Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.

Looking to impress your friends with your bartending skills? This copycat Applebee's Bahama Mama is an easy yet impressive concoction that blends sweetness and zest.
1 ounce dark rum
1/2 ounce Malibu rum
1/2 ounce banana liqueur
1/2 ounce grenadine
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 splash lemon-lime soda
Garnish
1 pineapple wedge
1 maraschino cherry
Partially fill a tall glass with ice.
Starting with the dark rum, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Pour each one over the back of a spoon to layer it. Do not stir or mix. You should start with the rum and end with the lemon-line soda.
Garnish the glass with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry. Serve the cocktail immediately.
Chill your glass beforehand to keep your Bahama Mama cold for longer.
Add a splash of coconut cream for a creamier texture and flavor.
For an extra tropical twist, add fresh fruit chunks, like diced pineapple or slices of orange, into the drink.
Adjust the ice level based on preference, more ice for a colder drink and less for a stronger taste.
Garnish can include additional tropical fruits like mango or strawberries.
While traditional recipes use dark rum and coconut rum, you can use any rum of your choice, such as spiced rum or white rum. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change accordingly.
If you don't have banana liqueur, you can substitute with a different fruit liqueur, like peach or apricot, or use banana puree to maintain the banana flavor. You can blend it with the pineapple juice.
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the grenadine and choose unsweetened juice options. You might also try adding a little lime juice for acidity, which balances sweetness.
You can substitute lemon-lime soda with other sodas such as ginger ale or club soda for a different taste, though this will alter the final flavor.
A tall clear cocktail glass, such as a hurricane or a highball glass, works well for this cocktail, allowing enough space for the ice and the showing off the layered effects of the ingredients.
Tall Glass: For serving the Bahama Mama cocktail. The glass should be filled partially with ice and layered with the ingredients.
Measuring Jigger: For accurately measuring the components of the cocktail, such as the dark rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Bar Spoon or Long Mixing Spoon: For gently layering the cocktail ingredients in the glass without disturbing the ice.
Cocktail Straw (optional): For serving the drink, allowing for easy sipping.
Cocktail Skewer: For garnishing the glass with the pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry.
Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The light and slightly smoky flavor of grilled shrimp complements the tropical Bahama Mama.
Coconut Chicken Tenders: Crispy chicken coated in coconut adds a crunchy texture that balances the drink's smoothness. The hint of sweetness from the coconut works well with the fruity notes.
Caribbean Jerk Chicken: The spicy, savory jerk chicken contrasts nicely with the fruity sweetness of the Bahama Mama.
Rum-Glazed Fruit Salad: This dish can be made using fresh tropical fruits soaked in a light rum glaze, which ties together the drink's ingredients.
Grilled Pineapple: Charred slices of pineapple amplify the drink's pineapple flavor and offer a sweet, smoky element that pairs well with the beverage.
Spicy Fish Tacos: The spiciness of the fish can balance out the sweetness of the Bahama Mama.
Lemon-Lime Sorbet: A scoop of sorbet can serve as a refreshing palate cleanser between sips of the drink.
Spring Rolls with Sweet Chili Sauce: These fresh rolls would introduce a variety of textures and flavors that can boost the drinking experience.
Love buffalo wings? Get that same hot, zippy flavor in everything from deviled eggs to enchiladas. And of course: wings.
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reviews & comments
August 9, 2019
Perfect for Me.!!!
December 8, 2018
Pretty sure the only thing missing is that I think Applebeeâs uses captain Morganâs spiced rum
It is supposed to be parrot bay coconut rum not malibu, and the method is spindle mixed not layered, which gives it a nice froth
June 21, 2014
VERY close!! Anyone know what's missing from how Applebee's makes it?
November 3, 2013
Very close, I think it must be the rum though. Brand or type that they use?
July 7, 2013
I've had a Bahama Mama at Applebee's and this is close. It's missing something though. Still giving it 4 stars.
March 25, 2013
OMG!! ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THIS RECIPE IS OUTSTANDING. I LOVE BAHAMA MAMAS!