Tropical Vacation Cocktail

This summer I decided to take a break from working full-time in the kitchen and find a job where I could spend a little more time outside in the bright sunshine. I love the kitchen, but I'm still young and not yet tied down by that scary beast called a career. I've decided the kitchen can wait a few more months so I can have a little fun; it isn't going anywhere. But the warmer weather and summer breeze is something that will fade all too quickly.

My wish was granted and I was hired as a day camp counselor for the summer. Honestly, I couldn't be happier. I spend my days outside working with dozens of elementary aged children. This is the type of camp where television is strictly forbidden and "rain" is a 4-letter word. I love my job. Where else am I going to get paid to hike, swim, play games, and do arts and crafts?

Exactly.

While my days are usually a blast, a few moments sneak in there that test my patience. When one of the campers is having a rough day, a mini meltdown or two is to be expected. But when everyone is having a rough day at exactly the same time? Well, that only leads to trouble. Big trouble.

I had a bad day yesterday. A terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. It was the sort of day where I was so frustrated, so furious, so emotionally drained from conflict after conflict after conflict, that I wished I could be put in time out just so I could have a moment's peace. It was the kind of day where I had to be reassured more than once that all children weren't terrible little monsters with sharp teeth and a good set of lungs.

It was the exactly the sort of day where the only thing that could possibly make it seem a little brighter was a cocktail.

So cheers to you, my friend, for the arrival of a much needed weekend, for cocktails, and the dreams of tropical vacations (even if they are only in your glass).

This Pineapple Coconut Rum Cocktail is like taking a mini-tropical vacation. If you close your eyes, lean back in your chair, and take a sip, you can almost smell the salty sea breeze and feel the sand between your toes. This cocktail combines pineapple juice, coconut rum, and a splash of triple sec to give it a tropical flair. The drink does not taste particularly strong, but it is deliciously fruity and gets the job done. Garnish with fresh fruit and serve in chilled glasses to make it extra special.

One Year Ago: Strawberry Panna Cotta

Tropical Vacation Cocktail

Yields 1 cocktail

1/3 cup pineapple juice
2 ounces Malibu Rum (or other coconut rum)
1 ounce Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur)
5-6 ice cubes

In a blender, blend together all ingredients. Pour into a chilled glass, top with an orange or pineapple slice, and enjoy. You deserve it, my friend.

Comments

[KS]

Great job!

[Stacy]

Stumbled across your blog via... gosh, I hardly remember now, since I have spent the last three days (on and off) scrolling through every single one of your recipes. Absolutely delectable - each and every one! And I simply had to tell you that a) your food photography is STUNNING, and I would absolutely kill to have a camera and eye like yours; b) you are an incredibly gifted writer and story-teller. Please keep telling us stories - it makes your blog stand out from all of the thousands of food blogs out there.

My "favorites" folder is packed full of your recipes that I simply must tackle in the near future. YUM!

Congrats on taking the leap and following your dream! As a fellow 20-something, the idea is tempting, scary and exciting! Plus, I agree: baking is certainly more fulfilling (and tasty) than physics. :-) Thanks for sharing your world with us!

[Laina]

I found your blog via Stumble Upon, and Wow! Everything looks amazing! Thanks for sharing with the world. I'm following you now, maybe you can teach me how to cook! You can find my limited selection of recipes at http://vibrantserenity.blogspot.com/

[Marc Azada]

Wow! That looks really refreshing! I would definitely try that out one of these days.