Sunrise à la Plage – Frozen Mango Pineapple Rum Cocktail
Inspired by the tropical flavors of French Polynesia, this irresistibly flavorful frozen cocktail combines ripe mango, golden pineapple, bright lime, creamy coconut milk, fresh ginger and lemongrass, and coconut rum. It’s a velvety, frosty, dairy-free drink with an elegant island feel. The name, meaning "sunrise at the beach" in French, is a nod to the blend of influences. And the sweet, tangy, flavors are perfect for a warm and breezy day. This drink is fast and easy to make with frozen fruit and fresh flavors. You and your guests will love this luscious and inviting cocktail!
Ingredients
For the rich ginger simple syrup:
- 3½ cups (700 g) granulated sugar
- 1¾ cups (420 ml) water
- 1¼ cups (160 g) sliced fresh ginger, packed
For the cocktail:
- 3 tablespoons (51 g) lemongrass, tender innermost base of stem, finely-chopped crosswise, about 1-2 stalks
- 1½ inches (30 g) fresh ginger, peeled
- 6 tablespoons (90 ml) freshly-squeezed lime juice, from about 3 large limes
- 1⅔ cups (400 ml) full-fat coconut milk, about 1 can
- 1½ cups (256 g) frozen mango chunks
- 1 cup (183 g) frozen pineapple chunks
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) rich ginger simple syrup (see above)
- 8 ounces (240 ml) coconut rum, see notes for increased quantities
- 1½ cups (180 g) ice cubes
Instructions
For the rich ginger simple syrup:
- Add the sugar, water, and ginger to a saucepan.
- Stir occasionally over medium heat until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Increase the heat if necessary to bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow it to cool while you proceed with the cocktail prep. You can use this syrup right away or steep it from a few minutes to overnight (covered) to intensify the ginger flavor.
- Strain the ginger slices using a sieve over a large bowl. Press down on the slices with a wooden spoon to extract as much syrup as possible.
- Using a funnel, pour into a clean airtight 1-liter bottle.
For the cocktail:
- To a blender, add the lemongrass, ginger, lime juice, coconut milk, mango, pineapple, ginger syrup, and rum. Blend on high until thoroughly combined and completely smooth to ensure that no lemongrass fibers remain.
- Blend just until thoroughly combined for a uniform smooth frozen texture.
Notes
Adjusting Alcohol Strength:
This recipe is for smooth, easy sipping with 8 oz (240 mL) of rum. If you'd like a stronger version, you can increase up to 10 oz (300 mL), and the texture should still be fine. If you'd like to add more than 10 oz (300 mL), add ¼ cup (30 g) extra frozen mango or ice per extra ounce (30 mL) of alcohol to maintain the frozen texture. Mocktail Version:
For a flavor-packed non-alcoholic version, you can just omit the rum. Or you can add some extra coconut milk or a splash of orange juice for a creamy, tropical mocktail. Using Fresh Fruit Instead of Frozen:
If you have fresh mango or pineapple on hand, chop it into chunks and freeze in advance. This will maintain the drink’s slushy consistency without diluting with extra ice. Ginger Syrup Tip:
The homemade rich ginger simple syrup adds really fresh and aromatic ginger flavor. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight bottle for up to 2 weeks. You’ll have plenty for additional rounds of this cocktail or other recipes!
This recipe is for smooth, easy sipping with 8 oz (240 mL) of rum. If you'd like a stronger version, you can increase up to 10 oz (300 mL), and the texture should still be fine. If you'd like to add more than 10 oz (300 mL), add ¼ cup (30 g) extra frozen mango or ice per extra ounce (30 mL) of alcohol to maintain the frozen texture. Mocktail Version:
For a flavor-packed non-alcoholic version, you can just omit the rum. Or you can add some extra coconut milk or a splash of orange juice for a creamy, tropical mocktail. Using Fresh Fruit Instead of Frozen:
If you have fresh mango or pineapple on hand, chop it into chunks and freeze in advance. This will maintain the drink’s slushy consistency without diluting with extra ice. Ginger Syrup Tip:
The homemade rich ginger simple syrup adds really fresh and aromatic ginger flavor. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge in an airtight bottle for up to 2 weeks. You’ll have plenty for additional rounds of this cocktail or other recipes!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!