Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lively and balanced cooler featuring fresh grapefruit and lime juices with spiced rum and a hint of cinnamon. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together spiced rum, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 170 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 6 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 170 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Fill a cocktail shaker with 1 cup of ice cubes. Pour in 2 oz spiced rum, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz honey syrup.
  2. Step 2: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the shaker.
  3. Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
  4. Step 4: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass to remove ice shards.
  5. Step 5: Garnish by expressing a grapefruit twist over the surface, twisting to release oils, then rest it on the rim.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler take to make?

Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler?

Refrigerate any leftover haitian citrus and spice cooler in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Haitian Citrus and Spice Cooler?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.