Island Paradise Cocktail

This island paradise cocktail has many names, but it’s always sweet, fruity, and loaded with tropical goodness.

Island Paradise cocktails blend the tropical flavors of coconut rum and Blue Curacao with the fruity goodness of melon liqueur and peach schnapps.

There’s also white rum and sweet and sour mix, plus a light spritz of lemonade to lighten the whole thing up.

Island Paradise Cocktail

As the name suggests, this is the kind of drink you’ll want to make when you feel the need for a vacation.

It’s colorful and so fun, and it’ll make you feel like you’re at the beach.

It’s just the right blend of sweet and tart, with the sweet and sour mix adding a nice hint of citrusy goodness. But if you can’t find or don’t have sweet and sour mix, try using citrus vodka instead and adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Not a fan of melon? Use pineapple juice instead!

Ingredients in An Island Paradise Cocktail

Here’s what you’ll need to make an Island Paradise cocktail:

• White Rum - since this cocktail is bright and light, you’ll want to use light rum rather than dark. That said, dark rum would work, provided it’s not too spiced.
• Coconut Rum - this will add just the right amount of coconut flavor.
• Melon Liqueur - Midori is a great choice.
• Peach Schnapps - this stuff is strong, so don’t go overboard.
• Blue Curacao - this classic cocktail mixer has orange peel notes that start out sweet and end slightly bitter. You can substitute this with Triple Sec if need be. 
• Sprite, 7-Up, or Sparkling Water - this will add some much-needed bubbles.
• Sweet and Sour Mix - like all cocktails, you want a hint of citrus, which you’ll get with this.

Recipe Variations

As you’ve probably already seen, I have a super fun rainbow recipe below. It’s a bit more complicated, but so worth it!

Or, try one of these simple recipe variations.

• Tropical Breeze:Replace the melon liqueur with pineapple juice for a fruitier and more tropical flavor.
• Tropical Sunset:Use mango rum instead of white rum to add a sweet and exotic twist.
• Island Dream:Replace the peach schnapps with coconut cream for a creamy and coconut-forward version.
• Caribbean Crush:Swap out the white rum for spiced rum to give the cocktail a warm and spicy note.
• Citrus Splash:Replace the sweet and sour mix with freshly squeezed lime juice and a dash of simple syrup for a more natural citrus flavor.
• Summer Fizz:Top up the glass with ginger ale instead of Sprite or 7-Up for a bubbly and slightly spicy kick.
• Blue Lagoon:Omit the peach schnapps and increase the blue curacao for a more pronounced blue color and citrusy taste.
• Tropical Cooler:Add a splash of coconut water for a lighter and more refreshing taste.
• Fruit Punch:Mix in a variety of fruit juices like orange, pineapple, and cranberry for a complex and fruity cocktail.

Rainbow Paradise Cocktail Recipe

Want something a little more vibrant? Then check out this stunning Rainbow Paradise Cocktail recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz grenadine
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 4 oz pineapple juice, chilled
• 2 oz coconut-flavored rum
• 1 oz water
• 1/2 oz blue curacao
• Pineapple or orange slice, for garnish

Method:

1. Mix the water and blue curacao, then pour it into a 12-ounce hurricane glass.
2. Fill the glass with crushed ice.
3. Gently pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon. Try to keep it to the side of the glass.
4. In a separate glass, mix the chilled pineapple juice and coconut-flavored rum.
5. Slowly pour this mixture over the ice in the hurricane glass. Use a spoon to keep it from splashing.
6. Garnish the Rainbow Paradise Cocktail with a slice of orange for an extra burst of citrus flavor and a pop of color.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!