Fast Easy Tropical Cooler Food

TROPICAL COOLER

Steps:

• Just before serving, combine the first 4 ingredients in a punch bowl. If desired, garnish with fruit or edible flowers.

SPICY TROPICAL COOLERS

Steps:

• Make the jalapeno syrup: Bring the sugar, 2/3 cup water and half of the jalapeno slices to a simmer in a small saucepan, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, muddle the remaining jalapeno slices in a large liquid measuring cup with a wooden spoon. Add the pineapple juice; let sit while the syrup cools.
• Strain the jalapeno syrup and pineapple juice mixture into a pitcher. Stir in the vodka, mango nectar and lime juice and refrigerate until ready to serve. Pour into ice-filled glasses; garnish with skewers of pineapple, jalapeno and mango.

TROPICAL PEACH COOLER

Steps:

• Equipment:.
• Blender.
• Preparation:
• Do ahead: Purée entire can of tropical fruit salad in blender. Transfer purée to a separate bowl/pitcher. Rinse blender bowl and return to base.
• For two cocktail drinks: Add to blender the juice of one orange, peach-flavored vodka, tropical fruit salad purée and sugar. Fill serving glass with ice, pour ice into blender and repeat adding another glass of ice. Blend well. Pour into cocktail glasses. Garnish with canned pineapple wedges.
• Tip: Try substituting cranberry juice in the place of vodka for a non-alcoholic treat for the kids to enjoy.
• Serving glass: 14-ounce cocktail glass (daiquiri/poco grande).
• Servings: 2.
• Nutritional Information Per Serving:
• Calories: 180 (based on 80-proof vodka) **.
• *Note: One, 15-ounce can of tropical fruit salad in natural juices makes 6 cocktails.
• **Note: Higher proof vodka contributes more calories.

TROPICAL FRUIT COOLER

Steps:

• Combine peach nectar, guava nectar, pineapple juice, lime juice, and mint leaves in a large pitcher.
• Add ice and top with ginger beer. Stir to combine, and serve.

TROPICAL FRUIT PUNCH

Steps:

• In a pitcher, combine the juices. Stir in soda and rum if desired. Serve immediately over ice.