This tropical cocktail is a copycat recipe of the popular Sunset in Paradise drink from Mellow Mushroom restaurants. Escape to paradise with this refreshing libation featuring Bacardi Superior rum, crushed pineapple, house made sour mix, coconut, mint and pomegranate. Mellow Mushroom’s Sunset in Paradise cocktail transports you to the tropics with its blend of fruit juices, rum and hints of island flavors.
Keep reading for the complete copycat recipe of Sunset in Paradise cocktail and tips for making this taste of paradise at home. This cocktail combines smooth rum, sweet and tart juices, creamy coconut, cooling mint and a pop of pomegranate to whisk your senses away to a beachside cabana at sunset.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
The Sunset in Paradise cocktail is the ultimate vacation in a glass. It’s sweet and tart with multiple layers of fruit flavor. The addition of rum and hint of coconut evoke images of swaying palms, white sand beaches and azure waves. It’s an easy-drinking tropical libation that whisks you away to paradise in one sip.
How Does This Sunset in Paradise Cocktail Taste Like?
This cocktail is a fruit-forward concoction with layers of flavor. The initial taste is sweet pineapple and pomegranate with a hint of rum in the background. As you swallow, the sour mix and mint add a cooling tartness that balances the sweetness. The coconut is subtle, adding a creamy, tropical essence. The finish is smooth Bacardi rum that lingers on the palate.
How to Make the Copycat Sunset in Paradise Drink
Making this Mellow Mushroom cocktail at home is easy. Here are the ingredients and steps:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Bacardi Superior white rum
- 1⁄2 oz house made fresh sour mix
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 1⁄2 oz Monin coconut syrup
- 1⁄4 oz Monin pomegranate syrup
- Pineapple wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- Cocktail shaker
- Mixing glass
- Muddler
- Fine strainer
Instructions:
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves.
- Add the rum, sour mix, pineapple juice, coconut syrup and pomegranate syrup.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig.
For the house made fresh sour mix:
- 1 part fresh lemon juice
- 1 part fresh lime juice
- 1 part simple syrup
Combine all sour mix ingredients in a bottle and shake before using. This will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Make It Your Own
This tropical elixir is highly customizable. Try some of these flavor variations:
- Use mango or guava juice instead of pineapple
- Add a dash of ginger syrup for some spice
- Use spiced rum like Captain Morgan instead of Bacardi
- Top with club soda for a bubbly Sunset Spritz
- Rim the glass with coconut flakes for more coconut flavor
- Garnish with pineapple fronds or orchids for a fancy touch
Serving Suggestions
The Sunset in Paradise is ideal for:
- Beachside sunsets or seaside getaways
- Backyard luaus or tropical themed parties
- Pairing with Caribbean, Hawaiian or Polynesian cuisine
- Sipping poolside on a hot summer day
- Cooling off after time in the sun
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Any leftover cocktail can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The flavor will start to diminish as the ice melts and dilutes it.
To reheat, pour the cocktail into a cocktail shaker filled with fresh ice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to rechill and revitalize the flavors. Strain into a chilled glass. Add fresh garnish.
FAQs
What kind of rum works best?
For best results, use a smooth, mellow white rum like Bacardi Superior. Dark or spiced rums will overpower the other flavors.
Can I use frozen pineapple?
Fresh pineapple juice is ideal, but in a pinch you can use frozen pineapple juice concentrate reconstituted with water.
What if I don’t have pomegranate syrup?
The pomegranate adds nice complexity but isn’t essential. You can omit it entirely or substitute grenadine or cherry liqueur.
Can I make a pitcher of Sunset in Paradise?
Yes, you can batch this cocktail out by multiplying the ingredient amounts, shaking everything in a large container, then pouring into individual glasses over fresh ice.
Is it better with vodka instead of rum?
The rum’s flavor profile complements the tropical fruit juices best. Vodka would give it a one-dimensional flavor.
Mellow Mushroom Sunset In Paradise
Try this copycat cocktail recipe from Mellow Mushroom "Sunset in Paradise" at home.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Bacardi Superior white rum
- 1⁄2 oz house made fresh sour mix
- 2 oz fresh pineapple juice
- 5-6 mint leaves
- 1⁄2 oz Monin coconut syrup
- 1⁄4 oz Monin pomegranate syrup
- Pineapple wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves.
- Add the rum, sour mix, pineapple juice, coconut syrup and pomegranate syrup.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig.
Final Words About The Drink
Escape to the islands anytime with the Sunset in Paradise. This tropical cocktail combines smooth Bacardi rum, sweet and tart juices, coconut, mint and pomegranate for paradise in a glass. Savor this slice of island life and let your mind wander to warm breezes and ocean views.
Just one sip of this fruity, refreshing libation will have you dreaming of swaying palm trees and sun-kissed skies. Let the Sunset in Paradise whisk you away, if only for a little while.
