Get ready to taste the tropics with Calito's Special Drink! This refreshing cocktail features a perfect blend of dark and white rum, ginger liqueur, and a mix of tropical juices. Fresh lime and mint garnish complete the experience. Perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to a tropical getaway. Easy to make with a knife, blender, and juicer. Serve in a highball glass and enjoy the taste of the islands. Perfect for beginning bartenders in the USA. Try it now!
Calito's Special Ingredients
- 1 oz dark rum
- 3/4 oz white rum
- 1/2 oz Ginger Liqueur
- 1 oz passion-fruit juice
- 1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 oz Orange juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- slice Lime
- sprig Mint
- 1 cup Ice
- garnish Lime, Mint
Calito's Special Equipment
- knife - to prepare garnish slice
- classic kitchen blender or smoothie blender works too
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Calito's Special Recipe
- optionally make fresh Orange juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- stir all the ingredients together with ice
- serve in Highball glass full with ice
- garnish with Lime, Mint if desired
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.The Calito's Special: A Tropical Cocktail
If you're looking for a refreshing and tropical cocktail, the Calito's Special is the perfect choice. This cocktail is famous for its unique combination of ingredients that create a sweet and tangy flavor that will transport you to a tropical paradise. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, variations, and common mistakes when making this delicious cocktail.
Popularity
The Calito's Special is a relatively new cocktail, but it has quickly gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts. It is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where the tropical flavors of fruits and rum are abundant. This cocktail is famous for its refreshing taste and vibrant appearance, making it a perfect summer drink.
Ingredients
The Calito's Special is made with a combination of dark rum, white rum, ginger liqueur, passion-fruit juice, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, lime slice, mint sprig, and ice. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor of this cocktail.
Dark Rum
Dark rum is the base of this cocktail, and it adds a rich and robust flavor to the drink. You can use any brand of dark rum, but we recommend using a high-quality one like Bacardi Black.
White Rum
White rum is the second type of rum used in this cocktail. It has a lighter and smoother flavor than dark rum, and it balances out the taste of the cocktail. We recommend using a brand like Don Q or Bacardi.
Ginger Liqueur
Ginger liqueur adds a spicy kick to the cocktail and enhances the tropical flavors. We recommend using a brand like Domaine de Canton or Barrow's Intense.
Fruit Juices
The combination of passion-fruit, pineapple, orange, and lime juice creates a sweet and tangy flavor that is unique to this cocktail. It is essential to use fresh juice to get the best taste. If you don't have a juicer, you can use a manual or automatic squeezer.
Garnish
The Calito's Special is garnished with a lime slice and a mint sprig, which adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the drink.
How to Garnish
To prepare the garnish for the Calito's Special, you will need a knife to slice the lime and a mint sprig. Cut the lime slice and place it on the rim of the highball glass. Then, place the mint sprig on top of the lime slice. This garnish will add a beautiful touch to your cocktail and enhance the aroma of the mint.
Variations
There are various ways to make variations of the Calito's Special to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some of the most popular variations:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a virgin version of the Calito's Special, omit the rum and ginger liqueur from the recipe. You can replace the rum with an equal amount of pineapple or passion-fruit juice to get a similar flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
The Calito's Special is gluten-free because all of its ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, if you are using a flavored rum, make sure to check the label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
Vegan Version
The Calito's Special is vegan-friendly because it does not contain any animal products. However, some brands of ginger liqueur may contain honey, so make sure to check the label before using it.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Calito's Special, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia instead of sugar. You can also replace the fruit juices with sugar-free versions to reduce the carb count.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a low-calorie version of the Calito's Special, reduce the amount of rum and ginger liqueur and replace them with soda water or sparkling water. You can also use a sugar-free sweetener to reduce the calorie count.
Common Mistakes when Making
Making a perfect Calito's Special requires attention to detail and proper technique. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making this cocktail:
Using Low-Quality Ingredients
Using low-quality ingredients will affect the taste and quality of your cocktail. Make sure to use high-quality rums and fresh juices to get the best flavor.
Using Too Much Ice
Using too much ice will dilute the cocktail and affect the taste. Use one cup of ice to get the perfect balance of temperature and consistency.
Not Shaking or Blending Properly
Shaking or blending the cocktail properly is crucial to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed well. Use a classic kitchen blender or smoothie blender to blend the ingredients until smooth.
Over-Pouring the Alcohol
Over-pouring the alcohol will make the cocktail too strong and affect the taste. Use a jigger to measure the amount of alcohol to get the perfect balance of flavor.
In conclusion, the Calito's Special is a refreshing and tropical cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. By following the right technique and using high-quality ingredients, you can make a perfect Calito's Special that will impress your guests. Whether you prefer a vegan, gluten-free, keto, or low-calorie version, this cocktail is versatile enough to suit your dietary needs and preferences. So, grab your shaker and start making this delicious cocktail today!
If you are going to order Calito's Special in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Calito's Special can be served with different ingredients in different places.
