Although the music of the 80's was worth remembering, the cocktails weren't all that good. When Sex on the Beach and Blue Hawaiians were served at every club and bar, it was a dark dark time. Sunshine tried to make better versions of all three. Not by using fu fu organic juice or anything like that, but by slightly altering each recipe in favor of flavor over sugar and cheap booze.

Blue Hawaiian'd

Our version of this cruise ship favorite is really a cross between a Blue Hawaii and a Blue Hawaiian. Using coconut vodka instead of coconut cream keeps the consistency from getting too thick or sweet. Limeade and pineapple juice are combined to keep the drink refreshing but balanced.

1.5 ounces Coconut Vodka

.5 ounce Blue Curacao

1.5 ounces Pineapple Juice

1.5 ounces Limeade (buy juice not from concentrate when possible)

.5 ounce fresh Lime Juice

Shake it all together with ice and pour into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with fresh pineapple or lime.

Maui Iced Tea

In college you no doubt ordered Long Island Iced Teas because they are strong and usually cheap. But you grew up and moved away from these airport bar staples. Try making this variation and you just might impress some friends. Strong, somewhat sweet and still a little like college.

1 ounce Citrus Rum or Vodka

1 ounce Jamaican Rum (Appleton is good)

.5 ounce 60 proof Triple Sec

1 ounce Passion Tea (brew it double strong)

1 ounce Sour Mix (homemade: 1 cup lemon juice to 1/2 cup sugar)

.5 Punch Mix or syrup (Hawaiian brand frozen or another with passion fruit)

Shake lightly with ice and pour into tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh lemon wheels.

Just Sex

Skip the beach. No one wants sand in their cocktail. The biggest problem with Sex on the Beach is adding too much peach schnapps and using OJ that is from concentrate. To prevent getting a thick and putrid smelling drink you just need to use fresh squeezed OJ and a decent peach liquor instead of schnapps. We recommend Stirring's or even Peachello.

1.5 ounces Citrus Vodka

.5 ounce Peach Liquor (Stirrings or another that is 21% or more alcohol)

1.5 ounces Cranberry Juice Cocktail

1.5 ounces fresh OJ

Squeeze of Lime

Shake lightly or stir in a fancy glass. Fill with ice and garnish with orange slices.

Cocktails

Better Than The 80's