Fiji Cocktails: 3 Recipes Inspired by Our Tropical Paradise

Fiji's cocktail culture includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, making it suitable for adults and kids alike. So, what are you waiting for? Dig out the cocktail umbrellas, shaker and rum, and have your own personal Tiki party! 

Fijian Cocktail Spirits and Ingredients 

Fiji cocktails are celebration of the islands’ lush bounty. At the heart of these fruity drinks are fresh ingredients like zesty fresh lime, coconut, and juicy pineapple, all of which bring a burst of flavour to every glass. The ever-popular passion fruit mojito is a perfect example, blending the tang of lime and the sweetness of passionfruit with the cooling freshness of mint for a refreshing tropical twist.

Fijian distilleries are renowned for their craftsmanship, producing a diverse range of spirits such as rum, vodka, and gin. These spirits are often infused with local treasures like pineapple juice, coconut, and other tropical fruit, resulting in cocktails that are both rich and light, velvety and refreshing. Whether you’re sipping a classic pina colada or trying a vibrant blue lagoon - made with vodka, blue curacao, and a splash of lemonade- each drink captures the spirit of the islands.

Bartenders across Fiji love to experiment. The old fashioned, reimagined with Fijian rum or whiskey, is served over ice for a smooth, elegant finish. For those seeking something a little lighter, the Fijian Spritz - crafted with gin, soda water, and a hint of tropical fruit juice - offers a bubbly, zesty alternative that’s perfect for a sunset toast on the beach. 

Fijian Pina Colada Recipe 

The Pina Colada is a tropical cocktail classic, and one that features a heavenly blend of three typically Fijian ingredients: rum, pineapple and coconut. The recipe below yields two glasses, so adjust accordingly depending on your party size.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups of ice
• 50 ml pineapple juice
• 50 ml white rum
• 30 ml coconut cream
• Pineapple wedges and glacé cherries to serve

Method

• Pulse all ingredients except pineapple wedges and cherries in a blender until smooth.
• Pour into chilled highball glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and glacé cherries. 

Passionfruit Mojito 

Give the classic mojito a Fijian twist by adding the fruity flavour of passion fruit, you'll love it!

Ingredients

• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 5 – 10 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp passion fruit syrup (this can be found in most supermarkets)
• 2 tbsp white rum
• 70 ml soda
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Lime wedges and extra mint to garnish

Method

• Muddle (gently combine) mint, sugar and fresh lime juice at the bottom of the glass
• Stir in rum, passionfruit syrup and 70 ml soda
• Add ice cubes to fill and garnish with lime wedges and fresh mint sprigs

Mai Tai

While the Mai Tai may have originated in Oakland California, this tropical concoction certainly embodies the island flavours of Fiji. This rum-based Mai Tai recipe yields one serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp dark rum
• 2 tbsp light rum
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp pineapple juice
• 1 tbsp Curaçao
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp white sugar
• 1 tsp orgeat syrup or 1 drop of pure almond extract
• Dash of grenadine
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Fresh mint to garnish

Method

• Place all ingredients into cocktail shaker (except grenadine) and shake for 20 – 30 seconds until shaker is frosty on the outside.
• Strain into short glass filled with ice cubes.
• Add a dash of grenadine into the top and garnish with fresh mint and a straw.

Beyond the Mai Tai, Fiji offers a range of unique cocktails such as the Fijian Daiquiri (white rum, coconut water, lime juice, falernum syrup), Kava Carrot & Ginger (vodka, kava powder, carrot juice, orange juice, ginger), Fiji Banana (dark rum, banana liqueur, honey water, pineapple juice, lime juice), Kama Chilli Margarita (a fiery Fijian twist on the classic margarita), Turtle & Tonic (a uniquely Fijian, refreshing gin and tonic), and the Blue Lagoon (vodka, Blue Curacao, lemonade).

These three cocktails are the perfect accompaniment to our Fijian-inspired recipes, that you can learn to create here. 

And of course, you can enjoy all these and more in our very own bar lounge when staying at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort.