If ever there was a potion designed to whisk you straight to the sunny, sandy beaches of Aruba with just a sip, it’s this one. You might be thinking, “Just another tropical drink, right?” Well, yes and no. Sure, it shares its DNA with the colorful, fruity concoctions you dream of sipping by the pool. But let me tell you, the Aruba Ariba has a vibe, a flavor, and a story that set it apart from your garden-variety beachside beverage.
First off, let’s clear the air about something. If you’re picturing this as a simple mix of rum and fruit juice, prepare to have your mind gently blown away. This cocktail is a delightful jigsaw puzzle of flavors that come together in a way that’s kind of magical. We’re talking not one, not two, but several types of alcohol, a dash of sweet and sour, plus a secret ingredient that gives it that je ne sais quoi. Intrigued? You should be.
How to make Aruba Ariba
Aruba Ariba cocktail is a tropical drink that originated in Aruba, a Caribbean island known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. It typically includes rum, vodka, amaretto liqueur, cranberry juice, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce of vodka – It’s smooth; it’s got a kick and a perfect base.
- 1/2 ounce of 151 rum – Warning: this stuff is potent. It adds a beautiful fire to the mix!
- 1/4 ounce of Coecoei—This is the secret sauce, my friend. Coecoei is an Aruban liquor with a unique, slightly sweet taste. Passion fruit syrup is a great substitute if you can’t find it.
- 1/4 ounce of crème de banana – For that tropical vibe.
- 1/2 cup of fruit punch – Go for something vibrant and flavorful.
- A dash of grenadine – For sweetness and that gorgeous sunset color.
- 1/2 ounce of orange juice – Because what’s a tropical drink without it?
- A splash of pineapple juice – To round out the fruity flavors.
- Garnish – A slice of orange or a cherry, always eye-catching.
Instructions
- Grab a Shaker: Yep, you’ll need your cocktail shaker for this adventure. You’ve got one, right? If not, any tightly sealed container will do. It’s all about improvising.
- Mix Your Liquors: Start by pouring the vodka, 151 rum, Coecoei (or passion fruit syrup), and crème de banana into the shaker.
- Add the Juices & Fruit Punch – Next, the orange juice, pineapple juice, and fruit punch join the party. This is where it starts looking and smelling like a vacation.
- Shake It Up – Got everything in? Great. Now seal your shaker and give it a hearty, passionate shake. You’re aiming for a smooth and well-mixed drink, so go for about 20-30 seconds of shaking.
- The Final Touch: Grab your favorite glass; a highball glass works best for the full experience. Fill it halfway with ice, strain your mixture into the glass, and top it with that dash of grenadine for the signature Aruba Ariba gradient effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Pop that cherry on top (or that slice of orange), slide in a straw, and voila! You’ve just made yourself an Aruba Ariba cocktail.
Tips to Make Your Aruba Ariba Shine
- Chill Your Glasses: Stick your glasses in the freezer for a bit before serving. It’s a simple trick that adds an extra chill to your drink.
- Quality Matters: Opt for good quality liquor and fresh juices. It truly elevates your cocktail from good to “Can I have another, please?”
- Presentation Is Key – Don’t skimp on the garnish. That cherry or orange slice? It’s not just for looks (okay, it mostly is), but it adds to the whole experience.
What to serve with
So, you’ve mixed up an Aruba Ariba that’s so spot-on that you can almost hear the steel drums and feel the ocean breeze. The only question now is, what food can keep up with this tropical titan? You’re in luck because we’ve got some tasty ideas that will transform your drink into a full-on feast.
Light Bites for Big Flavor
Think light, think fresh, think, “I can eat this with one hand while holding my drink in the other.” That’s the kind of finger food fare that’ll complement your Aruba Ariba like a dream.
- Fresh Summer Rolls: Picture this: rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp or tofu, a rainbow of crunchy veggies, and a hint of fresh herbs. Dip them in a tangy sauce, and you’ve got a refreshing bite that dances with the flavors in your cocktail.
- Zesty Shrimp Ceviche: Seafood and tropical drinks are best friends forever. A zesty shrimp ceviche—with its citrusy marinade and pops of flavor from cilantro and onion—is like the beach vacation your palate’s been craving.
- Crispy Plantain Chips: You’re lounging on an imaginary Caribbean shore, so why not snack like it? Plantain chips are crunchy, addictive, and just salty enough to make that sweet Aruba Ariba even more satisfying.
Heartier Options for the Hungry
Did all that shaking and sipping make your stomach rumble a bit louder? Let’s fill you up without weighing you down.
- Grilled Skewers: Chicken, beef, or veggie kabobs hot off the grill have that smoky allure that stands up to the punch of flavor in your drink. Bonus points for serving with a tangy dipping sauce!
- Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa: Fish tacos are simple to make and a joy to eat. With a fruity mango salsa on top, you’ll create a mini fiesta for your mouth that’ll have you ready for another round in no time.
- Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wings: You’ve got the sweet with your Aruba Ariba; now add some heat. Jerk chicken wings pack a spicy punch that’ll keep everyone coming back for more, and they pair with the cocktail in an oh-so-right way.
Ingredients Substitutes
Are you all set to mix up an Aruba Ariba but hit a bit of a snag with some elusive ingredients? Fear not! I’ve got the lowdown on easy swaps that’ll get that shaker shaking and your taste buds grooving in no time.
Coecoei
Coecoei is as unique as it is hard to pronounce (it’s “ko-ko-ree,” by the way), but if it’s not sitting on your shelf, don’t let that stop the party. A great alternative is passion fruit syrup; it brings a similar sweetness with a fruity kick. Plus, it’s usually easier to find in stores or online. No passion fruit syrup? Grab some grenadine. It’s not a perfect match, but it will still bring a sweet, fruity depth to your drink.
Rum
That 151 rum is quite the firestarter and not something everyone has on hand. But don’t you worry; use a good quality overproof rum for that punch or, if you’re aiming for something less intense, stick to a dark rum. It offers a rich flavor that complements the tropical vibe without making your head spin.
Crème de What Now?
Crème de banana adding drama? It’s there to add a whisper of banana flavor to the mix. If you don’t have it, try mashing up a very ripe banana and using a tablespoon of the puree. Not a banana fan or dealing with an allergy? Opt for a banana liqueur or even a splash of orange liqueur to keep that fruity note without the banana business.
Grenadine and Fruit Punch
If there’s no grenadine, look to cherry syrup or even a red fruit punch for color and sweetness. The same goes for the fruit punch—if that’s missing from your fridge, a mixture of equal parts orange juice and cranberry juice can step in as a pretty great understudy.
Juice
For the orange juice, most of us have that in our kitchen, but if you’re in a pinch, any citrus juice like grapefruit or lemon juice, possibly diluted with a bit of water, can fill in. Pineapple juice is a tropical must, but if you’re out, how about trying some mango juice or nectar? You’ll keep the tropical vibe alive without missing a beat.
Final Thoughts
I bet by now; you can almost feel the sweet island breeze, can’t you? Mixing up an Aruba Ariba isn’t just about enjoying a delicious drink; it’s about crafting an experience, a moment where you can let loose and soak up some joy wherever you are.
More Cocktail Recipes:
- Cantarito Cocktail Recipe
- Limoncello Lemon Drop Martini Recipe
- Lavender Martini
- Tajin Margarita
- Tequila Daisy Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce of vodka
- 1/2 ounce of 151 rum
- 1/4 ounce of Coecoei
- 1/4 ounce of crème de banana
- 1/2 cup of fruit punch
- A dash of grenadine
- 1/2 ounce of orange juice
- A splash of pineapple juice
- Garnish – A slice of orange or a cherry
Instructions
- Grab a Shaker: Yep, you'll need your cocktail shaker for this adventure. You've got one, right? If not, any tightly sealed container will do. It's all about improvising.
- Mix Your Liquors: Start by pouring the vodka, 151 rum, Coecoei (or passion fruit syrup), and crème de banana into the shaker.
- Add the Juices & Fruit Punch – Next, the orange juice, pineapple juice, and fruit punch join the party. This is where it starts looking and smelling like a vacation.
- Shake It Up – Got everything in? Great. Now seal your shaker and give it a hearty, passionate shake. You're aiming for a smooth and well-mixed drink, so go for about 20-30 seconds of shaking.
- The Final Touch: Grab your favorite glass; a highball glass works best for the full experience. Fill it halfway with ice, strain your mixture into the glass, and top it with that dash of grenadine for the signature Aruba Ariba gradient effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Pop that cherry on top (or that slice of orange), slide in a straw, and voila! You've just made yourself an Aruba Ariba cocktail.
