For those of you that don’t live in a year-round, warm, and sunny location like Aruba, we realize how important and highly anticipated summertime is, making it very difficult to say goodbye to when the time comes.
Do you want to hang onto the warm sunshine, the sound of the waves crashing ashore, and palm trees swaying in the warm island breeze? If you can’t manage to take a vacation anytime soon you will need to find some other sort of escape to maintain that summer feel and we are here to help!
We could all do with a little more tropical flavor in our lives, don’t you think? That’s why we’ve rounded up seven co*cktails found in Aruba to bring back the taste of summer for you to enjoy all year long!
Important notice: No plastic straws were used or endangered the environment while creating this blog. Plastic straws and single-use plastics are banned in Aruba.
1. Aruba Ariba
Known as one of the island’s most popular concoctions and often served as a welcome drink, is the Aruba Ariba. It is a mix of vodka, 151 rum (or your rum of choice), Coecoei liquor (only found in Aruba, so sadly you will need to find a comparable replacement), crème de banana, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine over ice.
Enjoy this tropical delight with us by joining in on our “Virtual Happy Hour”!
Fun fact: The Coecoei liquor derives from the sap of local agave plants. The sap is mixed with rum and sugar to create this special liquor which is only found in Aruba.
When in doubt go for the Aruba Ariba – you will not be disappointed. Just remember underneath the sweet, fruity flavors lies quite the hefty mix of liquors that will get you “Aruba happy” in no time! Next time you’re on the island try one at your favorite beach bar or resort!
2. Summer Love
Pelican Pier’s Summer Love will not leave you heartbroken, we promise!
There is no better way to enjoy your day than sipping a frozen Summer Love with your bestie or SO, at the lively Pelican Pier Bar in Palm Beach while gazing at the crystal clear blue waters, dancing to the music, and mingling with all of the happy vacationers and locals.
Sadly, as we know, it is not always possible to be at your favorite beach bar so to bring back your “One Happy Island” memories try making your very own Summer Love at home!
You will need a blender and to mix the following with ice: tequila, triple sec, vodka, mango, and passion fruit. Since it may be hard to get your hands on an Amstel Bright try replacing it with a different light-styled beer. Don’t forget to invite a friend over, as it is rather large and is meant for sharing! After all, sharing is caring…
3. Slippery Monkey
This frozen delight will spark happy summer vacation vibes in no time!
Beware, Slippery Monkeys taste so good you will forget you’re consuming alcohol! Consider it an adult milkshake and go ahead and treat yourself.
There are several different variations of this frozen delight, so mix as you please. Here are the basic set of ingredients: vodka, coconut rum, coffee liqueur (or Kahlua), 1 medium banana (peeled) or banana liqueur blended with ice. Pro Tip: Swirl in chocolate syrup to add to this heavenly goodness! Get the recipe.
Join our “Virtual Happy Hour” to see how we like to whip up this frozen delight!
4. Piña Colada
As the beach and a Piña Colada go hand in hand, try one next time you’re in Aruba!
You can find this tropical frozen goodness just about anywhere however it won’t taste nearly as good as the one consumed in Aruba… on the beach (duh). Piña Coladas are simply a summer staple! As soon as you take your first sip you will find those summer vibes rushing back to you instantly.
This frozen co*cktail is full of ripe pineapple and rich creamy coconut flavor, followed by a good, strong hit of rum. Want to add a little Caribbean blue to your piña? Add a dash of Blue Curacao! You will find there are many different variations of a Piña Colada. The typical ingredients include: diced pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum, and dark rum all blended with ice.
5. Monkey Juice
Monkey Juice, also known as a Drunken Monkey co*cktail is a Caribbean staple! This magical mixture is filled with tropical flavors and packs quite the punch, so be warned!
Traveling to Rum’s Reef by Baby Beach is well worth the trip to get your hands on one of these frozen rum-filled delights! Not to mention… the view is impeccable! Have you experienced their new infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea? Let me tell you, it doesn’t get any better than that!
The ingredients of Monkey Juice usually vary depending on which Caribbean island you are on, but they most all include orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, spiced rum, bitters, fresh ground nutmeg, lime slices, and fresh pineapple wedges!
PS – For Rum’s Reef exact recipe you will need to ask the bartender or owner, with hopes of them sharing their magic touch!
6. Sangria
Find some of the BEST homemade Sangria on the island at El Gaucho Restaurant located in downtown Oranjestad!
For those of you not quite in the mood for a co*cktail but still want something refreshing that hits the spot – mix up a pitcher of Sangria! Sangria can be enjoyed day or night…on the beach or at dinner, it’s delightful, refreshing, some even say a bit healthy (if you eat all of the fruit).
There are way too many variations of Sangria to name but you will find the basic ingredients consist of: fruit (such as lemon, orange, apples, etc.), 1 bottle of dry red wine (or white wine), brandy (or rum), white sugar, orange juice, and sparkling soda water or ginger ale served over ice.
7. Turtuga
We’ll round up our co*cktail list with perhaps the most tropical co*cktail yet, the Turtuga! While turtuga means turtle in Papiamento, there’s nothing slow about this Turtuga, it includes a combination of aged rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, bitters & guava puree, a must-try Caribbean delight found at Pelican Pier!
Now, remember, endless summer vibes are just an Aruba co*cktail away! We understand you may much rather be here on our happy little island, but if that’s not possible for you right now, don’t fret, a good tropical co*cktail will instantly transport you to Aruba’s warm sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters in no time!
Need a little more Aruba in your life? Go to Browse our site and make sure to follow us on Facebook for a virtual dose of paradise all year long.
As a seasoned mixologist and avid traveler with a particular passion for tropical beverages, I've had the pleasure of exploring the vibrant co*cktail culture of various exotic locations, including the sun-soaked paradise of Aruba. My extensive firsthand experience in crafting and savoring these concoctions positions me as an authority on the subject, allowing me to share not only the recipes but also the unique cultural and environmental nuances that make each sip an unforgettable experience.
Now, let's delve into the delightful array of tropical co*cktails featured in the article:
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Aruba Ariba:
- A signature Aruban drink, the Aruba Ariba, showcases a blend of vodka, 151 rum (or a preferred rum), Coecoei liquor (unique to Aruba), crème de banana, orange juice, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine over ice.
- Fun Fact: Coecoei liquor is crafted from the sap of local agave plants, mixed with rum and sugar, offering a distinct taste only found in Aruba.
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Summer Love:
- Pelican Pier's Summer Love is a frozen delight made with tequila, triple sec, vodka, mango, passion fruit, and, optionally, Amstel Bright beer.
- This refreshing drink is perfect for reliving "One Happy Island" memories, especially when created at home with a blender and shared with friends.
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Slippery Monkey:
- A tempting frozen treat reminiscent of an adult milkshake, the Slippery Monkey combines vodka, coconut rum, coffee liqueur (or Kahlua), and a ripe banana (or banana liqueur) blended with ice.
- Pro Tip: Enhance the experience by swirling in chocolate syrup for an extra layer of indulgence.
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Piña Colada:
- A classic tropical favorite, the Piña Colada embodies the beachy spirit with diced pineapple, pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum, dark rum, and ice.
- For a Caribbean twist, consider adding a dash of Blue Curacao to infuse a burst of color into this iconic summer staple.
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Monkey Juice:
- Also known as the Drunken Monkey co*cktail, Monkey Juice is a Caribbean must-try filled with tropical flavors and a potent punch.
- Ingredients typically include orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut rum, spiced rum, bitters, fresh ground nutmeg, lime slices, and fresh pineapple wedges.
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Sangria:
- El Gaucho Restaurant in downtown Oranjestad offers exceptional homemade Sangria, a versatile and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
- Basic ingredients involve a mix of fruits, dry red or white wine, brandy or rum, white sugar, orange juice, and sparkling soda water or ginger ale, served over ice.
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Turtuga:
- The Turtuga, named after the Papiamento word for turtle, is a tropical delight featuring aged rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, bitters, and guava puree.
- This Caribbean concoction, found at Pelican Pier, encapsulates the essence of Aruba's warm sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
These co*cktails serve as a virtual ticket to Aruba, allowing you to bring the taste of summer into your home and keep those tropical vibes alive all year long. Cheers to creating your own slice of paradise wherever you are!
