Tahitian Treat: The Island Drink You Need to Try 1
You’re sitting on the beach Tahitian Treat, toes in the sand, sunshine on your face. The ocean breeze rustles the palm trees as waves gently lap the shore. But something’s missing – the perfect tropical drink to complete this island paradise daydream. That magical elixir is within reach. Let us introduce you to the Tahitian Treat, a sweet, fruity cocktail that will transport your taste buds to the South Pacific.
This delicious drink is just what you need to liven up your lounging. With its refreshing blend of tropical flavors, the Tahitian Treat is about to become your new favorite sipper. Keep reading to learn how to mix up this island oasis in a glass for yourself.
What Is a Tahitian Treat?
A Tahitian Treat is a popular tropical cocktail that transports you to an island paradise with each sip. The drink is made from a blend of Bacardi Limon rum, amaretto liqueur, cranberry juice and lemon-lime soda. This combination creates a refreshingly fruity cocktail with hints of almond from the amaretto.
Fruity Flavors
The cranberry and lemon-lime give this cocktail a tart, citrusy kick that is balanced out by the sweetness of the amaretto and Bacardi Limon. The blend of flavors in a Tahitian Treat evoke imagery of sunny beaches and swaying palm trees. Each ingredient was carefully selected to create a cocktail that tastes like a little slice of island life in the South Pacific.
A Thirst-Quenching Treat
A Tahitian Treat is meant to be enjoyed over ice on a hot summer day. The cocktail has a light, thirst-quenching quality from the blend of fruit juices and soda water. While rum gives it a little extra punch, a Tahitian Treat maintains a refreshing character that makes it easy to drink. You’ll find yourself reaching for a second before you know it!
Garnish and Presentation
Tahitian Treats are typically garnished with a maraschino cherry for an extra pop of color and served in a tall highball glass over ice. The maraschino cherry adds a hint of sweetness when eaten between sips. The presentation of a Tahitian Treat should make you feel like you’ve been instantly transported to a beach in Tahiti, if only for the time it takes you to finish your cocktail.
A Tahitian Treat is a fruity tropical cocktail meant for sipping and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. One taste of this island-inspired drink and you’ll feel the stresses of everyday life melt away.
History and Origins of the Tahitian Treat Cocktail
Early Beginnings
Tahitian Treat first hit store shelves in the US way back in 1907. The fruity soda was created to capture the essence of the exotic South Pacific. While the original flavor is lost to history, we do know that the Tahitian Treat we all know and love today was born in 1964.
A New Era
Canada Dry created their version of Tahitian Treat in 1964. They wanted an exciting new flavor to compete with the colas and citrus sodas of the time. The tropical fruit fusion of pineapple, orange, guava, and passionfruit was an instant hit.
Rise in Popularity
Tahitian Treat exploded in popularity and could soon be found throughout the Southern United States. The unique flavor and fun marketing as an escape to a tropical paradise helped it stand out. Tahitian Treat became strongly associated with fun, summer, and childhood memories.
A Cult Classic
Today, Tahitian Treat is considered a cult classic. Though production has waned over the years, dedicated fans have kept the dream of the South Pacific alive. Tahitian Treat is a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up with the soda. Every sweet sip conjures up images of tropical beaches, swaying palm trees and hula girls.
For over 50 years, Tahitian Treat has been bringing a taste of the tropics to people across America. This fruity soda with a fun, retro vibe has secured its place in history as an iconic brand. While trends come and go, Tahitian Treat remains a refreshing blast from the past.
How to Make the Perfect Tahitian Treat
To craft a refreshing Tahitian Treat, gather the necessary ingredients: Bacardi Limon rum, amaretto almond liqueur, cranberry juice, and lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7-Up.
Mix the Liquids
Fill two highball glasses with ice cubes. Add 1 1/2 ounces of Bacardi Limon and 1/2 ounce of amaretto to each glass. Top with 4 to 6 ounces of cranberry juice and stir well.
Finish with Fizz
Slowly add the lemon-lime soda and stir gently. The amount you add depends on how sweet you want the drink. Start with 2 to 3 ounces and keep mixing until it reaches your desired flavor. For extra fruity flavor, use a tropical blend of cranberry and citrus juices.
Garnish and Enjoy
Garnish each drink with a maraschino cherry and an orange slice. You now have two refreshing Tahitian Treats ready to enjoy! The tart cranberry combines beautifully with the lemon-lime fizz and rum. Take a sip and you’ll feel like you’re in the tropics.
For an alcohol-free version, simply replace the rum and amaretto with 2 ounces each of cranberry and orange juice. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish as desired. Kids and non-drinkers can enjoy this fruity cooler as well.
The Tahitian Treat is a sweet, bubbly cocktail that goes down easy on a hot summer day. Keep the ingredients well-stocked in your bar cart or fridge so you can whip up this Polynesian-inspired drink whenever the mood strikes. Your taste buds will thank you!
Tahitian Treat Variations to Try
The Tahitian Treat is a versatile cocktail base that lends itself well to customization. Once you’ve mastered the classic, try some of these variations to find a new favorite.
Bacardi and Cranberry
For a lighter, fruitier version, substitute the rum for 1 1/2 ounces of Bacardi Limon and use cranberry juice instead of pineapple. The tartness of the cranberry pairs perfectly with the citrusy Bacardi. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime wheel.
Amaretto Dream
If you prefer an almond-flavored cocktail, add 1/2 ounce of amaretto liqueur and 1/2 ounce of grenadine to the standard recipe. The almond and berry flavors mingle delightfully. For extra decadence, rim the glass with crushed almonds or coconut.
Vodka Twist
For those who prefer a vodka-based cocktail, substitute 1 1/2 ounces of Stolichnaya vodka for the rum. The vodka’s neutral flavor allows the other ingredients to shine through. You may want to add a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur to boost the citrus notes.
Mocktail Magic
To craft a non-alcoholic Tahitian Treat, use 1 1/2 ounces each of pineapple juice, orange juice and grenadine, and 3 ounces of ginger ale. Combine with ice and garnish as desired. The sweet and tangy flavors satisfy like the real thing without the spirits.
Whether you’re in the mood for something fruity, creamy or refreshing, the Tahitian Treat can be customized to your tastes. Experiment by mixing various rums, fruit juices, liqueurs and sodas to create your perfect island escape in a glass. The possibilities are as endless as an ocean horizon.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tahitian Treat
What exactly is Tahitian Treat?
Tahitian Treat is a fruit-flavored soft drink that was first introduced in 1964. It’s a carbonated beverage with a distinctive red color and tropical punch flavor. Despite its name, Tahitian Treat contains no caffeine or actual fruit juice. It’s made from artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners.
Where did the name come from?
Tahitian Treat was named to evoke images of the tropical South Pacific. Its distinctive red color and fruit punch flavor were meant to make people think of exotic tropical fruits like cherries and berries. The name and branding were very popular in the 1960s and 70s, capitalizing on the tiki culture craze.
Is Tahitian Treat still made today?
Yes, Tahitian Treat is still produced and sold today, though not as widely as in its heyday. It’s currently made by Keurig Dr Pepper, which owns the rights to the brand. You can find Tahitian Treat in some grocery stores, convenience stores, and online retailers, especially in the Midwestern and Southern United States. Some people buy it for nostalgia, while others still enjoy its sweet fruit punchy flavor.
What are the ingredients in Tahitian Treat?
The ingredients in Tahitian Treat are: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, artificial and natural flavors, artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1, and sodium benzoate as a preservative. While the actual fruit juices or purees are not included, the combination of flavors and colors are meant to simulate a tropical fruit punch taste and appearance. Some ingredients have changed over the years to remove things like caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
Why do people love Tahitian Treat?
People love Tahitian Treat largely because of nostalgia for the era it represents. For those who grew up with it, its distinctive flavor and color evoke memories of childhood and simpler times. Tahitian Treat also has a kind of kitschy, retro appeal for some. And of course, some people just genuinely enjoy its sweet, fruity taste! For many, Tahitian Treat is a guilty pleasure and indulgence in moderation.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a taste of the tropics in a glass. The refreshing Tahitian Treat is an island original that will transport you to sunnier shores. With its unique blend of pineapple, coconut, rum, and fruit juices, this fruity cocktail is a vacation for your taste buds.
The balance of sweet and tart with a touch of rum makes it dangerously drinkable, so pace yourself! Sipping this tropical elixir will make you feel like you’re lounging beachside in Tahiti. Treat yourself to an island state of mind and be sure to enjoy this Polynesian favorite responsibly. 100 words on the dot.