Mixology: Remember the Creamsicle?

Remember the delicate intermingling of orange and cream in the Creamsicle? You bite into the cold popsicle and feel the delicate mouthfeel of milkfat and sweet orange ice melting down your throat.

As adults, we can make a similar flavor sensation with an intoxicating twist: start with rum.

It's best to have all the ingredients chilled, including the rum. I recommend Kraken Black Rum, which is the best rum available, in my opinion Lacking that, go for Captain Morgan or another spiced rum.

The basic recipe:

Creamsicle Cocktail

(serves 1)

1 ½ ounces spiced rum
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup coconut milk

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine rum, orange just and coconut milk. (Use the liquid kind, not the canned solid.)

I use coconut milk partly because the flavor fits the drink better, and partly because the acidic orange juice curdles dairy milk.

Shake the shaker vigorously for about 30 seconds, then pour over ice in a glass. Garnish with an orange slice if desired.

You can vary the proportions to emphasize one flavor or another, but the orange juice should never be less than the coconut milk to maintain the rich citrus flavor.

This is a great drink for warm weather. Serve it at a garden party, or among friends in a smaller gathering, and you’ll get nothing but compliments.

Just be on guard against conversations turning to memories of childhood and chasing the neighborhood ice cream truck waving a quarter.