Happy Skipper
cocktailrumsweetfruityspicy

Happy Skipper

Set sail on a flavor adventure with the Happy Skipper! This delightful blend of spiced rum and ginger ale, garnished with a zesty lime, will have you feeling like you're lounging on a tropical island, sipping a creamy soda while the sun sets.

3 min
easy
highball glass

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cl Spiced rum
  • Ginger ale
  • Lime
  • Ice
Garnish: lime

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pour Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum over ice, fill glass to top with Ginger Ale

  2. 2

    Garnish with lime

  3. 3

    Tastes like a cream soda

  4. 4

    Named for the Gilligan's Island reference ("The Captain" *in* "Ginger" is a Happy Skipper!)

Pro Tip

For an extra burst of flavor, try muddling a slice of fresh ginger in the glass before adding the rum and ginger ale. It adds a zesty kick that complements the lime garnish perfectly!

The Story Behind the Happy Skipper

The Happy Skipper cocktail is a playful nod to the classic TV show 'Gilligan's Island,' combining 'The Captain' (spiced rum) and 'Ginger' (ginger ale) to create a drink that feels like a tropical escape. This cocktail emerged as a favorite among beachgoers and island hoppers in the late 20th century, capturing the essence of a carefree, sun-soaked adventure.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Grilled shrimp skewers

    The sweet and spicy notes of the Happy Skipper complement the smoky, savory flavors of grilled shrimp perfectly.

  • 🍽️
    Pineapple salsa and chips

    The fruity and tangy pineapple salsa enhances the tropical vibes of the cocktail, making it a refreshing pairing.

  • 🍽️
    Coconut curry chicken

    The creamy, spicy coconut curry pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy profile of the Happy Skipper.

Perfect For

  • Beach bonfire night

    The tropical flavors of the Happy Skipper are perfect for sipping by the fire with friends, under the stars.

  • Tropical-themed birthday party

    This cocktail's fruity and spicy notes make it a hit at any island-inspired celebration.

  • Lazy hammock afternoon

    Kick back and relax with a Happy Skipper in hand, enjoying the sweet, creamy flavors as you sway in the breeze.

  • Gilligan's Island marathon

    What better way to enjoy this cocktail than while watching the show that inspired its name?

Fun Facts

  • The Happy Skipper is a playful twist on the classic rum and ginger ale combination, adding a tropical flair with its lime garnish.

  • Spiced rum, the base of this cocktail, was originally created by sailors who added spices to their rum to improve its flavor during long sea voyages.

  • The drink's name is a clever nod to 'Gilligan's Island,' combining 'The Captain' (spiced rum) and 'Ginger' (ginger ale) to create a 'Happy Skipper.'

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!