Caribeño

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Refresh and recharge with the thirst-quenching combo of rum and coconut water, the classic Caribeño.

Believe it or not, legendary actor and Hollywood icon Robert Mitchum was quite the calypso artist. After Harry Belafonte found significant success in the 1950s, Mitchum tried his hand at some island-inspired songs with his 1957 release Calypso – Is Like So… when the “calypso craze” hit the United States. It’s a fantastic collection of laid-back, groovy music, sung in the actor’s deep, trademark timbre. I listen to it all the time in fact, and during the summer it’s a fixture when I’m enjoying a few Daiquiris or Rum and Cokes by the pool.

One of the tracks on the record is called “Coconut Water”, and it’s a witty little ditty told from the point of view of an American on holiday somewhere in the Caribbean. He’s a little worse for wear, out of energy and probably hungover from the night before. So he searches for coconut water to recharge and re-invigorate his senses, the kind “you can’t get in America.” Back then, it might’ve been a little harder to get a hold of the tropical ingredient, but today you can get the water without the coconut at the store. Very convenient.

This is perfect, because tonight’s cocktail features coconut water. The Caribeño is a refreshing riff on the classic Daiquiri, adding the water to the rum, simple syrup and lime juice mixture. Often, like I mentioned above, if someone was heavily imbibing the night before, and is feeling crispy the next day, coconut water is a fantastic way to rehydrate and re-energize. Adding it to the Daiquiri creates a new, lighter and brighter tasting tipple.

While more than likely a very old Caribbean concoction, the recipe has been attributed to famous Tiki man Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove.

What Is The Best Rum To Use In A Caribeño?

A white, or silver, rum is the ideal spirit to craft this cocktail with. The clear color and unaged, tropically-tinged spirit mixes with the lime juice and sugar in a harmonious and balanced way, neither taking over the party or hiding in the corner, if you get my meaning. A bottle of Bacardi Silver will serve you well when making this recipe at home, and it’s also easy on the wallet.

FAQs & Tips

WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?

Once your cocktail is shaken and ready, have a highball glass filled with ice so you can pour it right in. Garnish the top with a plump and juicy lime wedge for an extra zip of citrus.

CAN YOU STORE THE CARIBEÑO?

If you want a large batch of this recipe to serve to a group, or just to have premade for yourself, scale up the amount of ingredients, combine and stir gently together (without ice), then store in your fridge in an airtight container or bottle for a few days. Shake individual drinks over ice.

HOW MANY CALORIES ARE IN A CARIBEÑO?

Each cool and invigorating glass of this concoction is about 175 calories.

WHAT IS THE BEST COCONUT WATER TO USE?

Since I have a hard time opening a coconut to reach the water within, and squeezing them is next to impossible, it is suggested that you find some at the grocery store, like Vita Coco or Goya.

Other Tropical Libations Worth Trying

You have the snacks ready to serve, the calypso music playing over the speakers, your aloha shirt is on, and your friends are set to arrive in just a few hours. The only thing missing? The cocktails. You have plenty of spirits, mixers, ice… but what should you make for everybody? One type of drink? A few, perhaps? Check out some of these recipes to get a few ideas.

• Coconut Margarita – A creamy and coconutty take on the summertime classic.
• Chi Chi – This Polynesian-themed cocktail is a vodka-based treat.
• Dirty Banana – Rum, cream and banana & coffee liqueurs create this decadent mixture.
• Bahama Mama – Take an island vacation without leaving your house with this tropical classic.