Have a Tropical Getaway Right at Home With This Boozy Bahama Mama Recipe

Summery cocktails are best when they have a tropical twist — they're cool, refreshing, and can transport you to your favorite beach with just one sip. Take a Bahama Mama, for example. You don't have to be in the Bahamas with your feet in the sand to know it's delicious and fun to look at. It's super easy to whip up at home, and can bring the vacation right to you.

The origins of this drink are actually a little bit mysterious. Whether or not it even came from the Bahamas is unclear, and what's also fun about this one — as with many cocktails — is that it doesn't have one set recipe. You can make it blended, you can add coffee liqueur, you can use different rums, etc.

Whatever combo you come up with, though, should taste like a tropical cocktail! It should only take a few ingredients, and each of them will invoke the spirit of the beach. Malibu rum is, of course, the core of my version of this drink, as well as pineapple and orange juices. I use maraschino cherry juice for the red color and pop of sweetness, but grenadine is also a popular option. It won't really alter the taste, but you'll still get that bright red color.

Serve it up with some fruit as a garnish and enjoy. Just be careful with this one, because it's SO good that you might drink more than you mean to!