Ah, to return to the glorious days (& nights) of summer, gathered with BFFs on the beach with the smell of the day's suntan lotion lingering in the air and the scent of smoke from the night's bonfire in our hair. We've all been there, amirite? While it may be a nostalgic memory of the carefree youth of sweet summer children, you can recapture its essence with the bonfire on the beach drink, a smoky, coconutty cocktail that'll take you right back to the beach.
How to Make a Bonfire on the Beach Drink
We love the hint of smoke that mezcal brings to this surprising and yummy drink.
Ingredients
- 1½ ounces coconut rum
- ½ ounce cinnamon whiskey
- ¼ ounce mezcal
- Ice
- Cola to top off
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions
- In a rocks glass, add ice, coconut rum, cinnamon whiskey, and mezcal.
- Top off with cola.
- Stir to mix.
- Garnish with lime wedge.
Bonfire on the Beach Drink Variations and Substitutions
Explore different avenues that'll still arrive at the perfect smokey summer cocktail.
- Instead of cinnamon whiskey, use an unflavored bourbon or rye whiskey in its place.
- If you want your cocktail to have a smokier feel, skip the cinnamon whiskey and use additional mezcal.
- Skip the whiskey altogether in favor of a summery pineapple-infused vodka or rum. Likewise, a vanilla vodka also adds a nice balance.
- Emphasize rum flavors by using spiced rum instead of whiskey and mezcal. A splash of overproof rum will add a strong bite to balance the sweeter flavors.
Garnishes
You won't find the bonfire on the beach cocktail listed on the official IBA cocktail list, so there are few rules for a garnish. In other words, go wild. While the lime wedge is the suggested garnish, you can opt for a lime slice if you prefer that look. If you want to go for a smokey-spiced vibe, add a whole cinnamon stick and toss in an orange wheel. To make it a full-on fancy cocktail, rub the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim in shredded coconut. So long as the garnish you want to add has a fruity or tropical feel, you're good.
Enjoy the Bonfire on the Beach Cocktail
There's no wrong way to eat a particular candy, just like there's no wrong way, time, or place to enjoy a beachy cocktail. Sip on the smokey notes of a bonfire on a beach cocktail when you're swiping through summer memories or need a cocktail in a pinch for your own IRL bonfire.
