How to Make a Papa Colada for Father’s Day

For Father’s Day, let Dad relax with a Papa Colada. This handcrafted drink recipe from Elliot Clark, the Apartment Bartender, is made with rum, fresh fruit and juices. Swap rum for green tea of coconut water for a delicious mocktail version.

Papa Colada

This light and refreshing cocktail is made with fresh raspberry syrup and strawberries for a fruity spin on the classic piña colada.

Prep: 20 min.
Cook: 10 min.
Total: 30 min.
Serves: 1
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 oz. light rum
• 1.5 oz. fresh pineapple juice
• 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 strawberry
• 1-2 oz. ginger beer (or ginger ale)

Directions:

1. First, make the raspberry syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries with 1 cup of water. Bring to a light simmer.
2. Once simmering, gently mash raspberries to release the juices. Add sugar and continue to simmer on low until dissolved, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to separate raspberry solids. Syrup can be stored in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. To make the cocktail, combine all ingredients except for ginger beer in a cocktail shaker. Muddle the strawberry.
5. Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake until chilled.
6. Strain the drink into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with a splash of ginger beer. Garnish with a fresh bouquet of mint and a lime wheel.

Tip: To make a mocktail version, use coconut water or green tea in place of rum.