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If you’re longing for a taste of the Caribbean, the Goombay Smash Bahamas cocktail is the perfect way to transport you to the sandy shores of Green Turtle Cay. This delicious tropical drink is a perfect balance of tropical flavors — combining light and dark rum, orange and lime juices, and a touch of apricot brandy. This is literally the taste of vacation in a glass. Yummmmm.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Caribbean Cocktail
- What is a Goombay Smash?
- What’s The Story of This Fabled Cocktail?
- Notes On Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make This Little Vacation in a Glass
- Top Tips
- Variations
- How To Store
- How To Make Ahead
- How To Serve
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Goombay Smash Cocktail Recipe The Original Bahamas Drink Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Caribbean Cocktail
So easy to make!
Easy to find ingredients, and easy to whip up.
So perfect for the beach or a party!
Our party people always love this — poolside or at the beach.
A little vacation in a glass!
Need to get away to an island but have to be back at work in the morning? This delicious cocktail will take you there in no time.
What is a Goombay Smash?
The Goombay Smash is an irresistible cocktail bursting with island flavors — dark rum, coconut rum and fresh juices. The name itself is said to have been influenced by the Bahamian Goombay festival, an annual event that occurs across the islands, celebrating Bahamian culture, cuisine and love for life.
The Goombay Smash is not a true smash, which is a type of a julep with spirits, sugar and mint, just as a pineapple is neither pine nor apple. Name aside, of all of the tropical drinks and rum drinks, this one of my favorites.
What’s The Story of This Fabled Cocktail?
The original recipe for the Goombay Smash was crafted by Emily Cooper, also known as “Miss Emily,” at the Blue Bee Bar in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas. Surprisingly, she didn’t consume alcohol herself, so she relied on her patrons playing dominoes in the yard to judge the drink’s taste. They enthusiastically gave it a thumbs up, propelling it to popularity not only in the Bahamas but also beyond its borders.
Miss Emily coined it the Goombay Smash, as she crafted this delicious concoction right around the time that the annual Bahamian Goombay Festival took place.
Notes On Ingredients & Substitutions
Please check out the recipe card for a full list of ingredients and specific measurements.
Coconut Rum
Monkey Rum is my absolute favorite, with toasted coconut and hints of vanilla.
Dark Rum
Pusser’s Rum brings a full flavor and punch being a traditional British Navy Rum. Myer’s Original Dark Rum is also an excellent option for this drink. Dark rum is paramount in this drink to make it more complex and avoid becoming too sweet. Call me crazy, but an overproof rum might be a better option for some. Try Lemon Heart & Son 151 for that extra extra.
Apricot Liqueur
Luxardo Apricot Albicocca Liqueur is traditionally used in this delightful cocktail. Delicioso.
Pineapple Juice
Fresh is best. But quality will work here too. A couple of really great store bought options are Trader Joe’s Cold Pressed Pineapple Juice, or Nature’s Nectar Pineapple Juice.
Orange Juice
Yet another fresh is best. But! There are also great store-bought options as well. Natalie’s Orange Juice is so delicious and so fresh.
Lime Juice
Friends, fresh is best, and so easy too.
Bitters
Agnostura aromatic bitters are said to be the secret ingredient in this drink. Grapefruit bitters could be a fun option here too.
Garnishments
Pineapple wedges and orange slice wheel to garnish. Don’t forget a drink parasol!
Ice
If you are an ice addict like me, you have multiple sizes on hand. I like a medium-sized ice so that it does not melt too quickly.
How to Make This Little Vacation in a Glass
Step 1 — Ice It Up
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Step 2 — Mix It Up
Add all ingredients, coconut rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, bitters to a shaker.
Step 3 — Shake It Up
Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure all the flavors are combined.
Step 4 — Strain It Down
Strain cocktail mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
Step 5 — Sip It Down
Garnish with pineapple wedges, and orange slice wheel.
Top Tips
Fresh Is Best!
Clearly, I cannot say this enough! Fresh juices will really enhance the flavors of the cocktail, taking it to the next level. If you can’t find fresh, I recommend high-end options.
Choose Your Rum Wisely
A dirty, or dark Jamaican rum or a Royal Navy rum is highly recommended here to shine through the fruity flavors. Take it to the next level with an overproof rum, like Lemon Heart & Son 151. Avoid a light rum or white rum as you will miss out on the nuances the flavors of a dark rum brings to this drink. Spiced rum should be avoided too, as it will tip the flavor towards a pina colada.
Don’t Have a Cocktail Shaker?
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid for shaking the ingredients.
Variations
Batch It Up!
Freeze the juices into an ice cube tray ahead of time, adding them in to blend, skipping on the ice, which will avoid watering down this drink. Consider adding coconut crema for this blended version.
Blend It Up!
Freeze the juices into an ice cube tray ahead of time, adding them in to blend, skipping on the ice, which will avoid watering down this drink. Consider adding coconut crema for this blended version.
Serve It Up!
Dial down the sweetness of this drink by including only a splash of the juices. Adding in grapefruit bitters to add a different flavor with a “zing”. Serve it up in a chilled martini glass.
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Pin ItHow To Store
The Goombay Smash is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftover cocktail mixture, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s recommended to consume it as soon as possible for the best taste experience.
How To Make Ahead
While fresh is best, you can always mix this ahead and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Mixing in the shaker with ice just before serving.
How To Serve
The Goombay Smash Cocktail is traditionally served in a hurricane glass or a highball glass filled with ice. Consider serving it in a large wine glass. If serving up, a chilled martini or coupe glass is perfect.
Add a little cocktail umbrella for an extra vacation vibe!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Goombay Smash is a delightful cocktail from the Bahamas, taking its name from Goombay, a lively Bahamian drumbeat music that’s central to the local culture. The word “Goombay” captures the festive and rhythmic vibe of the islands. In cocktail terms, “smash” refers to a drink made by mixing spirits, a sweetener, herbs—usually mint—and ice, all blended together. The name “Goombay Smash” wonderfully blends this musical tradition with a refreshing cocktail style, bringing a taste of Bahamian celebration and tropical enjoyment to your glass.
Bahamas Goombay Summer Festival is a celebration across multiple Bahamian islands featuring colorful Junkanoo parades, authentic cuisine, and cultural exhibits. It is a full immersion into the Bahamian warm hospitality, mouthwatering Bahamian dishes, and the rhythm of the islands’ music. You can also find many Goombay Festivals state-side in communities that are rich in Bahamian culture and people, such as Miami and Key West.
Goombay Smash Cocktail Recipe The Original Bahamas Drink
Equipment
- Shaker
- Strainer
- Hurricane Glass or Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 1 oz — Dark Rum
- 1 oz — Coconut Rum
- ½ oz — Apricot Liqueur
- 1-½ oz — Fresh Pineapple Juice
- 1 oz — Fresh Orange Juice
- ⅓ oz — Fresh Lime Juice
- 2 — Dashes of Bitters
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Instructions
Ice It Up
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Mix It Up
- Add all ingredients, coconut rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, bitters to a shaker.
Shake It Up
- Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to ensure all the flavors are combined.
Shake It Down
- Strain the cocktail mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
Make It Pretty & Enjoy!
- Garnish with pineapple wedges, and orange slice wheel. Serve and enjoy the tropical goodness!
Notes
Clearly, I cannot say this enough. Fresh juices will enhance the flavors of the cocktail, taking it to the next level. If you can’t find fresh, I recommend high-end options. Choose Your Rum Wisely
A dirty, or dark Jamaican rum or a Royal Navy rum is highly recommended here to shine through the fruity flavors. Take it to the next level with an overproof rum, like Lemon Heart & Son 151. Avoid a light rum or white rum as you will miss out on the nuances the flavors of a dark rum brings to this drink. Spiced rum should be avoided too, as it will tip the flavor toward a pina colada. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid for shaking the ingredients. Batch It Up!
Perfect for party time or beach time. Need to figure out details for a batch. Blend It Up!
Freeze the juices into an ice cube tray ahead of time, adding them in to blend, skipping on the ice, which will avoid watering down this drink. Consider adding coconut crema for this blended version. Serve It Up!
Dial down the sweetness of this drink by including only a splash of the juices. Adding in grapefruit bitters to add a “zing”. Serving it up in a chilled martini glass.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
All time favorite for me and takes me back to the islands and also a great trip to St. Augustine! Thanks for the inspirational site 🙂