Berry Bomb
The Berry Bomb is sweet and fruity with a fizzy kick from the Sprite. The raspberry vodka adds a tart berry flavor that's balanced by the soda's sweetness. It's a light and effervescent drink that goes down easily.
Italian Surfer Cocktail Recipe
Jump to Recipe ⬇️
Italian Surfer Nutrition Facts
Calories:~220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:35g
Alcohol content:~12%
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 16, 2024
Contents
History
The Italian Surfer is a delightful cocktail that marries tropical and Italian flavors. Its origin is not well-documented, but it's believed to have been created by playful bartenders looking to combine the sweetness of amaretto with the exotic touch of coconut rum. It's a hit among those who enjoy a sweet, fruity cocktail with a nutty undertone.
- Perfect for beach parties or summer gatherings
- Often enjoyed by those who favor sweeter, dessert-like cocktails
- Its vibrant color and garnish make it visually appealing
How Italian Surfer Tastes?
The Italian Surfer is a sweet and fruity cocktail with a rich almond note from the amaretto. The coconut rum adds a tropical flair, while the pineapple and cranberry juices provide a tangy and refreshing finish. It's a well-balanced drink with a light, summery feel.
Interesting facts about Italian Surfer
- The Italian Surfer can be considered a cousin to the popular Piña Colada due to its tropical ingredients.
- Amaretto, an Italian liqueur, is made from almonds or apricot pits, which gives the cocktail its distinctive nutty flavor.
- This cocktail is often served at Italian-themed events or as a sweet end to an Italian meal.
Ingredients
- Coconut rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Amaretto: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Maraschino cherry: 1
Coconut Rum
The sweet and tropical notes of coconut rum not only provide a beachy vibe but also smooth out the stronger flavors in the mix. If you skimp on the rum, you might end up with a cocktail that's a tad too tart. Swap it out for standard rum and you'll miss the coconut charm—but hey, you'll still have a decent drink on your hands.
Mary Mitkina
Amaretto
With its sweet almond flavor, amaretto adds complexity and depth. Less amaretto could make for a less rounded sweetness, whereas too much might overwhelm the tropical vibe. No amaretto? Try almond extract as a stand-in, but use sparingly or you'll think you've dunked a biscotti in your drink.
Emma Rose
Pineapple Juice
The zesty tang of pineapple juice brings a fruity punch that's crucial for balancing the sweetness. Too much juice and your surfboard will tip towards too sweet; too little and it might feel like you're sipping on a fruitless beach. Feeling adventurous? Mango juice could be a fun twist—just brace for a smoother, richer ride.
Alex Green
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is the tart counterpoint in this liquid dance, keeping things from getting cloyingly sweet. If you forgo the cranberry juice, you might find yourself in a tropical syrup trap. If cranberries aren't your jam, pomegranate juice could add a similar tartness with a touch more sophistication.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
This little ruby gem is the final flourish, sweet and slightly tart. It's like the umbrella on a sunny day—not always necessary, but it sure makes things look festive. Skip the cherry and the world won’t end, but you'll lose out on that classic cocktail charm.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Italian Surfer Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour 1 oz of coconut rum and 1 oz of amaretto into the shaker.
- Add 2 oz of pineapple juice and 2 oz of cranberry juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain the contents into an ice-filled Collins or highball glass.
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry on top.
Pro Tips
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the drink cooler for longer.
- If you prefer a less sweet cocktail, you can adjust the juice ratios or use a splash of club soda.
- For an extra touch of elegance, rim the glass with sugar or garnish with a tropical fruit slice.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese Platters: A selection of soft cheeses, like mozzarella and ricotta, complements the fruity and sweet notes of the Italian Surfer.
- Seafood Dishes: Light seafood dishes, such as grilled shrimp or calamari, pair delightfully with the tropical and nutty flavors of the cocktail.
- Fruit Salads: A fresh fruit salad with pineapple and berries enhances the refreshing qualities of the drink.
Desserts
- Coconut Desserts: Items like coconut cream pie or macaroons echo the coconut rum in the cocktail.
- Chocolate Almond Treats: Chocolate desserts with almond accents play off the amaretto's rich, nutty notes.
- Tropical Sorbets: Pineapple or mango sorbet would be a refreshing complement to the cocktail's fruity characteristics.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Italian Surfer
- Coconut Rum: Malibu is a popular choice, but any coconut-flavored rum will work.
- Amaretto: Disaronno is a well-known brand, but any almond-flavored liqueur can be used.
- Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is ideal, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Cranberry Juice: 100% cranberry juice provides the best flavor, but cranberry juice cocktail can be used for a sweeter taste.
Explore all drinks starting with I here
And of course - twists🍹
Dark Surfer
Ingredients: Dark Rum, Amaretto, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Orange Wheel
- Swap the coconut rum for dark rum for a richer, more robust flavor.
- The orange wheel garnish adds a citrusy aroma and a hint of bitterness.
- Expect a moodier ocean with waves of complex, caramel flavors.
Green Wave
Ingredients: Coconut Rum, Midori Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, Kiwi Slices
- Replace half the amaretto with Midori for a fresh, melon twist.
- Use lime juice instead of cranberry juice for a tart kick.
- This version feels like catching a wave in a lush, tropical paradise.
Nutty Sailor
Ingredients: Coconut Rum, Frangelico, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice, Hazelnut
- Use Frangelico hazelnut liqueur instead of amaretto for a nuttier profile.
- Garnish with a whole hazelnut for an extra crunch.
- Sail through a sea of smoother, toastier notes with this variation.
In case you forgot basics how to make Italian Surfer
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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Italian Surfer
What type of glass is best suited for serving the Italian Surfer cocktail?
A Collins or highball glass is typically used for serving the Italian Surfer to accommodate the volume of the mixed drink and ice.
How can I garnish the Italian Surfer cocktail besides maraschino cherry?
Garnishing options include a wedge of pineapple, a slice of lime, or an orange peel twist to complement the tropical theme of the drink.
Can the Italian Surfer cocktail be made as a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, a mocktail version can be created by substituting the alcoholic components with almond and coconut-flavored syrups or non-alcoholic liqueurs.
Is the Italian Surfer suitable for batch preparation for parties?
Absolutely, it's a great choice for parties. You can mix the ingredients in larger quantities and serve it from a punch bowl or beverage dispenser.
How can I make the Italian Surfer cocktail stronger?
To increase the alcohol content, you can add an extra half ounce of both the coconut rum and amaretto, or introduce a splash of vodka.
Is the Italian Surfer considered a tiki cocktail?
While it has tropical elements, the Italian Surfer is not traditionally categorized as a tiki drink due to its lack of traditional tiki ingredients and presentation.
More similar recipes to Italian Surfer!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
highball glassPin It
Strawberry Blonde
The Strawberry Blonde cocktail offers a delightful blend of sweet and sour notes, with the freshness of strawberries shining through. The vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the lemon juice adds a zesty tang. The simple syrup rounds out the drink with a touch of sweetness, and the club soda introduces a fizzy element that makes the cocktail light and refreshing.
Alpine Mule
The Alpine Mule offers a harmonious blend of spicy and sweet, with a botanical undercurrent. The Old Tom Gin provides a slightly sweeter base than typical gins, while the Génépy contributes a complex herbal profile. The lime juice adds a necessary tartness, and the ginger beer brings a peppery fizz that makes the drink both invigorating and comforting.
Almond Joy
The Almond Joy cocktail is a sweet, creamy, and indulgent drink with a rich chocolate flavor, nutty almond undertones, and a hint of tropical coconut. It is a smooth and velvety cocktail with a well-balanced sweetness.
Caribbean Breeze
The Caribbean Breeze cocktail offers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juice creates a refreshing citrus base, while the coconut rum adds a hint of tropical sweetness. The grenadine provides a touch of tartness, balancing out the overall taste.
Maui
The Maui cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a hint of tartness. The combination of pineapple, orange, and cranberry juices creates a well-balanced and tropical flavor profile, while the coconut rum adds a smooth and creamy finish.
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Godfather
The Godfather cocktail has a rich, smooth, and slightly sweet taste with a hint of nuttiness from the amaretto. It is a strong and warming drink, perfect for sipping slowly.
Godmother
The Godmother cocktail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly nutty drink with a hint of warmth from the vodka. It is well-balanced, with the amaretto providing a rich, almond-like sweetness that complements the strong, clean taste of the vodka.
Planter's Punch
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Singapore Sling
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
Cosmopolitan
The Cosmopolitan is a well-balanced cocktail with a slightly sweet, tart, and fruity taste. The combination of cranberry juice, lime, and orange liqueur creates a refreshing and zesty flavor, while the vodka adds a smooth and subtle kick.
Sex on the Beach
The Sex on the Beach cocktail is a fruity, sweet, and refreshing drink with a hint of tartness. The combination of orange and cranberry juices creates a vibrant and tangy flavor, while the peach schnapps adds a touch of sweetness. The vodka provides a subtle kick, making this cocktail a perfect balance of flavors.
Seabreeze
The Seabreeze cocktail is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit juice. The cranberry juice adds a touch of sweetness, while the vodka provides a smooth, clean finish.
Negroni
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
Aperol Spritz
The Aperol Spritz has a refreshing, bittersweet taste with a hint of citrus. It is light, effervescent, and slightly herbal, making it a perfect balance of sweet and bitter flavors.
Spritz Veneziano
Spritz Veneziano has a unique bittersweet taste, with a hint of citrus and herbal notes. It is light, refreshing, and effervescent.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Rum Punch
Rum Punch is a refreshing and fruity cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The taste is a delightful combination of tangy citrus, sweet tropical fruits, and the warmth of spiced rum.