The Goombay Smash Cocktail The Perfect Tropical Drink!

The Goombay Smash cocktail is the iconic drink of the Bahamas. As you may already know, we are addicted to the Bahamas – the islands, the culture, the people, the laid back island vibe, and of course, the drinks.

a close up of a goombay smash cocktail with a lime, pineapple, orange, and mint garnish on a wooden table with linen underneath

Each island has its version of the Bahamian cocktail. But when you visit Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos – a magical destination that we have to visit on every Bahamas boat trip – Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar is a must-stop. If you love tropical cocktails this cocktail recipe is for you!

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History of the Goombay Smash

Once you arrive on Green Turtle Cay, head into the town of New Providence. Golf carts are the preferred method of getting around the island, and you can rent them at several places on the island. Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar is on the right-hand side of the road heading into town, and is a bright blue clapboard house – you cannot miss it!

Despite the damage and devastation that hurricane Dorian rained down on the Abacos in 2019, Miss Emily’s is damaged, but it is still standing. Thankfully, the islands are open for visitors! If you plan on visiting the Bahamas make sure you check their travel requirements on their website. I highly recommend visiting the Abacos – there are flights available, and they could use some more funds for continued recovery from Dorian’s 2019 havoc.

The story is told that back in the day Miss Emily was playing dominoes with some friends at the bar when she created the tropical cocktail. Together with her friend and cocktail taster Brendal Stevens, they named the tropical drink “Goombay Smash.” No one outside of the family knows the true recipe for the Goombay Smash, but Jim and I got this recipe for the cocktail from a local bartender on Green Turtle who gave us her secret recipe. Miss Emily’s version has a secret ingredient, but no one except the family knows that secret ingredient!

The Goombay Smash is a Refreshing Summertime Sip

3 goombay smash cocktails in festive clear tiki classes with a garnish of pineapple, orange, and mint on top, sitting on a wooden table with a grey linen cloth on top and a half a lime lying next to them

Summer is in full swing and there’s nothing better than having a refreshing cocktail to go along with it. The delicious tropical drink is a staple cocktail, whether we are boating through the islands, or sippin’ around the pool. It’s so easy, and is an instant hit at summer gatherings, or just relaxing outside on a weekend. Our friends tell us they are immediately feel as if they are on a tropical island….and we couldn’t agree more!

With just the right tartness, balanced with the sweetness of coconut, the Bahamian Goombay Smash cocktail is the perfect cocktail for summertime sipping. However, because this is one cocktail that goes down so easily, you might find yourself a bit too relaxed.

How to Build the Perfect Goombay Smash Cocktail

The ingredients to make a goombay smash cocktail including a bottle of Malibu rum, Capitan Morgan White Rum, and apricot brandy, sitting on a countertop

If you love rum drinks this will quickly become one of your favorite cocktails. Though there are many goombay smash recipes, this is our favorite. To make the perfect cocktail you’ll a few types of rum, apricot brandy, and pineapple and orange juice!

We use three kinds of rum in our tropical cocktail version: the first is a Coconut Caribbean Rum

Tip: we like to use Malibu brand. The flavor of the coconut gives a wonderful base to this otherwise fruity cocktail.

The next is a Caribbean White Rum – Tip: we recommend Captain Morgan brand. Finally, we add dash of Dark Spiced Rum. You can also use a plain dark rum if you prefer. The third dark rum is optional, however it gives the drink lots of depth of flavor!

Next come the fruit additions. Apricot brandy has such a delicious and distinct flavor, don’t miss out on it! Then some fresh orange juice and add pineapple juice! Tip: We highly recommend using DOLE brand juice, it’s what Miss Emily’s uses.

Ingredients to make a Goombay Smash sitting on a counter top including orange juice, pineapple juice, Malibu rum, a plastic cup with ice and orange juice in it, a measuring cup, a strainer, and a cocktail shaker.

Combine all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake! I typically shake it around 15-20 times. Please don’t stir this cocktail, it won’t mix the flavors well enough or properly chill it.

Pour into a short glass, add desired garnish before you serve. We like to add pineapple, orange, or lime slices, or a spring of rosemary make festive garnishes, and enjoy!

If you’re making this Goombay Smash cocktail for a summer party, try mixing it up and serving variations of this drink! Add different garnishes, and experiment with adding the spiced rum and leaving it out!

You can also squeeze your own orange juice and use a variety of different oranges like blood orange, navel, and cara cara. This drink is a great recipe to have on the menu at your party!

Tools You May Need To Make This Drink

Print Recipe

Goombay Smash Cocktail

This refreshing, tropical cocktail is perfect for those warm summer nights. Easy to make and delicious to drink with hints of coconut, apricot, and orange!

Prep Time5

Cook Time0

Total Time5

Course: Drinks

Keyword: Bahamian Goombay Smash, Cocktail, Tropical Cocktail

Servings: person

Calories: 555kcal

Cost: $3.50

Equipment

Ingredients

1 oz. Malibu Caribbean Rum with Coconut Liqueur
1 oz. Captain Morgan Caribbean White Rum
1 oz. Captain Morgan Dark Spiced Rum- OPTIONAL
1/2 oz. Apricot Brandy
2 oz. DOLE Pineapple Juice don’t cut corners here – Dole Pineapple Juice is what Miss Emily’s uses
2 oz. Orange Juice

Instructions

Add the juices and liquors into a cocktail shaker with lots of ice, and shake 15-20 times
Pour into a short glass, add desired garnish – pineapple or orange slices, or a spring of rosemary make festive garnishes, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Don’t miss a taste of the Bahamas with a refreshing Goombay Smash, the official drink of the islands. You’ll be dreaming of beautiful turquoise water, sparkling white beaches, and the rustling sound of the soft ocean breeze through the coconut trees.

If you love tropical cocktails, we’re sure you’ll love our refreshing Mai Tai recipe!