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Fruity Beach Bum Bucket Cocktail - A Bright, Shareable Summer Sipper

Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Light rum: The clean, neutral backbone of the cocktail.
  • Coconut rum: Adds that signature tropical note.
  • Spiced rum (optional): A warming hint for complexity.
  • Blue curaçao or orange liqueur: Color and citrusy sweetness. Blue curaçao gives a fun, ocean-blue hue.
  • Pineapple juice: Sweet, tropical base.
  • Orange juice: Bright, citrus balance.
  • Cranberry juice: A touch of tartness to keep things lively.
  • Fresh lime juice: Essential acidity to round out the sweetness.
  • Simple syrup (optional): Only if you like it sweeter.
  • Club soda or lemon-lime soda: For a bubbly finish.
  • Ice: Lots of it—enough to fill your bucket.
  • Fresh fruit for garnish: Orange slices, lime wheels, pineapple chunks, maraschino cherries.
  • Mini drink umbrellas or paper straws (optional): For the vacation look.
  • Clean plastic beach bucket or large pitcher: Aim for 64 ounces (1.9 L) or similar.

Instructions
 

  • Chill your bucket or pitcher. Pop it in the fridge or rinse with very cold water. Cold vessels keep ice from melting too fast.
  • Fill with ice. Add ice until the container is about two-thirds full. You can always add more later.
  • Add the spirits. Pour in 1 cup light rum, 1/2 cup coconut rum, and 1/4 cup spiced rum (optional). Adjust the spiced rum to taste.
  • Add the liqueur. Stir in 1/4 cup blue curaçao or orange liqueur. Blue curaçao gives a bright beachy color; orange liqueur keeps it classic.
  • Layer the juices. Add 2 cups pineapple juice, 1.5 cups orange juice, and 1 cup cranberry juice. Stir gently to combine without losing the chill.
  • Brighten with lime. Squeeze in 2 fresh limes (about 1/4 cup). Taste before sweetening.
  • Sweeten only if needed. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add 1–2 tablespoons simple syrup. Stir and taste again.
  • Top with bubbles. Pour in 1–2 cups club soda for a lighter finish, or use lemon-lime soda if you want extra sweetness and citrus.
  • Garnish generously. Add orange slices, lime wheels, pineapple chunks, and cherries. Tuck in a few umbrellas for fun.
  • Serve immediately. Slip in long straws. This recipe makes about 6–8 drinks, depending on pour size and ice.