it was invented and first served.

What Is Coecoei?

Only found in Aruba, this red and sweet liquor is a mixture that is made from rum, sugar and the sap from the island’s local agave plants. With a taste that’s similar to passionfruit, coecoei is also said to have light anise-like notes. While known for its use in the Aruba Ariba cocktail, it is also popular around Christmas. It is only made and sold in Aruba unfortunately, making it very hard to come by anywhere else.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In An Aruba Ariba?

You’ll need vodka and white rum, both clear-colored spirits, to build your Aruba Ariba with. A banana liqueur is needed, too. All of these are easy enough to come by when you’re shopping for alcohol, but about the coecoei? I know that I can’t go around the corner to my local liquor store and buy some, so what’s a good substitute? Our recipe suggests amaretto, which will give your drink some slightly sweetened nutty notes. I’ve also read that cherry brandy and passionfruit nectar work nicely, too.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

You can grab any large and tall glass you like, such as a pint or hurricane glass. Fill it with fresh ice and pour your cocktail in, garnishing the rim with an orange slice, then popping a maraschino cherry on top.

CAN YOU STORE THE ARUBA ARIBA?

You can make a large batch of this recipe (without ice) and store it in a covered pitcher or container in your fridge for up to a few days. Shake individual servings over ice when you’re ready to drink.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN AN ARUBA ARIBA?

This tropical treat is around 320 calories per glass. Be mindful when imbibing.

IF YOU USE A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE COECOEI, IS YOUR DRINK STILL AN ARUBA ARIBA?

Nobody will stop you from calling your cocktail an Aruba Ariba if you can’t get a hold of any coecoei, but I would be honest with my friends and mention the situation. The drink is still delicious, and trust me, nobody will be upset. It’s all a part of this beverage’s story.

Similar Drinks To The Aruba Ariba Cocktail

Whenever we get the chance to hop on a plane and jet off to some far-flung and beautiful locale away from home, invariably we’ll have a cocktail or two that will forever be associated with that place. It can be an island getaway, or a European adventure. And if you feel like doing a little traveling without going anywhere, or if you just want to relive some fond memories, here are a few recipes that can help.

• Mai Tai – This Tiki tipple always reminds me of my first trip to Hawaii, because this is all I drank.
• Lonkero Long Drink – If you’ve ever been to Finland, this refreshing concoction will take you right back.
• Old Pal – Take a trip to Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, France with this classic.
• Bob Marley – Have a few of these to celebrate Jamaica.