Today I looked at the hourly forecast, and I am not kidding, it went like this: Heavy Rain, Heavy Rain, Rain, Showers, Showers, Showers, Showers, Showers, Showers, Showers, Showers. Oy. That’s Portland in early Spring, for ya. We did some work in the garden today, and it was a little bit of a race – we’d plant some things, then run back under cover to see what was next on our list, then run back out into the rain, and so on. We actually did get a lot done in the garden, but got pretty wet in the process.

My favorite thing to do when it’s gross outside is to make a tropical beverage. It’s my small way of shaking my fist at the rainy weather – once spring arrives, I refuse to play along. When I say something like this, my friends who aren’t from Portland will often say “Oh, I like the rain!” Well, I have news: After six months of everyday rain, NO ONE LIKES THE RAIN anymore. And that’s why we escape with a delightful tropical cocktail. I’m very excited to be working with Don Q rum on this recipe today!

I paired Don Q’s Oak Barrel Spiced Rum with my own springy interpretation of one of my favorite tiki cocktails: The Painkiller. But instead of the traditional pineapple and orange juice, I used passionfruit and fresh strawberries instead. You can find passionfruit cocktail at many retailers or you can use Knudsen’s Morning blend, which is passionfruit and orange juice. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut can be found at most liquor stores.

As is my usual, I upped the acidity of my recipe with a little fresh lime juice! I like my drinks to be a little tart, if they’re going to be on the sweeter side (and most tiki drinks are on the sweeter side.)

So if you’re feeling like I am, and pining for warmer weather, palm trees and/or a tropical locale, I suggest giving this new tiki cocktail creation a try. It won’t physically transport you to an island in the Pacific, but it will come pretty darned close!