Betsie Temple Drink Recipe

The Betsie Temple cocktail tastes like candy. Pineapple juice, four freakin’ ounces of coconut rum, a little grenadine and some cherries on top. Usually drinks that taste like candy are a little weak, but once in a while, they’re so not.

Once in a while, they’re like wolves in sheep’s clothing: deceptively palatable infiltrators capable of knocking you out in the second or third round. Like the Zombie.

Because, seriously, did I mention four ounces of coconut rum? Which is not only a lot of alcohol, but also incredibly delicious. This is your basic pineapple coconut tropical affair, except for the cherries and dash of grenadine (which is more or less cherry in flavor) that make it different.

Tasting Notes

This drink is a straight-up tropical treat with a playful twist. The pineapple juice brings bright, tangy sweetness, while the coconut rum adds creamy, beachy coconut flavor that feels lush and round.

The splash of grenadine isn’t just for color – it sneaks in a light cherry note. Expect a gentle fruit-forward aroma, with pineapple first, coconut second, and a whisper of cherry on the finish. It’s sweet, but not cloying.

Equipment & Glassware

• Collins glass (highball works in a pinch)
• Bar spoon (or any long spoon for stirring)
• Jigger for measuring (2-ounce measure helps)
• Ice (cubes are fine; large cubes dilute slower)
• Optional: Cocktail pick for cherries

When to Serve

This is a sunny-day drink through and through. It shines at backyard barbecues, beach days, pool parties, and casual hangouts where folks want something fun that doesn’t taste heavy.

It’s also great for cocktail hours with a tropical theme, game nights where people might want something easygoing, or any gathering where you want a crowd-pleaser that looks festive in the glass.

Serve it at brunch if the menu leans fruity (think tropical fruit salad and coconut pancakes) and tuck it into a holiday party if you need a bright, vacation-style break from the usual spiced or creamy drinks.

Choosing Your Ingredients

Malibu Rum is sweet and smooth, perfect for this recipe. If you want less more sweetness, go with Captain Morgan Coconut Rum or Don Q Coco. For a more premium, natural coconut profile, try SelvaRey Coconut.

For pineapple juice, look for 100% juice with no added sugar – Lakewood, Dole (100%), or R.W. Knudsen are solid picks. Freshly pressed is great but tricky, because most of us don’t have perfectly ripe pineapples on hand all year long. Bottled is fine.

Skip the neon grocery store grenadine. Look for real pomegranate-based grenadine, like Small Hand Foods or Liber & Co. These give richer color and a balanced tart-sweet finish.

You can use grocery store cherries, but Luxardo is the classic for deep, rich cherry flavor. If you prefer something whiskey-kissed, Amarena or bourbon infused cherry are excellent and add a grown-up touch.