Paradise Remembered

Mixology Monday

It is Mixology Monday! The theme, “Drink of Shame,” is the invention of our host Tipicular Fixins. We have all quaffed a few sweet, strange libations and I have imbibed my share of questionable drinks. This Month’s challenge, (now that we are real mixologists), is to create a cocktail that elevates a drink from our misadventurous youth onto a higher plain. I thought of resurrecting Trash Can Punch like some Frankenstein concoction, but instead I have chosen the Pina Colada.

When I was young, I spent a lot of time diving. I would travel to islands and points south of Mexico known primarily for beautiful beaches, clear waters and unreliable postal service. I would order a Pina Colada at practically every bar I entered. These were occasionally amazing, but primarily consisted of some white liquid along with an unknown rum – all whirred with ice and usually sticky sweet. I don’t remember ever ordering one in the US.

The cocktail I created, the Paradise Remembered, keeps the flavors of rum, coconut and pineapple, but I made it as a sour. I used Kalani Coconut Liqueur, Cruzan Dark Aged Rum, fresh pineapple juice and Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. The result is much lighter than a Pina Colada. The flavors are coconut and rum with the pineapple completing the combination. The egg yolk contributes that silky mouth feel along with the appealingly luxurious, thick foam floating on top.