Weekend Cocktail: Go to the Islands with a Goombay Smash

My friend Terri Merren, who lives in the Cayman Islands, sent me a beautiful cookbook she produced featuring wonderful recipes from the Cayman Islands. I'm ready to jump a plane for the islands right now. So, with her inspiration and memories of a favorite trip to Harbour Island, Bahamas a few years ago with my dear friend Kenny, here's this weekend's cocktail recipe, the Goombay Smash. I didn't catch a fish on that trip but I did get the recipe for this drink from the bartender at Valentine's Marina. Watch out, this one goes down really easy and can leave you with a heavy head the next day!

GOOMBAY SMASH 

1 oz spiced rum

1 oz. Malibu coconut rum

¼ oz apricot brandy

2 oz. pineapple juice

2 oz. orange juice

Mix all of the ingredients in a shaker with ice until frothy. Pour over ice and garnish with an orange. My own version substitutes an equal part of Grand Marnier for the brandy. For a party, I mix a large quantity in a plastic jug and put it in the freezer for an hour or two before guests arrive so it gets a little frozen--- then just shake well and pour over ice to serve. Add a splash of club soda, if desired to lighten it up a little.

Weekend Cocktail Time:Try a Cool (as in cucumber) Pimm's Cup!

When I go to polo in the UK, it's tradition to enjoy a Pimm's Cup before, during and after the match. Here in the US, I find most bartenders will make a Pimm's Cup with an extra shot of vodka (nothing wrong with that) and garnish with mint instead of the traditional cucumber. But since I've got a ton of cucumbers in my garden right now, this seems like the perfect cocktail to kick of the weekend.

PIMM'S CUP

1 ½ ounce Pimm's #1

4 ounces lemon-lime soda-- 7-Up or Sprite

1 ounce club soda

Wedge of lemon

Cucumber spears

Optional: shot of premium vodka

 I like to mix these in a pitcher and serve over ice in a tall glass. They're really unique and refreshing but watch out! They really sneak up on you.