I’m surrounded by a sea of turquoise water, the sparkling bluish green revealing gem-like corals and a parade of colorful fish darting about only inches beneath the shimmering surface. Some even surface for a gulp of air. As I wander along a deserted stretch of white sands, I notice there are no ships in sight; I scan the horizon and not a single white mast, just crystal blue waters set afire by the intense tropical sun.

I sit with my feet buried in the cool sand that lies beneath the hot surface. The warm breeze is perfumed by tropical flowers and I begin to drift off to sleep to a chorus of waves breaking on the sandy shore. This is the most tranquil place I can imagine.

The icy cold drink next to me sweats in the heat, a combination of pineapple nectar and coconut cream, made strong with dark island rum. Beads of water are dripping down my hand as a take a sip. It is then that I open my eyes. The tropical vacation will have to wait, but the refreshing cocktail is only moments away. Close your eyes as you take the first sip.

Tropical Breeze (Cocktail)

Ingredients
2 ozs pineapple juice
1 T. cream of coconut
2 ozs spiced rum (I like to use Kraken or Captain Morgan Private Reserve, but white rum will do
8 ice cubes

Fill a tumbler with 4 ice cubes. Add rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and stir. Add another 4 ice cubes and garnish with a pineapple slice or skip the fruit and enjoy.