Beachbum’s Own Cocktail: From A Tiki Legend

Beachbum's Own Recipe

The Beachbum’s Own cocktail, was created by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, a renowned Tiki drink author, historian, and the proprietor of Latitude 29, a Tiki-themed venue in New Orleans.

The beverage is a vibrant and exotic cocktail recipe that encapsulates Tiki culture with its rich blend of rums, fruity flavors, and tropical allure.

This drink is a tribute to the adventurous spirit of Tiki bartenders, combining a variety of ingredients to create a drink that’s both complex and refreshing.

Here’s how to make the Beachbum’s Own cocktail, with measurements in both ounces and mls to aid all cocktail lovers.


Beachbum’s Own Ingredients:

  • Light Virgin Islands Rum (1 1/2 ounces / 45 ml): Provides a smooth, clean base that complements the cocktail’s tropical flavors.
  • Demerara Rum (1 1/4 ounces / 37 ml): Adds depth with its rich, caramel notes, enhancing the drink’s complexity.
  • Licor 43 (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): A Spanish liqueur that contributes a unique blend of citrus and vanilla undertones.
  • Unsweetened Pineapple Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Offers a tangy sweetness and a hint of acidity.
  • Orange Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Brings a fresh, citrusy brightness to the mix.
  • Lemon Juice (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml, freshly squeezed): Adds a zesty sharpness that balances the cocktail’s sweet components.
  • Passion Fruit Puree (3/4 ounce / 22.5 ml): Introduces a tropical sweetness and a lush, fruity flavor.

(Create your own version with a single rum, or other rums of your choice).


Beachbum’s Own Recipe:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Start by adding 45 ml (1 1/2 ounces) of light Virgin Islands rum, 37 ml (1 1/4 ounces) of demerara rum, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of Licor 43, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of unsweetened pineapple juice, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of freshly squeezed orange juice, 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 22.5 ml (3/4 ounce) of passion fruit puree into a cocktail shaker filled with crushed ice.
  2. Shake: Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously until the mixture is well-chilled. This not only cools the drink but also ensures that all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, creating a blend of flavors.
  3. Serve: Pour the chilled cocktail, unstrained, into a Tiki mug or a double Old Fashioned glass. The choice of serving vessel adds to the drink’s exotic appeal and enhances the overall Tiki experience.
  4. Garnish: Embellish the cocktail with a cocktail umbrella. This playful garnish is a big part off Tiki culture and adds a touch that completes the look.

Beachbum’s Own Cocktail – In Detail

Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, a renowned Tiki drink author, historian, and the proprietor of Latitude 29, a Tiki-themed venue in New Orleans, has significantly influenced the revival of Tiki and tropical drink culture. His contributions have led to the creation of numerous original cocktails, among which is one that proudly bears his moniker.

Characteristic of Tiki concoctions, Beachbum’s Own features a mix of distinct rums—a light Virgin Islands rum coupled with a deeper demerara rum, offering a layered foundation for the drink.

Berry personally recommends Cruzan for the former and El Dorado or Lemon Hart for the latter, ensuring a rich tapestry of flavors robust enough to complement the additional components of the cocktail.

Licor 43, a complex Spanish liqueur made from 43 different ingredients, is utilized for its blend of vanilla, citrus, and spice notes that pair well with rum. Berry enhances the drink with the addition of citrusy lemon and orange juices, the tropical tang of pineapple juice, and the unique sweet-tart profile of passion fruit puree.

The resulting beverage is a testament to Berry’s expertise, encapsulating the essence of tropical paradises and sun-kissed beaches, rightfully earning its place as Berry’s signature creation.

Check out some other yummy passionfruit cocktails.