The inspiration for this cocktail came from stress and a total lack of time. These can be good influences when you are a true procrastinator like Sunshine Tiki. Knowing that Rhum Clement V.S.O.P. was the dominant spirit was a given. Keeping the ingredient list short and easy to find was a little more challenging. The drink would be served at Tiki Caliente 6 for the weekend kick off party. Serving an outstanding drink that party goers could recreate when they get home was the goal.

If you take the time to make your homemade vanilla simple syrup, you can't go wrong with this short recipe.

Tahitian Exotique

1.5 ounces Rhum Clement V.S.O.P.

.5 ounce Cruzan Vanilla (you can substitute another but nothing artificial)

.5 ounces fresh Lemon juice

1.5 ounces Pineapple juice

.5 ounce Vanilla Infused simple syrup*

3 dashes Regans Orange bitters

Shake all well with ice and strain into glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a pineapple stick or spear and some fresh mint.

Vanilla Simple Syrup*

1 cup water

1 cup white sugar

2 Tahitian Vanilla beans

Bring water to a boil. Slice vanilla beans down the center and open them up. Place beans into boiling water. Cover and boil for 2 minutes. Remove cover, add sugar and stir till dissolved. When sugar mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to prevent scorching and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Turn off flame and cover for 20 minutes to let the Vanilla beans do their magic. Remove Vanilla beans with tongs (don't burn your fingers) and discard. Pour syrup into a heat safe glass container or bottle to store. It should be a dark yellow color, almost brown, with the specs of Vanilla seeds throughout. Chill. Use in cocktails, teas, desserts and more.

Cocktails