Caribou Lou Drink: Simple 3‑Ingredient Tropical Bliss

Caribou Lou drink might sound like something you’d only find on a beach bar menu, but the first time I tasted it, I was nowhere near the ocean. It was actually in my sister’s cramped apartment kitchen, where we were both barefoot, laughing too loud, and mixing whatever was left in our cabinets after a long week.

She poured me this golden drink that smelled like pineapple and coconut, handed it over with a wink, and said, “Just trust me.” And oh, I did. It was sweet, smooth, and had just enough warmth to melt the stress right off my shoulders.

Now when I make Caribou Lou at home, it’s not just for the flavor, it’s for the feeling. It’s for those sisterhood moments, those deep-breath pauses, the little rituals we create to remind ourselves that we’re more than our to-do lists.

This recipe isn’t just a cocktail. It’s comfort in a chilled glass. And it might just be the thing you didn’t know your weekend needed.

What Is the Caribou Lou Drink?

The Caribou Lou is a tropical cocktail made famous by rapper Tech N9ne in his early 2000s song. But long before the music, this drink had its roots in backyard parties and beach getaways.

What’s in a Caribou Lou?

Traditionally, it’s a three-ingredient drink:

• 151-proof rum (or a high-proof alternative)
• Malibu coconut rum (for that smooth, creamy coconut taste)
• Pineapple juice (the sweet and tangy base)

It’s shaken over ice and served in a tall glass, making it one of the easiest and most fun cocktails you can make at home.

Why It Matters

Here’s why I love keeping this recipe around:

• It’s easy and fast to make
• Perfect for summer parties or a nostalgic solo sip
• It reminds me of the power of simple pleasures
• You can customize the strength based on the mood (or your tolerance!)

How to Make Caribou Lou Drink at Home

This is how I make it when I’m in the mood for a little flavor vacation, no plane ticket required.

Caribou Lou Drink Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz 151-proof rum (or substitute with 1 oz dark rum + ½ oz overproof rum)
• 1 oz Malibu coconut rum
• 5 oz pineapple juice
• Ice cubes
• Optional: pineapple wedge or cherry for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the 151 rum, coconut rum, and pineapple juice.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
4. Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry, if desired.

Tip: If you want it creamier, splash in a little coconut cream. For a stronger kick, go a little heavier on the dark rum.

Serving Suggestions & Rituals

At my house, Caribou Lou isn’t an everyday drink. It’s a “the kids are at grandma’s” kind of treat. It’s what I pour into my prettiest glass, even if I’m wearing yoga pants and a messy bun.

Here’s how I love to serve it:

• With grilled pineapple skewers and High Protein Chicken Salad during a summer evening BBQ
• Alongside homemade shrimp tacos or spicy jerk chicken
• On a quiet Friday night with 90s R&B playing in the background

You can also make a batch in a pitcher and serve it as a party punch. Just keep it far from the kids’ juice table!

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Like most comfort food (or drinks), the Caribou Lou leaves room for improvisation.

Try these twists:

• Make it a slushie: Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen treat.
• Lower the alcohol: Replace 151 with dark rum or even spiced rum.
• Add fizz: Top with a splash of coconut LaCroix or club soda.
• Mocktail version: Mix pineapple juice with coconut milk and a dash of vanilla for a creamy non-alcoholic treat.

This was one of those recipes I adapted to suit whatever was in my pantry and my mood. My aunt used to stir in a little grenadine for a pink sunset glow. Sweet, simple, and full of stories.

Caribou Lou Drink Nutrition (per 1 glass)

Note: This isn’t your everyday health tonic. But as I always say, comfort comes in many forms and sometimes that includes a tropical cocktail with a side of laughter.

A Toast to Old Memories and New Moments

The Caribou Lou drink is more than just a cocktail, it’s a flashback, a celebration, a tropical breath in the middle of a routine day. It’s one of those simple pleasures that reminds us we’re still allowed to feel joy, to taste something bold, and to let loose even if it’s just for one glass.

If this drink brought a little escape or a smile to your day, I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment below and make sure you Follow on Facebook.

Cheers to flavor, to family, and to finding joy wherever we are.

FAQ about Caribou Lou Drink

Caribou Lou Drink

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 Glass 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Learn how to make the iconic Caribou Lou drink at home in just 3 simple steps, no bartender skills needed! Perfect for pool days, parties, or summer moments.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ oz 151-proof rum (or substitute with 1 oz dark rum + ½ oz overproof rum)

• 1 oz Malibu coconut rum

• 5 oz pineapple juice

• Ice cubes

• Optional: pineapple wedge or cherry for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

• Add the 151 rum, coconut rum, and pineapple juice.

• Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.

• Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.

• Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry, if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: drinks
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Glass
• Calories: 250–300
• Sugar: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 22g (mostly from juice)