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My husband’s birthday is this Saturday, but all four kids were going to be home last weekend, so it seemed the best day to celebrate.  As one who likes to plan and throw parties, I decided that it would be fun to invite some friends and family and have a surprise party.

To keep things simple, I made a few appetizers, telling the soon-to-be-surprised birthday boy that we were having munchies for dinner.  However, that would be the start of the party, and we would order pizza later.  Now, the food portion of the party was complete.

Next, I decided to create a cocktail to share with our guests.  I have been on a tropical kick lately and have been craving drinks with mango juice.  My husband also likes those concoctions, as they are reminiscent of our honeymoon in Hawaii.  To make a new mango creation, I decided to play upon the tropical theme and used both spiced and flavored rums.

My husband was fairly surprised, as can be expected with four kids being aware of the secret.  Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks, and laughter and smiles were in abundance.  A little bit of a surprise, a hint of the tropics, what more do you need for a good time?

Tropical Surprise

1-1/2 oz. spiced rum

1-1/2 oz. pineapple-coconut rum

1-1/2 to 3 oz. mango juice*

lemon-lime seltzer

Place several ice cubes in a martini shaker, and add both rums and mango juice.  Shake well.  Pour into a martini glass, and top with seltzer.

*If you prefer a lighter drink, use 1-1/2 oz. mango juice.  If you prefer a drink with more fruit flavor, use 3 oz mango juice.