I was introduced to Malibu Rum about five years ago through a friend who swore by coconut rum and Mountain Dew. I was skeptical at first. Eeew, I thought. It smells like suntan lotion and, besides, I hate coconut anything!!!!
But I tried it, of course, because I've never met an alcohol beverage I didn't like.... boozehound that I am. I liked it okay, but something about the Mountain Dew combo just wasn't doing it for me. So, shrugging it off to a sort of boring experience, I forgot about the coconut rum for a few years.
Last summer, however, I was introduced to a drink called the "Jackie-O," which consists of a generous portion of coconut rum, several fruit juices (pineapple definitely being one), probably some grenadine, and one of those cute little paper umbrellas. Mmmmmm. Gimme another one of those things!!
Since trying this drink, I have become a self-confessed Malibu Rum convert. Here's what I love about it:
Flavor
Like I said, I'm not a big fan of coconut. In fact, I really hate it. And while this is coconut rum, the flavor is not so overwhelmingly coconut-like that it ruins the drink. It's actually got a very smooth, sweet kind of flavor, similar to vanilla. The coconut simply adds sort of a tropical edge that reminds me of summer.
Versatility
This stuff can be mixed with just about anything! My favorite is mixing it with straight pineapple juice, but I've also tried it-- and liked it-- with orange juice. It's also excellent with those weird Snapple kind of unnatural fruit juice combinations like banana-grapefruit-papaya... or whatever. I've heard it's excellent with Coke, though I personally haven't tried that one yet. And for the best-tasting dacquiris-- any flavor-- you've ever had, definitely try making them with Malibu Rum!!! They're so good, you'll need more than one pitcher.....
Strength
This isn't the strongest stuff out there, but it will get the job done, if you know what I mean. For average tolerances, all it takes is one or two drinks to start feeling all warm and fuzzy. And sometimes that's a good thing.
Respect factor
For those overly concerned with image or machismo, this is the one potential negative aspect of Malibu Rum. It's a well-known fact (for those counting) that Coconut Rum scores pretty low on the respect factor. No one will respect you for drinking this stuff. As a woman, I can get away with it most of the time, but I've seen many a male friend mocked for drinking this stuff in bars!!!
Overall, regardless of the lack of respect this drink commands, I have to say that Malibu Rum is an excellent choice of drink for any occasion. It's perfect for summer because it's so smooth and refreshing..... and it's perfect in winter because it reminds you of summer! What more could you want, anyway??? Try this stuff now!
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