The Best Copycat Island Tiki Cheddar's Recipe

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is a great place to enjoy delicious food and drinks with friends and family. They offer scratch-made recipes such as fried chicken and New Orleans pasta. You also don’t want to miss out on their delicious Painkiller Cocktail.

The Island Tiki Cheddar’s cocktail is a delicious mix of two classic rums - Malibu and Captain Morgan. Pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix are added to balance sweet and tart flavors perfectly. A layer of mango puree is placed at the bottom. Blue Curacao is added to give the drink a vibrant blue color. This refreshing drink is very popular at Cheddar’s and is perfect for those craving a tropical beverage.

This recipe is a great choice for those looking to create a refreshing tropical drink that is both simple to make and perfect for serving at family gatherings or large parties. Be sure to garnish each glass with a slice of fresh pineapple. 

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a way to cool off on a hot day, this recipe is the perfect way to bring a taste of the tropics right to your own home.

Ingredients for this copycat Island Tiki Cheddar’s Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Ice: keeps this beverage cold and refreshing. You can use any ice you prefer, but I recommend using larger ice cubes, as they won’t melt as quickly as small ice. 
• Mango Puree: adds a delicious tropical flavor to your drink. It adds a sweet taste and a beautiful yellow/orange color to your drink. 
• Malibu Coconut Rum: is one of my favorite rums to use for this recipe because of its topical coconut flavor. It also adds a hint of sweetness to this tropical drink. 
• Captain Morgan White Rum: adds a crisp, light flavor which helps balance the sweetness of this recipe. 
• Pineapple Juice: adds both sweet and citrus flavors, giving it a tropical taste. It makes this beverage refreshing and fruity. 
• Sweet and Sour Mix: is made of sweet syrup and sour juice. It adds a sweet and tart flavor to this drink. 
• Blue Curcao: not only adds a beautiful, vibrant blue color to your cocktail but also helps add a bit of a citrus flavor. 
• Garnish: with a pineapple wedge and pineapple leaf.

How to Make this copycat Cheddar’s Island Tiki Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Add the ice to a Margarita Schooner beer glass, then top it with the mango puree. 
2. Add about 1 ounce of Malibu coconut rum and 1 ounce of Captain Morgan white rum or whichever white rum you prefer. 
3. Top with the pineapple juice and the sweet and sour, and gently drizzle the blue curcao on top to create a layered drink with yellow at the bottom and blue on top. 
4. Top with a pineapple wedge and a pineapple leaf for garnish and enjoy!
   

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I adjust the sweetness level of the Island Tiki Cheddar’s Cocktail?

You can easily adjust the sweetness of this recipe by changing the amount of few of the main ingredients. If you’d like your drink to be sweeter, I recommend adding more mango puree, pineapple juice, or sweet and sour mix.

If you’d prefer a less sweet drink, I would add a smaller amount of ingredients. Be sure to try your drink to make it just the way you like it. Keep in mind that the sweetness can also depend on the quality of the ingredients that you use. Try different amounts to make this drink the perfect flavor for you. 

What type of rum is recommended for this cocktail?

One of the key components of this drink is the type of rum that is used. For this recipe, I recommend sticking with lighter rums or golden rums. These rums are great for blending into drinks because they’re less likely to overpower your beverage.

For this recipe, I like to use Malibu coconut rum and Captain Morgan white rum. Feel free to adjust the amount of rum used based on how strong you’d like your drink to be. 

Can I prepare a batch of Island Tiki Cheddar’s Cocktail ahead of time?

It’s super easy to prepare a large batch of this drink ahead of time. To make a large amount, mix all ingredients, minus the tropical mango puree and ice, into a large pitcher or drink dispenser and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the ice until the flavors are perfectly mixed.

To serve this drink, add your mango puree to the bottom, then add the rest of the beverage mix on top. This creates a layered look. Don’t forget to garnish with a pineapple wedge or leaf! 

How do I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

It’s super easy to make a virgin Island Tiki Cheddar’s Cocktail. Instead of using rum, I would add more pineapple juice or coconut water.

Keep in mind that when you leave out the Blue Curacao, your drink will be missing the blue color. If you’d still like the blue color to your drink, add a drop or two of blue food coloring to a larger batch of drink mix. Don’t add too much, or you’ll risk your mouth turning blue!

You can also use the non alcoholic blue curcao syrup to make this into a mocktail. Make sure to taste the drink and adjust for sweetness.

The Best Copycat Island Tiki Cheddar's Recipe