Bahama Mama Smoothie

I love making this Bahama Mama Smoothie because it’s a tropical-inspired drink that brings the beach vibe right to my kitchen. Whether I’m serving it as a mocktail for the kids or for the adults, it’s fruity, refreshing, and incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smoothie is sweet, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. I like that it’s super customizable and takes just minutes to make. The combination of orange and pineapple juices with coconut and a splash of grenadine makes it look as good as it tastes. Plus, I only need a blender and a few simple ingredients to create something that feels like a mini vacation in a glass.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the mocktail:
‑ 1 (12 oz) container frozen orange juice
‑ 1 (12 oz) container frozen pineapple juice
‑ 1 (17 oz) can coconut water
‑ 1 teaspoon coconut extract
‑ 2 cups ice
‑ 6 ounces grenadine
‑ Pineapple slices and cherries for garnish (optional)

For the cocktail version:
‑ 1 (12 oz) container frozen orange juice
‑ 1 (12 oz) container frozen pineapple juice
‑ 1 (17 oz) can coconut water or 2 cups plain water‑ 2 cups ice
‑ 6 ounces grenadine
‑ Pineapple slices and cherries for garnish (optional)

directions

1. I add everything except the ice and grenadine to the pitcher of a blender.

2. I blend until smooth.

3. Then I add the ice and blend again until the mixture is thick and the ice is fully crushed.

4. I pour the smoothie into glasses, drizzle one ounce of grenadine along the inside of each glass for that signature look, and garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry if I have them.

Servings and timing

Serves 6 people
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

variations

Here’s how I like to change it up depending on who I’m serving:
‑ Make it dairy-free and more slushy by using extra ice or frozen fruit like mango or banana.
‑ For a lighter taste, I replace coconut water with plain water or sparkling water.
‑ I use a splash of lime juice for added citrus brightness.
‑ I swap the coconut extract for real coconut milk for a creamier texture.
‑ I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to turn this into a tropical breakfast smoothie.

storage/reheating

Since this smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, I usually make just enough for one round. But if I have leftovers, I store them in a sealed container in the freezer. When I’m ready to serve again, I blend it briefly to restore the slushy texture. I don’t recommend storing it in the fridge, as the ice will melt and change the consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

I don’t recommend it since the ice will melt and water it down. But I do sometimes prep the ingredients and freeze them in portions to make blending quicker later.

What can I use instead of grenadine?

If I don’t have grenadine, I use pomegranate juice, cherry syrup, or even a splash of cranberry juice to get that same sweet and colorful swirl.

Is there a difference between coconut water and coconut milk in this recipe?

Yes, coconut water is lighter and hydrating, while coconut milk makes the smoothie creamier. I choose based on the texture I’m going for.

How can I make this smoothie thicker?

To thicken it up, I add frozen fruit or use less liquid. Frozen mango or banana work great without changing the flavor too much.

Can I make this smoothie without a blender?

Not really. Since I’m working with frozen juice and ice, a blender is necessary to get that smooth, slushy texture.

How do I make this smoothie less sweet?

I reduce or skip the grenadine, and sometimes I use fresh juices instead of frozen concentrates to control the sugar level.

Can I turn this into popsicles?

Yes! I pour the blended smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze them. They’re a fun, fruity treat especially for summer.

What type of garnish works best?

I love the look and taste of fresh pineapple slices and maraschino cherries—they give the smoothie that tropical cocktail feel.

Can I serve this in a punch bowl?

Yes, I blend a large batch and pour it into a punch bowl. I float fruit slices and drizzle grenadine just before serving for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Whether I’m hosting a summer party, relaxing on the weekend, or just craving something fruity and refreshing, this Bahama Mama Smoothie always hits the spot. I love that I can make it boozy or family-friendly, and it takes no time at all to whip up. It’s sunshine in a glass and one of my go-to drink recipes all year round.

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