The phrase "Beach Bum" is a perfect example of a drink name with multiple personalities. Unlike a Margarita or a Martini, which have widely accepted core recipes, a Beach Bum can mean very different things depending on where you are or who is mixing the drink. This variability is what makes it so fascinating. To truly answer the question, "what does Beach Bum have in it?", you need to examine the most popular interpretations, from a sophisticated vodka and pear liqueur mix to a tropical rum drink, and even a decadent dessert smoothie. This article will break down these variations and provide you with the recipes so you can find your favorite version.
The Classic Vodka and Pear Liqueur Version
Perhaps the most widely recognized cocktail to bear the name, the vodka-based Beach Bum is a smooth and elegant drink with a complex flavor profile. It relies on a blend of different liqueurs to create its signature taste, which is both fruity and refined.
Ingredients for the Classic Beach Bum
- 1 3/4 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 ounce pear liqueur
- 1 dash grenadine
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves
How to Prepare the Classic Beach Bum
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, Cointreau, maraschino liqueur, and pear liqueur.
- Shake until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Add a dash of grenadine, which will sink to the bottom, creating a beautiful color effect.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve.
The Tiki-Inspired "Beachbum's Own" Cocktail
This recipe is a homage to Tiki cocktail historian Jeff "Beachbum" Berry. It is a more complex, rum-forward drink that incorporates multiple fruit juices and a distinctive vanilla-flavored Spanish liqueur called Licor 43. This version is the perfect choice for Tiki enthusiasts seeking a rich and authentic tropical experience.
Ingredients for Beachbum's Own
- 1 1/2 ounces light Virgin Islands rum (like Cruzan)
- 1 1/4 ounces demerara rum (like El Dorado)
- 3/4 ounce Licor 43
- 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 ounce fresh orange juice
- 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
- 3/4 ounce passion fruit puree
How to Prepare Beachbum's Own
- Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled Tiki mug or tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish extravagantly with a pineapple slice, cherry, and mint sprig.
The Tropical Smoothie Cafe Beach Bum Smoothie
Not all Beach Bums are alcoholic. At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the Beach Bum is a completely different kind of indulgence: a rich, sweet, and creamy smoothie. This beverage is a dessert in a cup, blending fruit and chocolate for a decadent flavor.
Ingredients for the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Beach Bum
- Strawberries
- Banana
- Chocolate
Comparison of Beach Bum Versions
To help you decide which Beach Bum is right for you, here is a quick comparison of the most common recipes:
| Feature | Classic Vodka Version | Tiki-Inspired Version | Tropical Smoothie Cafe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Spirit | Vodka | Multiple Rums (light & demerara) | None (Smoothie) |
| Primary Flavors | Pear, Orange, Maraschino Cherry | Pineapple, Orange, Passion Fruit, Vanilla | Strawberry, Banana, Chocolate |
| Complexity | Moderately complex, balanced | Highly complex, multi-layered | Simple, rich, and sweet |
| Preparation | Shake and strain into a rocks glass | Shake and strain into a tiki mug | Blend until smooth |
| Flavor Profile | Fruity, crisp, and clean | Robust, tropical, and funky | Decadent and dessert-like |
| Garnish | Mint leaves | Pineapple, cherry, mint | None typically required |
Making Your Own Beach Bum at Home
Whether you opt for the classic cocktail or the Tiki masterpiece, making a Beach Bum at home is a rewarding experience. For the vodka version, a good quality vodka and high-quality liqueurs are key to a smooth finish. For the rum version, don't skimp on the variety of rums, as the different base spirits provide a depth of flavor that a single rum cannot. For a non-alcoholic treat, the smoothie is an easy and delicious option. Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate for a richer flavor, or add a protein boost for a more substantial drink.
When preparing the classic cocktail, a dash of homemade grenadine can make a significant difference, adding a deep, flavorful red color and a richer pomegranate taste than many store-bought options. The maraschino liqueur is another crucial component; it's a bittersweet, tart cherry liqueur, not the syrupy liquid from a jar of bright red cherries. Understanding these subtle differences is key to mastering the classic recipe.
For the Tiki variant, the combination of rums is crucial for creating the robust backbone that stands up to the intense fruit flavors. The Licor 43 adds a distinctive spiced vanilla note that is essential to this drink's profile. As is typical with Tiki cocktails, the garnish is part of the fun, and you should not be shy about decorating your creation.
Conclusion
In the end, what does Beach Bum have in it? There's no single answer, but rather a delicious array of options. The name is a catch-all for a variety of refreshing beverages, each with its own unique character. From the crisp and clean vodka cocktail to the complex, multi-layered Tiki drink and the indulgent smoothie, there's a Beach Bum for every taste and occasion. By understanding the ingredients and preparation methods for these different versions, you can choose the one that best suits your mood. You can even experiment with your own variations to create a custom drink that is perfect for your personal idea of a beach escape. For more cocktail recipes and history, check out the resources on Liquor.com.
