Mango Basil Rum Cooler
A tropical, herbaceous cooler with fresh mango, fragrant basil, and aged rum for a bright summer sip. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together aged rum, fresh mango puree, 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz aged rum
- 1 oz fresh mango puree
- 0.75 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz club soda
- 1 slice mango slice
- 1 sprig basil sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, muddle 4 fresh basil leaves gently to release aroma but not shred.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz aged rum, 1 oz fresh mango puree, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with fresh ice cubes to remove basil bits.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently for 5 seconds.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh mango slice on the rim and a small basil sprig resting on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mango Basil Rum Cooler take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Mango Basil Rum Cooler?
Refrigerate any leftover mango basil rum 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 Mango Basil Rum 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 Mango Basil Rum 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 Mango Basil Rum 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.
