Star fruit adds a whimsical element to tropical drinks.
Stock your bar with tropical elements like coconut milk, pineapple juice and a mixture of other juices and sodas, and you will be able to create a limitless range of drinks to quench the thirst of any child. Make the tropical drinks extra special with colored straws and fresh fruit garnishes. Use lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, starfruit and maraschino cherries to add a splash of color and a touch of pizazz. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Smoothie
Ice-cold smoothies are a favorite tropical treat with the underage set. Begin with frozen bananas to create a frothy, thick consistency. Add fruit like mango, guava, kiwi and strawberry to color the smoothie and give it flavor and tang. Next add juice or milk. Orange or grapefruit juice is a good choice. To keep the smoothie creamy add yogurt and either milk or coconut milk. If you use enough frozen banana there is no need to add ice to the mixture. Blend well and serve with a few slices of fruit for garnish. The fruit can be placed on the rim of the glass or speared with a sword or a straw and placed across the rim of the glass.
Mocktails
The classic Shirley Temple, traditionally made with orange juice, grenadine and sprite or ginger ale can be updated with tropical flavors. Use pineapple juice instead of orange and garnish it with kiwi and mango. Create a Pineapple Spin with crushed ice, pineapple and coconut cream, blend it well and serve with maraschino cherries. Other mocktails can be created using tropical fruits, juices and crushed ice or frozen bananas. Use pomegranate and cranberry juices for color and tart flavor. One idea is to chop up all the fruit and have kids choose what he or she wants. Have the adults do the blending for the ultimate party drinks.
Sodas
Mix tropical sodas for a light refreshing tropical drink for a hot summer day. Start with soda, use plain soda or substitute ginger ale or sprite. Use lots of ice, crushed or cubes depending on personal preference. Next, add juice like cranberry or pineapple with a splash of lime. Ice tea or lemonade can be used as part of the mix for an extra kick of flavor. Taste the drink and make sure it is sweet enough, a pinch of sugar can correct it if its too tart. Add a splash of coconut milk or guava nectar. The kids will enjoy fizzy tropical drinks. Garnish with a selection of fruit.
Tags: coconut milk, tropical drinks, frozen bananas, maraschino cherries, Next juice, pineapple juice, serve with