Belly Dancer Recipe

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Belly Dancer Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0 g

Protein:0 g

Carbohydrates:25 g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

The Belly Dancer is a cocktail that originated in the Middle East. It was first created by a bartender who was inspired by the graceful movements of a belly dancer. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity drink with a hint of spice.

  • It was first created in the 1980s
  • The cocktail was named after the belly dancers who performed at the bar where it was first served
  • It quickly gained popularity and is now served in bars worldwide

How Belly Dancer Tastes?

The Belly Dancer cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of spice. The combination of rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine gives it a tropical flavor, while the dash of cinnamon adds a warm and spicy note.

Interesting facts about Belly Dancer

  • The Belly Dancer cocktail is often served in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge and cherry garnish
  • Despite its sweet and fruity flavor, it has a relatively high alcohol content due to the rum
  • It's a popular cocktail in beach bars and tropical-themed parties

Ingredients

Rum

The 2 oz of rum create the strong backbone of this shot, contributing both warmth and a little kick. If you pour less, you'll have a tamer dance, while too much might turn the belly dance into a wild carnival ride. A light rum keeps it tropical; dark rum adds complexity.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

The 4 oz of pineapple juice give the drink its tropical sweetness and help to mellow out the rum. Cutting it down could make the shot sharper, while more could create a smoothie rather than a shot. Mango juice could be a tangy alternative.

Mary Mitkina

Grenadine

1 oz of grenadine adds not just sweet notes but a vibrant color, enough to paint your cheeks with a sunset glow, less and you risk losing the visual appeal, more and you're flirting with syrupiness. Pomegranate syrup is a possible substitute with a similar effect.

Alex Green

Cinnamon

A dash of cinnamon adds an exotic, spicy twist. It's the hip shimmy in the belly dance, so to say. Too much might overwhelm the other flavors, too little and you'll lose the subtle warmth. Nutmeg could step in as an alternative spice.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Wedge

A pineapple wedge is both garnish and snack - the tiara on the dancer. Without it, the shot loses some of its visual allure and tropical authenticity. Mango or papaya could swing in as substitutes for a different flare.

Mary Mitkina

Cherry

The cherry is the proverbial cherry on top – it adds a touch of elegance and a little extra sweetness with each bite. Losing the cherry might not affect the flavor much, but the presentation takes a hit. A raspberry can make a suitable stand-in.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Belly Dancer Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add 2 oz of rum, 4 oz of pineapple juice, 1 oz of grenadine, and a dash of cinnamon
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty
  4. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice
  5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor
  • Don't overdo it with the cinnamon, a little goes a long way
  • Chill your glass before serving for a refreshing drink

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Appetizers: The sweet and fruity profile of the Belly Dancer shot nicely counters the heat from spicy foods such as jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings.
  • Tropical Salads: A tropical fruit salad with mango, papaya, and nuts would echo the pineapple's flavor and create a harmonious taste experience.
  • Desserts: Enjoy it with desserts like coconut cream pie or pineapple upside-down cake to enhance the tropical theme of the drink.

Drink Pairings

Complement the Belly Dancer shot with a light beer or a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc to cleanse the palate between sips.

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What you could change in Belly Dancer

  • You can substitute the rum with vodka for a lighter taste
  • If you don't have grenadine, you can use a mix of pomegranate juice and sugar as a substitute

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Belly Dancer

Swap out the rum for coconut rum and add a splash of coconut cream for a creamier, more indulgent twist. This version has a richer texture and a sweeter flavor profile that's like a dessert in a glass.

Spicy Belly Dancer

Introduce a small amount of chili pepper syrup in place of cinnamon for a surprising kick that'll make you shimmy. The extra heat adds an adventurous edge to the shot, perfect for those looking to spice up their evening.

Berry Dancer

Replace the grenadine with raspberry syrup and add a few fresh raspberries into the shaker. The result is a berry-infused variation, with a slightly tart edge and a deeper flavor, perfect for a summer night out.

In case you forgot basics how to make Belly Dancer

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Belly Dancer

What is the best rum to use for the Belly Dancer cocktail?

The Belly Dancer cocktail is versatile and can be made with various types of rum. However, a light or gold rum is often preferred due to its smooth and slightly sweet flavor.

Can I use bottled pineapple juice?

Although fresh pineapple juice is recommended for optimal flavor, bottled pineapple juice can be used as a convenient alternative.

Can I make the Belly Dancer cocktail in advance?

To preserve the fresh flavor and fizzy texture, it is best to make the Belly Dancer cocktail just before serving. Premixing all the ingredients except for the pineapple juice, and adding it right before serving can be a time-saving option.

What is the origin of the name 'Belly Dancer'?

The cocktail was named 'Belly Dancer' to pay homage to the mesmerizing belly dancers who performed at the bar where this drink was first served.

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