Ocean City (Maryland) – Beach Sunset Rum Mix

I’ve crafted the Ocean City, Maryland, Beach Sunset Rum Mix to capture those mid-20th-century beach sunsets, blending 2 oz white rum with 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz pineapple juice, 0.5 oz grenadine, and 0.5 oz lime juice for a tropical twist. Just shake it with ice for 15 seconds, then strain into a highball glass over fresh ice to see the vibrant layers. You’ll pick up tips on variations like fresh juices or spiced rum to make it your own.

History

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The Ocean City Beach Sunset Rum Mix, a vibrant tropical cocktail, originated in the mid-20th century along the shores of Ocean City, Maryland, as a nod to the region’s vibrant beach tourism and influences from Caribbean rum culture, blending local American seaside flavors with exotic fruit elements.

Regional variations often emerge based on coastal locations; for instance, Florida versions might incorporate key lime for a tart twist, while Hawaiian adaptations add coconut for a luau flair, signifying the drink’s adaptability to local ingredients and enhancing its appeal as a symbol of relaxed vacation vibes.

Traditionally, it’s served during summer sunsets on the boardwalk, beach gatherings, or festive occasions like Independence Day celebrations, evoking a sense of leisurely escape and community bonding.

Ingredients

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• 2 oz white rum: Oh, let’s kick things off with this classic base spirit, light and versatile enough to let all the other flavors shine through—think of it as the unsung hero that keeps your cocktail from turning into a one-note wonder, you know?
• 1 oz orange juice: Freshly squeezed if you can swing it, for that citrusy zing that wakes up your taste buds—now, who wouldn’t want a burst of sunshine in their glass?

If you’re in a rush, store-bought stuff works just fine, no judgment here.

• 1 oz pineapple juice: This one’s all about adding that tropical sweetness, whether you’re using canned for convenience or fresh for a little extra flair—it’s like sneaking a mini vacation into every sip, am I right?
• 0.5 oz grenadine: For the magic that gives your drink that gorgeous sunset color and a subtle sweet kick, picture it as the artist of the bunch—go ahead and make your own if you’re feeling fancy, or grab a bottle; either way, it’s hard to mess up.
• 0.5 oz lime juice: Freshly squeezed to bring in that perfect acidity, balancing out the sweetness like a trusty sidekick—without it, things might get a tad too sugary, don’t you think?
• 1 dash Angostura bitters: Just a tiny touch for that spicy balance that ties everything together, almost like a secret spice that says, “Hey, I’ve got your back”.

If you don’t have it on hand, a similar aromatic bitters can step in without skipping a beat, because life’s too short for a flat drink.

Preparation

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Let’s jump into making this Ocean City Beach Sunset Rum Mix, shall we?

It’s all about combining those ingredients in a way that turns them into a tropical dream in a glass, with just the right balance of sweet and tangy.

Start by gathering your tools—a cocktail shaker, some ice, and a nice highball glass to show off that sunset hue.

First, add 2 oz of white rum to your cocktail shaker; this is the base that gives the drink its spirited kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Pour in 1 oz of orange juice and 1 oz of pineapple juice next, letting those fruity notes mingle like old friends at a beach party.

Then, include 0.5 oz of grenadine for that vibrant color, followed by 0.5 oz of lime juice to cut through the sweetness and add a fresh zing—think of it as the unsung hero keeping things from getting too syrupy.

Now, for the fun part, drop in 1 dash of Angostura bitters to tie it all together with a subtle spice, almost like a secret ingredient that whispers, “This is going to be good.”

Fill the shaker with ice, seal it up, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside feels frosty—shaking is key here, as it chills and blends everything without turning it into a slushy mess.

Once done, strain the mixture into your glass over fresh ice, and watch as the layers form that beautiful gradient, making you wonder if you’ve just captured a piece of the sunset in your hand.

If you’re serving this for friends, give it a gentle stir in the glass to help the flavors settle, but don’t overdo it—you want to keep that eye-catching separation for the full effect.

Tips and Variations

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If you’re tweaking this Ocean City Beach Sunset Rum Mix, why not start by swapping in fresh-squeezed juices for the orange and pineapple to amp up that tropical zing, though you might end up with a few sticky fingers in the process—nothing a quick rinse can’t fix.

For variations, try using spiced rum instead of white for a cozy, warming kick that adds a playful twist, almost like giving your drink a secret adventure, or go mocktail-style by ditching the rum altogether and doubling the grenadine for extra sweetness without the buzz, because who says you can’t chase sunsets sober.

And if Angostura bitters are playing hard to get, grab a similar aromatic one to keep that subtle spice in play, ensuring your mix still hits that perfect balance without turning into a bland beach day dud.