Creating The Perfect Buck: A Belizean Cocktail

Belize is known for its wide variety of drinks, from cocktails to beer and wine. One of the most popular Belizean cocktails is the Panty Ripper (or Panti Rippa in Belizean Creole)—a combination of coconut rum and pineapple juice. Another well-loved drink is the Belikin beer, considered the national beer of Belize. But if you're looking for something a little stronger, Belize is also a major producer of rum, with over 15 types distilled in the country. Now, if you're after a drink that's a little less common, you might want to try the Buck.

Use Caribbean White Rum, mint leaves, dragon fruit, and soda water

The Buck is not a traditional Belizean cocktail, but you can certainly make a delicious drink using Caribbean White Rum, mint leaves, dragon fruit, and soda water. Here is a recipe you could follow:

Ingredients:

• Caribbean White Rum (you could use a popular Belizean brand like Caribbean Gold)
• Fresh mint leaves (spearmint is commonly used, but you could also try mojito mint for a more authentic Cuban flavour)
• Dragon fruit
• Soda water
• Lime (optional)
• Sugar or simple syrup (optional)

Method:

• Place the mint leaves and (optional) lime wedge in a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush and release the mint oils and lime juice.
• (Optional) Add sugar or simple syrup to taste and muddle again.
• Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.
• Pour in a generous amount of rum.
• Fill the rest of the glass with soda water.
• Stir well, taste, and adjust to your preference.
• (Optional) Garnish with a sprig of mint and a dragon fruit slice.

This drink is a twist on the classic Mojito, which is a popular Cuban cocktail. The addition of dragon fruit brings a unique and tropical flavour to the drink. Feel free to experiment with the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste. Enjoy your Belize-inspired Buck!

Add grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, and blue crème de cacao

To make the Belizean drink called the Buck, you'll need grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, and blue crème de cacao.

Blue crème de cacao is a chocolate-flavoured liqueur with a rich history. It originated in France in the late 16th century and was used by French monks as a cure for various ailments. It's made from cocoa beans, blended with a neutral spirit like vodka or whiskey, and usually infused with vanilla. The "crème" in the name refers to its smooth, syrup-like consistency due to its high sugar content—not an actual cream ingredient.

There are two types of crème de cacao: white and dark. The white variety is produced by soaking cacao beans in a mixture of water and alcohol, then lightly crushing the beans to release their flavour. This type of crème de cacao is clear in colour and has a subtle chocolate flavour with hints of vanilla. The dark variety, on the other hand, is made by dripping alcohol through cacao beans in a process similar to making coffee. It has a rich brown colour and a robust chocolate flavour. For a Buck, you'll want to use the dark variety to complement the grapefruit and pineapple juices.

To add these ingredients to your Buck, simply measure out equal parts grapefruit juice and pineapple juice, and add a splash of blue crème de cacao to taste. You can adjust the amount of crème de cacao depending on how chocolatey you like your drink. Give the ingredients a good stir, and your Buck is ready to serve!

Combine Angostura bitters with ice

Angostura bitters is a concentrated bitters (a herbal alcoholic preparation) based on gentian, herbs, and spices. It is produced by the House of Angostura in Trinidad and Tobago and is used to flavour beverages and, less often, food.

When combining Angostura bitters with ice, it is important to remember that bitters are extremely concentrated and are not usually ingested undiluted. They are typically used in small amounts to flavour cocktails.

One cocktail that uses Angostura bitters is the Trinidad Sour, which is made with bitters, orgeat syrup, rye whiskey, and fresh lemon juice. Angostura bitters is the base spirit of this drink rather than simply a flavouring. Another cocktail that uses Angostura bitters is the Old Fashioned, which is made with whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water.

In addition to cocktails, Angostura bitters can also be used in food. For example, a few dashes of Angostura bitters can be added to heavy cream before whipping to add complexity to the flavour. It can also be added to scrambled eggs to give them an herbal quality with a slight hint of bitterness.

When combining Angostura bitters with ice, it is important to consider the desired concentration of the final product. Angostura bitters are highly concentrated, so only a small amount is needed to impart a strong flavour. The amount of ice used will also affect the dilution of the bitters.

Mix coconut cream lime and pineapple juice, and serve frozen

To make a delicious tropical drink, mix coconut cream, lime, and pineapple juice, and serve it frozen. This drink can be a fun, summery twist on the popular Belizean cocktail, the Panti Rippa, which combines coconut rum and pineapple juice.

Ingredients:

• Coconut cream
• Lime juice
• Pineapple juice
• Ice

Optional: pineapple slices and/or maraschino cherries for garnish)

Method:

• Put the desired amount of ice into a blender.
• Add equal parts coconut cream and pineapple juice.
• Squeeze in the lime juice to taste.
• Blend until smooth and frosty.
• Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
• (Optional) Garnish with pineapple slices and/or maraschino cherries.

This drink can also be made into a mocktail by simply leaving out the alcohol. It is a fun, easy drink to make and perfect for a warm summer's day.

Use Caribbean White Rum, crème de banana, and soda water

Rum is a key ingredient in many Belizean drinks, and Caribbean White Rum is a great choice for a refreshing cocktail. If you're looking to create a unique Belize-inspired drink with a tropical twist, combining Caribbean White Rum, crème de banana, and soda water is an excellent option. Here's how you can make the most of these ingredients to craft a delicious cocktail:

The Perfect Pour:

• Start by filling a highball glass with ice cubes. This glassware choice showcases the drink's vibrant colors and adds a touch of elegance to your tropical creation.
• Pour a generous amount of Caribbean White Rum over the ice. This variety of rum captures the essence of the Caribbean and sets the perfect base for your cocktail.
• Add a healthy dose of crème de banana. This banana-flavored liqueur will infuse your drink with a delightful tropical flavor, reminiscent of ripe, sweet bananas.
• Top it off with ice-cold soda water. The soda water adds a crisp, bubbly texture and helps to enhance the other flavors without overwhelming them.
• (Optional) Garnish with a lime wedge or a banana slice. This extra touch will make your cocktail look even more inviting and exotic.

Variations and Tips:

• If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of rum, such as gold rum or aged rum, to add a deeper flavor profile to your drink.
• For a stronger banana flavor, consider muddling a fresh, ripe banana and adding it to your cocktail.
• To make a low-calorie, lighter version, substitute the crème de banana with banana-infused syrup or a splash of fresh banana juice.
• To make it a true Belizean Buck, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice or a squeeze of lime to give it that extra tropical kick.
• If you're serving this cocktail at a party or get-together, prepare a large batch of the rum, crème de banana, and juice mixture in advance. Then, simply add the soda water and give it a quick stir before serving to ensure it stays bubbly and fresh.

Whether you're enjoying the sun on a Belizean beach or bringing a taste of the tropics to your home, this cocktail is sure to impress and transport you to a tropical paradise.

Frequently asked questions