Xanadu Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Rum
Alcohol 16%
Calories 250 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 30g
Prep time 4 minutes

Imagine you’re holding the coolest drink ever. That’s the Xanadu cocktail—a fun mix with sweet, sour, and tropical flavors that make you think of beaches and sunshine. We’ll explore its history, what it tastes like, and even how to make it, so let’s get started together! ⬇️

History

The Xanadu cocktail is like a time machine in a glass. It takes us back to the 1970s, when people loved trying new and exotic drinks. This cocktail’s story is one of creativity and the joy of mixing different flavors.

• The name ‘Xanadu’ might remind you of the mythical city of great wealth and beauty.
• It was during the tiki culture craze when Xanadu became a hit at parties.
• Some say the drink was named after the 1980 movie ‘Xanadu,’ adding a pop culture twist.

The taste of a Xanadu?

A sip of Xanadu is like a sweet and tangy dance on your tongue. The flavors are a mix of fruity pineapple, zesty lime, and a hint of coconut that makes you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.

I love the Xanadu because it’s like a burst of summer in a glass, and it always makes me smile.

Interesting facts about Xanadu

• Xanadu cocktails often use colorful garnishes that look like a mini-vacation.
• It’s a popular choice for beach-themed parties and summer get-togethers.
• Many bartenders add their unique twist to the Xanadu, making it a signature drink.

Ingredients 📃

• Pineapple juice: 2 oz (60ml)
• Cream of coconut: 1 oz (30ml)
• White rum: 1.5 oz (45ml)
• Lime juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
• Ice cubes: As needed

Highball glass is the perfect choice for a Xanadu, as its tall shape shows off the drink’s layers and keeps it cool. Collins glass can be a great alternative, offering a similar visual appeal and chill factor.

Recipe. How to make Xanadu 🍹

1. Pour 1.5 oz (45ml) of white rum, 2 oz (60ml) of pineapple juice, 1 oz (30ml) of cream of coconut, and 0.5 oz (15ml) of lime juice into a shaker.
2. Fill with ice and shake until the mixture is well-chilled.
3. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes and enjoy!

Drinking a Xanadu is like a fun treat, but remember it has sugar and calories. To make a healthier version, you could use natural sweeteners and less cream of coconut—plus, the pineapple has vitamins that are good for you!

Food Pairings

Some foods are like best friends with the Xanadu cocktail. Let’s discover three tasty matches that bring out the best in this fun drink.

Tropical Salads

The sweet and tangy flavors of a Xanadu go great with fresh tropical salads that have mango or papaya in them. The fruit in the salad and the drink together are like a delicious tropical party.

Grilled Seafood

Seafood, especially when it’s grilled, tastes amazing with a Xanadu. The smoky flavors from the grill and the sweet cocktail are like a happy high-five.

Spicy Appetizers

Spicy foods, like hot wings or jalapeño poppers, are cooled down by the creamy sweetness of a Xanadu. It’s like a fun game of hot and cold!

I just adore the Xanadu; it’s like a liquid hug on a tough day.

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Bartender Advice

• Use fresh lime juice for the brightest flavor in your Xanadu.
• Chill the glass before pouring to keep your drink extra cool.
• For a special touch, garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry to make your Xanadu look as good as it tastes.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Xanadu, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Xanadu

• Cream of coconut: Try almond milk for a lighter version.
• White rum: Swap with dark rum for a richer flavor profile.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of cream of coconut to your taste.

Xanadu Variations

Sunset Xanadu

• Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine for a pop of color.
• Recipe: Drizzle grenadine over the top for a sunset effect.

Sparkling Xanadu

• Ingredients: Mix in soda water for a fizzy twist.
• Recipe: Top with soda water after pouring into the glass.

Berry Xanadu

• Ingredients: Muddle fresh berries before shaking.
• Recipe: Shake with berries and strain into a glass for a fruity kick.

For a non-alcoholic treat, make a ‘Virgin Xanadu’ by skipping the rum and adding more pineapple juice. It’s just as fun and fruity without the alcohol.

Q&A

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but if you only have bottled, it’ll still be tasty—just not as zesty.

What can I garnish a Xanadu with?

A slice of pineapple or a cherry on top makes it look super fun and inviting, like a little party in a glass.

Is Xanadu a good drink for a beginner bartender?

Absolutely! It’s a simple mix that’s hard to mess up, so it’s perfect for starting your mixology adventure.

Can I make a large batch of Xanadu for a party?

Sure thing! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix it in a big pitcher.

How do I make my Xanadu less sweet?

Easy-peasy, just use less cream of coconut or add a bit more lime juice for extra zing.

What’s the best way to serve a Xanadu outdoors?

Keep it cool in an insulated container or pitcher, and serve over lots of ice—sunshine and a cool drink, what could be better?