Key West CoolerCocktail recipe
Rating
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
The Key West Cooler is a vibrant and fruity cocktail that evokes the laid-back vibe of its namesake Florida Keys town. This refreshing beverage beautifully blends the tropical creaminess of coconut rum with the clean sharpness of vodka and the sweet, lush notes of peach schnapps.
With the addition of melon liqueur, it gains a unique hint of summery melon flavor. The mix is balanced by the acidity and sweetness of orange and cranberry juices, resulting in a colorful and multi-layered drinking experience.
It is often served in a highball glass, adding to its casual yet sophisticated allure perfect for sipping on a warm, breezy day.
Microbadges
Can you make this?
Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.
Highball glass
Ingredients
Method
How to make a Key West Cooler
- Coconut rum 15ml, Vodka 15ml, Peach Schnapps 15ml, Melon liqueur 15ml, Orange juice 22.5ml, Cranberry Juice 22.5ml
-
- Fill a highball glass three-quarters full with ice
-
- Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake well
-
- Pour the contents into the glass
-
- Garnish with a slice of orange and serve
Power tips
Elevate the Key West Cooler with these master mixologist tips
Upgrade to premium
And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.
Find out more- Upgrade to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
- Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.
Your private tasting notes
Featured in
FAQ's
How do you properly mix a Key West Cooler?
To mix a Key West Cooler properly, first fill a shaker with ice. Then, add 15ml each of coconut rum, vodka, peach schnapps, and melon liqueur, along with 22.5ml each of orange juice and cranberry juice. Shake well until the mixture is cold. Strain the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice. This method ensures the flavors blend smoothly without diluting the drink too quickly.
What's the best way to serve a Key West Cooler for maximum enjoyment?
The best way to serve a Key West Cooler is in a highball glass on the rocks. The highball glass allows enough room for the drink and ice, without it being too diluted. Garnishing with a slice of orange or a cherry can add a vibrant touch that enhances the visual appeal and adds a slight aroma, enriching the drinking experience.
Can I substitute any ingredients in a Key West Cooler if I'm missing something?
Yes, substitutions can be made, although it might slightly alter the taste. If you're missing coconut rum, you can use white rum with a drop of coconut extract. No peach schnapps? Try using a bit of peach juice or nectar with a splash of vodka to keep the alcohol content similar. If melon liqueur is not available, consider a small amount of honeydew melon syrup with a touch of extra vodka.
How does the alcohol content in a Key West Cooler compare to other cocktails?
The Key West Cooler, with an alcohol content of 16.27%, falls into the medium range of alcohol content for cocktails. It's slightly stronger than light cocktails like the Mimosa, which has about 10% alcohol, but less potent than stronger cocktails like a Long Island Iced Tea, which can exceed 22% alcohol by volume. It offers a balanced option for those who prefer a noticeable yet not overwhelming alcohol presence.
What occasions are most suitable for serving Key West Coolers?
Key West Coolers, with their vibrant appearance and refreshing taste, are perfect for summer gatherings, beach parties, and pool side events. The tropical flavors make it especially fitting for warm-weather festivities or any occasion that calls for a fun, colorful drink that is not too strong. They're also great for themed parties or as a festive addition to a casual cocktail hour.
Upgrade your mixology
Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.
- Save your bar forever
- Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
- Access to Cocktail Colin; ask Cocktail Colin anything on an individual cocktail and he'll give you the answers you need.
- Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
- Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
- Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
- Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
- A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
- And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Have you tried our Wordpress Plugin?
Download our plugin and embed cocktail recipes directly onto your own site or blog.
Choose from our whole recipe database, or choose a specific cocktail made with a certain ingredient, and let us place a beautiful recipe on your own site.
Find out moreYou might also like
Dive into this fruity rum drink that's pure bliss.
Bahama Mama
Coconut rum, Dark rum, White rum, Banana liqueur (crème de banane), Lime juice, Pineapple Juice, Orange juice, Grenadine
Try this tropical mix of coconut and citrus
Caribbean Sex on the Beach
Coconut rum, Vodka, Spiced rum, Orange juice, Cranberry Juice, Grenadine
Indulge in this luxurious blend of cocoa and coconut
The Little Black Dress Toddy
Coconut rum, Vanilla liqueur, Salt, Milk, Sugar, Hot chocolate, Cardamom pods
Dive into this eclectic blend of coconut and vodka
Italian Surfer with a Russian Attitude
Coconut rum, Vodka, Amaretto, Pineapple Juice, Cranberry Juice
Create a cocktail
Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.
Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.
Start creatingBuild your bar
Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.
Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.
Create My Bar
Cocktail Colin
Your cocktail expert
Hi! I'm Cocktail Colin
Ask me anything about this cocktail - how to make it, substitutions, variations, or any other questions!
Become a member to access Cocktail Colin
Become a member (for free) to pick Cocktail Colin's cocktail filled brain on everything on this cocktail, from substitutions, if you can use what you have, to serving suggestions and more.
Become a member
Comments