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.
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!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Blueberry Lemon Drop Martini
3 Frozen Margaritas
Mai Tai
What is your favorite summer cocktail? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay in the loop! Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest tips, exclusive deals, and inspiration for stylish living.
