Inspired by Nala’s arrival and African-influenced flavors, the Nala Daiquiri is a classic-style cocktail made with spiced rum, lime juice, Amarula cream liqueur, pineapple juice, agave, and saline, served in a coupe with a grapefruit rosette for a creamy, lightly spiced, and seductively sweet finish. (Recipe Below)
Life in Big Bug Valley was perfect, until Nala showed up as Timon sings in Can You Feel The Love Tonight, "Disaster's in the Air". Nala's beautiful coat and some delicious African flavors have inspired our "Nala Daiquiri". Made in a classic daiquiri fashion, by combining spiced rum for sweetness and warming spices, Lime Juice, Amarula Citrus Cream Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Agave and a touch of saline for a creamy, lightly spiced and gently citrusy cocktail. We serve it in a coupe with a grapefruit rosette to give it a two-toned and seductively sweet finish just like Nala.
Nala Daiquiri
2 oz (60mL) Spiced Rum
.5 oz (15mL) Lime Juice
1 oz (30mL) Amarula
.5 oz (15mL) Pineapple Juice
.5 oz (15mL) Agave
Dropper Saline
Combine in a mixing tin, 2 oz Spiced rum, 1 oz Amarula, .5 oz pineapple juice, .5 oz Lime Juice, .25 oz Agave, and a dropper of saline. Add ice, cover and shake it through the Circle of Life chorus. Double strain into chilled coupe and garnish with the grapefruit rosette.
Saline for Cocktails
2 oz (60mL) Distilled or Purified Water
1 Tbsp (15g) Fine Sea Salt
Combine in a jar and shake vigorously. Once salt is dissolved, pour into a dropper bottle.
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Kraken Spiced Rum
94 proof/47% ABV
Proximo Spirits
Distilled from sugar cane molasses, aged, then blended with proprietary blend of spices. The result is a warming rum by flavor and alcohol burn. Vanilla and pie spice flavors accompany the warmth.
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Amarula Cream Liqueur
34 proof/17% ABV
Southern Liqueur Company
A fruit distilled liqueur made with the citrus fruit of the African marula tree, filtered, then cream and sugar are added to balance sweetness and alcohol content. Sweet and creamy, the citrus in this cream liqueur is lightly floral and countered by the caramel flavor added to the liqueur.
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Lime Juice
6% - 8.5% Acidity
Lime juice is generally the most acidic of the citrus fruit juices used cocktails. The high acidity can help balance flavors and smooth bitterness as well as astringent flavors of high-spirited or unfiltered alcohol. Limes that have had more time to ripen will render a more concentrated and sweeter flavor with floral notes adding complexity to a cocktail. It is advisable to taste your fresh-pressed juice and adjust added sweeteners accordingly.
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Pineapple Juice
4-6% Acidity
Similar to Lemon Juice in acidity, but significantly more natural sugars which leaves a naturally balanced juice if freshly pressed. It is highly recommended to test the sweetness of the juice before adding additional sweeteners.
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Agave
A neutrally flavored and easy to grab sweetener. Golden, Amber and Dark Agave Nectars are available in the supermarket with darker versions being predictably more toasty or caramel in flavor.
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Salt/Saline
Salt is a great flavor changer. It can balance sweetness and bitterness, smoothing out a cocktail. It can also enhance citrus flavor and acidity without the need for more acid. It is most commonly used in rimming cocktail glasses, but a sprinkle in the cocktail shaker can really impact a cocktail. Make it into a saline solution to enhance stirred cocktails.
Hakuna Matata in a Glass: Two Tropical Cocktails for The Lion King Fit for Pride Rock
The Lion King is one of Disney’s most beloved animated movies, blending heartbreak, humor, and unforgettable music into a timeless story of Simba’s journey from exile to king of Pride Rock. Featuring iconic characters like Mufasa, Scar, Timon, Pumbaa, and Nala, the film’s themes of guilt, growth, and redemption have made it a cornerstone of Disney animation and pop culture. Inspired by Timon and Pumbaa’s carefree philosophy, the Hakuna Matata cocktail is a tropical drink made with tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and melon liqueur for laid-back, island-style vibes. The elegant Nala Daiquiri, crafted with spiced rum, Amarula cream liqueur, pineapple, lime, and agave, reflects romance, strength, and African-inspired flavors. With legendary music by Hans Zimmer, Elton John, and Tim Rice and a franchise spanning animated classics and live-action remakes, The Lion King proves to be the perfect movie for themed cocktails, nostalgia, and Disney movie nights.
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