Autumn and I had the pleasure of visiting Belize back in May 2019, and it was an absolute island paradise - home to beautiful beaches, reefs for snorkeling/ scuba diving, dense jungles, Mayan ruins, caves for exploring, and so much more (see full blog post about our Belize trip here).

We also discovered one of our favorite simple tiki cocktails on the trip – the “Panty Ripper”.  Yes, the name is a bit jarring, but the drink is a Belizean staple and an absolute “must try” cocktail. 

The following feature will provide 2 versions of the recipe:  The Wayward Spirits adaptation and the original recipe.  Try it both ways and let us know what you think in the comments.  Cheers!
 
Wayward Spirits Recipe:

Glassware:  Preferably a Hurricane Glass

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Coconut Rum (we use Malibu)
• 1 oz Black Blended Overproof Rum (we us Plantation O.F.T.D)
• 1 can (6 oz) pineapple juice
• 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup ice

Cocktail Steps:
Combine all ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth.  Open pour into glass of your choice.

Garnish:
Garnish with a cocktail umbrella speared into 2 chunks of pineapple and a splash of grenadine
 
Original Recipe:

Glassware:  Any glass will do

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Coconut Rum (we use Malibu)
• 2 oz pineapple juice

Cocktail Steps:
Combine all ingredients into a glass with ice, and swizzle with a bar spoon until mixed together.

Garnish:
Garnish with a splash of grenadine and a maraschino cherry
 
Wayward Spirits Rating and Twist:
Overall Score - 4.5 

The “Panty Ripper” is a simple and delicious addition to any tiki cocktail book.  It’s a real crowd pleaser, and easy cocktail to make in bulk for a tiki-themed party.

Personally, I prefer the Wayward Spirits version of the recipe, as it felt like the drink needed a more substantial rum to balance the flavor.  Try it both ways and let us know what you think!

​I recently came across this amazing recipe for a variation of the piña colada from Apartment Bartender on Instagram (check out his profile here).   

Like all drinks from Apartment Bartender, this cocktail does not disappoint and is a tasty and lighter alternative to a traditional piña colada.  By adding just a splash of orange juice, lime juice, and using an aged rum, the cocktail feels slightly more upscale than most coladas.

The following feature provides the necessary ingredients and steps for making it at home.  Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

​Recipe/ Instructions:

​Glassware:  Pearl Diver Glass or Tiki Mug

Ingredients:

• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 1 ½ oz orange juice
• 1 oz Coconut Cream (homemade is best, but Coco Lopez will suffice)
• 2 oz Aged Rum (we use El Dorado 8 year)

Coconut Cream Recipe (if needed):

1. One 13.5 oz can of Thai Kitchen Unsweetened Coconut Milk (not the “Lite” variety), or you can use Chaokoh Coconut Milk for a thicker and creamier finish
2. Scoop the coconut cream and milk out of the can into a mixing bowl
3. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt
4. Mix well with immersion or hand blender until the coconut cream and milk are well blended.
5. Add 13.5 oz of 2:1 simple syrup (using the empty coconut milk can as a measuring cup)
6. Mix well with an immersion or hand blender until the coconut milk and simple syrup are well blended
7. Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 weeks

Cocktail Steps:
Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice.  Strain into a glass, and top with crushed ice. 

Garnish:
Garnish with a couple sprigs of mint and a Luxardo cherry.

Wayward Spirits Rating and Twist:
Overall Score - 4
This is an excellent, easy take on the piña colada.  If you are looking for a coconut-based cocktail that is on the lighter side, this may very well be the drink for you.
Try adding a hint more coconut cream if you want to make the drink taste richer, and more coconut-forward.