Rum

Rum is a liqour that originated in the West indies and is made by fermenting then distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. The distillate is usually a clear liquid and is then aged in oak barrels.

Most Rums are produced in the Caribbeans and American countries, but are now produced in other sugar producing countries like PHilippines and Taiwan.

The first recorded mention of Rum comes from Barbados, in about 1650. They were originally called "kill-devil" or "rumbullion" and later on, simply Rum.

Pineapple Juice

Rich in antioxidants, this juice pressed from the pulp of the Pineapple is a good protection against cell degeneration, It contains bromelain, a group of enzymes known to reduce inflammation, improve digestion and boost immunity. In drink mixing, there is nothing like the tropical flavour of pineapple juice to add that tropical freshness and nuance to a cocktail.

In drink mixing pineapple having a fruity tropical aroma pineapple juice is a good companion for tropical fruits such as mango, banana, passion fruit, and also pairs well with oranges and grapefruit juice.

Pineapple juice is the juice pressed out of the pulp of the pineapple fruit, several varieties of pineapple are used to manufacture commercial pineapple juice. High on Vitamin C and enzymes that have been shown to activate healthy immune response, it’s a good juice to start a day. The enzyme bromelain in pineapple juice, triggers analgesic response in the body to fight pain and reduce swelling. In cocktails, Pineapple juice goes best with Vodka and is often a regular juice in many Vodka cocktails.

Pina Colada Mix

Pina Colada Mix is available as ready to mix bottles without the Rum in it, but one can easily make a Pina Colada mix for a Pina Colada experience at home from three simple ingredients, frozen pineapple chunks and pineapple juice, coconut milk ( even better if home made ) and lime juice.

It only takes a minute or two to blend up. It contains zero added sweeteners and then all you need is a White Rum for the punch and a Dark Rum for a depth in the flavour, and your Pina Colada is ready. For a recipe that work well, see here.

When Pina Colada mix is used as an ingredient in a cocktail, it usually refers to the virgin mix only.

Banana

The 99 line of Schnapps is produced by Barton Brands Ltd, now part of the Sazarec Company. The 99 line of Schnapps is the only 99 proof Schnapps and the tastes are intense and makes cocktails stand out. The 99 Bananas is a tropical Banana flavoured Schnapps in the 99 line and is great companion in tropical cocktails.

Mango

Mango is a tropical fruit, with sweet nectar oozing from a very luscious and tasty flesh, and the juice is thick sweet and full of nutrients. Mango is used in drink mixing to bring in the tropical warmth, the taste being floral yet citrus, mango can add that happy flavour to your cocktail, and it being a pulpy fruit, the easiest use is making a puree at home and then filtering it off the pulp or using a natural mango juice.