A funny thing happens when March arrives: This
winter-loving writer’s mind switches to spring. Once we reach the year’s third
month, my affair with winter is over. The weather can get warmer (but not too
warm) and the snow can cease for another year.
Of course, Nature doesn't always comply. So far winter is
holding on for dear life. This weekend is projected to be nice in Kansas ,
but I know many of you are growing weary of the cold and snow.
Hopefully, this Fun Ship Special can put you in a warmer
mood. On my recent cruise aboard the Carnival Magic, waitstaff carried trays of
these festive, tropical drinks around the lobby area as guests boarded. They
looked so refreshing I was tempted to pluck one off of a tray. However, I’m
allergic to pineapple (crazy, but true), so I asked a server what was in the
drink. Yes, pineapple juice was on the ingredient list, so I reluctantly
passed.
A few days later, I was chatting with Keith
Patel , the beverage operations manager for the
Magic. He said the most popular cocktail was the Fun Ship Special. When I
mentioned my pineapple issue, he grinned and said, “You know, we can make it
without the pineapple juice.”
A short while later, some of my family and I met with Keith
in the ship’s RedFrog Pub to give the drink a try. (Check out the bartender in action!) It was wonderful. Tropical
and fruity, with a great kick!
Some of my tablemates avoid alcohol, but they gave the
virgin strawberry pina coladas a thumbs-up. We also tested some of the pub grub
fare.
The coconut shrimp was a winner.
So were the kicked-up conch fritters and these West Indies
Roti, filled with curried chicken and dipped in a mango chutney.
The Ditch clan is already planning next year’s cruise, and I
can picture myself spending a lot of time in the RedFrog
Pub. (Trouble!) Until then,
I intend to make many Fun Ship Specials to get me through the blistering Kansas
summer to come…sans pineapple.
(Read more about the cuisine on the Magic in my recent
newspaper article here.)
The Fun Ship Special
Makes 1 serving
1/2 ounce Barcardi Superior Rum
1/4 ounce Skyy Vodka
1/4 ounce Disaronno Amaretto
1/4 ounce Apricot Brandy
1 1/4 ounce orange juice
1 1/4 ounce pineapple juice
1/2 ounce lime or lemon juice
1/4 ounce Grenadine
Fill a large pub glass with ice. Mix all of the ingredients
together. Shake until a good foam is noticed. Pour over the ice. Garnish with
an orange slice, cherry, and umbrella, and serve with a smile.
Disclaimer: While the crew and employees of Carnival Cruise
Lines and the Magic were very hospitable and accommodating during my time on
board, I paid for the trip myself. I’m not being paid by Carnival to make this
or any upcoming posts with recipes from the cruise. All of the opinions and
experiences are my own.
This looks so much fun :) I literally stared at that shrimp for ages with jealousy.
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