Dave Matthews is more than just a band if you live on the East Coast of Canada - it's also an iconic drink that was created in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
The Dave Matthews drink is the perfect fruity cocktail to enjoy at any time of year. Filled with flavors of coconut, pineapple and cranberry, it's a sweet drink to satisfy even the manliest of men - after all it's named after a rock band legend. Embrace the sugar hangover cause this is one of those easy drinking cocktails you won't even notice having drank 6 until it's too late.
Where Did This Cocktail Come From?
The Capitol Complex in New Brunswick's capital city of Fredericton is the creator of this delicious drink. The owner of the Capitol, Wes Ward was quoted saying that he made this cocktail on a slow night in 1998 while listening to Dave Matthews - hence the name.
The Dave Matthews cocktail is similar to the Italian Surfer, though many of the recipes call for vodka or omit pineapple juice. Though there's now variations of the drink, the original is made up only of coconut rum, Amaretto, cranberry juice and pineapple juice. I personally like to top with a maraschino cherry and a lime wedge, but this is purely decorative.
Substitutions
There's few substitutions I recommend for this drink, as it's perfect just as it is. As for recommendations, I love using Disaronno for my amaretto versus Bols (the cheaper alternative) as I find it creates a smoother taste.
For the coconut rum, Malibu is my liquor of choice. The coconut Bacardi is a close second if you don't have Malibu on hand. Keep in mind, however, that the Bacardi rum is 14% stronger than the Malibu coconut rum.
Mixologist Tips
As directed by Wes, the best way to make this drink is to fill a cup with ice then top with the ingredients before shaking in a cocktail shaker -ensuring a nice foam. Alternatively, some people suggest blending all of the ingredients (minus the ice and toppings) and then pouring over ice for extra froth. I'm a traditionalist in that I love a classic cocktail shaker.
Want another Maritime favourite? Make sure to check out this Maple Curry Penne!
If you're looking for a less sweet cocktail - check out my Elderflower Gin and Tonic inspired by Fredericton's own 540 Kitchen and Bar.
Have you tried this recipe? Leave me a 5 ⭐️ rating in the recipe card! I love to hear from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, and sign up for my newsletter!
📖 Recipe
Dave Matthews Drink
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Glass
Ingredients
- 1 fl oz coconut rum Malibu recommended
- 1 fl oz amaretto Disaronno recommended
- ¾ cups cranberry juice
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ice enough to fill glass
- Maraschino cherries optional, for garnish
- lime wedges optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill your glass all the way with ice.
- In a shaker glass, combine all ingredients except garnishes and shake well.
- Pour the drink over the ice and optionally enjoy with garnishes of blood orange, lime wedges and maraschino cherries. Serve immediately.
Jen
I love the story behind a cocktail! This sounds perfectly refreshing. Cheers!
Maritime Glutton
Thanks, Jen! I hope you love it.
Michelle
I love Dave Matthews, but I had no idea he had a drink named after him! So cool! The flavours sound so delicious -- love the combination of pineapple, coconut, and cranberry. Will have to play a record while enjoying this drink! 😉
Maritime Glutton
Thanks Michelle! That sounds like the perfect way to enjoy this cocktail!
Angela
Its always fun to hear how a cocktail came to be. Love the story and the cocktail is delicious.
Maritime Glutton
Thanks Angela! Glad you liked it 🙂
Serena
I always love the stories behind these cocktails. Sounds perfect for summer 🙂
Maritime Glutton
I agree Serena! It's a great summer drink!
Rachna
I haven't had this before. I do love fruity cocktails. Thanks for the recipe.
Maritime Glutton
Thank you so much, Rachna!
Trina Leblanc
For the 3/4 is that in the shot class or cups?
Maritime Glutton
Hi Trina! The 3/4 as well as 1/4 are both cup measurements!
Judy
Hi.....this cocktail is delicious. First had it at Ross Mount Inn in New Brunswick.I love trying new cocktails and having them in a fancy glass......Happy New Years 🥂 Cheers !
Lauren
I'm so glad you liked it Judy 🙂