18 Tropical Cocktails Perfect for Happy Hour

June 20, 2020

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these fruity cocktails. Thanks to fruits like coconut, mango and pineapple, you can pretend you’re sipping a refreshing cocktail by the ocean. Recipes like Whipped Frozen Creamsicle and Mango Margaritas are bright, tasty and are perfect for tonight’s happy hour.

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Whipped Frozen Creamsicle

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For those of you who always loved to run to the curb to buy a little bit of summer on a stick, this drink is right up your alley. The secret to the straight-from-the-ice-cream truck taste of this creamy frozen treat? Double the fruit! A little bit of frozen mango helps thicken the drink naturally in the blender while boosting the juicy flavor of fresh orange juice. Unsweetened vanilla coconut milk brings just a hint of sweetness while keeping this added-sugar-free and vegan. You could also use a sweetened coconut milk if you prefer a little more sweetness. Enjoy this refreshing and nostalgic drink on its own, or add a splash of your favorite vodka or rum for a summer happy hour indulgence. P.S.: Unlike the ice cream version, this one travels well in an insulated cup if you want to take it poolside! Source: EatingWell.com, June 2020

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Layered Strawberry-Mango Margaritas

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Swirl layers of red strawberry margarita with yellow mango margarita in this skinny frozen cocktail for a festive party drink that will wow your guests. It tastes just as good as a restaurant frozen margarita, without all the sugar! Source: EatingWell.com, June 2017

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Monkeylada

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If you like piña coladas, try this lower-calorie version using ripe bananas blended with fresh pineapple and coconut milk. Serve it in festive tropical-drink glasses. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2009

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Mango Margaritas

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Mango adds plenty of fruity sweetness to this vibrant drink, so you can cut back on the added sugars a bit for a skinnier margarita. Add a slice of fresh mango to each glass to take this tropical cocktail to the next level. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2017

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Ruby-Red Grapefruit Cocktail

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This gorgeous sparkling grapefruit cocktail recipe combines gin, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice and seltzer. The touch of Campari enhances its beautiful red color, but if you prefer a less bitter drink, omit it. Source: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2013

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Frozen Pineapple Margaritas

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These frosty pineapple margaritas taste just like restaurant-style frozen margaritas, but without all the sugar, for a skinny cocktail you can easily whip up at home. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2017

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Peach-Mango Madras

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A madras is a cocktail mix of vodka and fruit juice. This version blends three different fruit juices with peach vodka, and is served over homemade ice cubes which are filled with finely chopped fresh mango. When buying mangos, give them a light squeeze. Look for fruits that give a little without being too squishy! Source: Diabetic Living Magazine

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Grapefruit Margaritas

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Fresh grapefruit juice adds a zesty punch and lovely pink color to this refreshing skinny margarita. For the perfect finish, upgrade the salt rim on your glass by mixing in a little grapefruit zest to add to both the presentation and flavor. Source: EatingWell.com, April 2017

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Salty Chihuahua

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This is a Mexican-inspired take on the Salty Dog (usually made with grapefruit juice, vodka and salt). Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2007

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Frozen Mango Margaritas

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Frozen mango chunks aren't just for smoothies anymore. Whir them up in your blender with all the other classic margarita ingredients to make a skinny frozen cocktail at home that's just as good as (if not better than, and definitely healthier than!) restaurant versions. Source: EatingWell.com, June 2017

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Sunrise Bellini

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This slightly tart fruity Bellini recipe will zing you awake. It's the prettiest color imaginable and it makes a brunch instantly fun! You can serve the Bellinis in champagne flutes or in simple Mason jars--be creative! Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2013

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Island Limeade

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Take a trip to the islands in this simple tropical cocktail. Source: EatingWell Magazine, July/August 2007

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Frozen Grapefruit Margaritas

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Swap out some of the usual lime juice in your margaritas with fresh grapefruit juice for a refreshing spin on the classic drink. Red grapefruit makes for a particularly pretty cocktail. Unlike many frozen margaritas served at restaurants, these cocktails have no additional sweetener. Source: EatingWell Magazine, April 2019

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Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri

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You'll feel like you're on a tropical getaway with this refreshing strawberry-coconut cocktail. To keep it cool in warmer weather, freeze fresh berries for 30 minutes before blending. Variation: For a nonalcoholic version, omit the rum and add 1/2 cup additional strawberries.

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Festive Brunch Mezcal Cocktail

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Carrot juice adds a sweet and earthy counterpoint to the smoky mezcal. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

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Hibiscus Margarita

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Amp up margarita night with a quick homemade simple syrup that packs a brilliant pink hue from dried hibiscus flowers. Serve with guacamole topped with pomegranate seeds and lime tortilla chips. Source: EatingWell Magazine, May/June 2018

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Kiwi-Mint Julep

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Kiwis add a tropical note to the Southern favorite. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June/July 2005

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Passion Colada

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Passion fruit juice turns a pina colada into something special. Source: EatingWell Magazine, June/July 2005

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