Carnival Lip Stain Cocktail

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of a Caribbean vacation with a single sip of the legendary Carnival Cruise Kiss on the Lips cocktail. This delightful frozen drink is a perfect blend of sweet mango and succulent peach flavors, creating a refreshing escape that transports you straight to the deck of a Fun Ship. If you’ve ever embarked on a Carnival Cruise, you undoubtedly recall the exquisite taste of this iconic beverage – a true symbol of sunny days and carefree moments at sea.

Unveiling the Iconic Kiss on the Lips Cocktail

There’s an undeniable magic to enjoying a frosty, blended beverage while gently swaying with the rhythm of the Caribbean waves on a Carnival Cruise ship. The feeling of the warm sun on your skin, the panoramic ocean views, and the taste of an ice-cold tropical cocktail converge to create an unparalleled sense of pure bliss and relaxation. Among the many delectable drinks offered on Carnival Cruise Line ships, the Kiss on the Lips stands out as a true fan favorite – a symphony of fruity goodness that instantly brings a smile to your face.

This vibrant cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s an experience, a memory, and a taste of paradise. Its popularity stems from its wonderfully balanced flavors, making it the quintessential vacation drink. We’re thrilled to share our meticulously crafted copycat recipe so you can recreate this deliciousness right in your own home. Imagine yourself back on vacation, even if it’s just for a moment, as you savor every sip of this delightful concoction.

While the goal was to capture the essence of the drink enjoyed on the Carnival Freedom, capturing the perfect Caribbean backdrop for a photo can be challenging when you’re back on solid ground. So, our images aim to evoke that tropical feeling, even if they weren’t taken directly onboard. Rest assured, this homemade Carnival Kiss on the Lips cocktail is pure deliciousness in a glass, perfect for a sweltering summer day, a themed party, or anytime you crave a taste of the tropics and a little bit of cruise line magic.

Crafting Your Own Kiss on the Lips: Essential Ingredients

Creating this irresistible frozen cocktail at home is surprisingly simple, requiring just a few key ingredients to unlock its signature tropical taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward nature, allowing you to whip up a batch of vacation-worthy drinks with minimal fuss.

Key Ingredients:

• Peach Schnapps: This sweet, peachy liqueur forms the heartwarming core of the “Kiss on the Lips.” It provides a delightful fruity sweetness and a subtle alcoholic kick that perfectly complements the mango. Look for a quality peach schnapps to ensure the best flavor profile for your cocktail.
• Mango Margarita Mix: For ultimate convenience and consistent tropical flavor, a good quality mango margarita mix is your secret weapon. It simplifies the process, delivering that authentic mango tang and sweetness without the need for fresh mango pureeing. However, for those who love a homemade touch, you can easily substitute this with a blend of fresh mango, a touch of lime juice, and simple syrup, as detailed in our variations section.
• Grenadine Syrup: This classic bar staple is essential not only for its sweet, tart berry flavor but also for creating the iconic “kiss” visual effect at the bottom of the glass. Its vibrant red hue slowly blends with the golden mango and peach mixture, making for a truly stunning presentation.
• Ice: As a frozen cocktail, plenty of ice is crucial to achieve that perfectly smooth, slushy consistency that is so characteristic of the Kiss on the Lips.

Garnish for a Tropical Flair:

No tropical cocktail is complete without a charming garnish to enhance both its visual appeal and its flavor. For the Kiss on the Lips, we recommend:

• Orange Slice: A vibrant orange slice adds a pop of citrusy aroma and a beautiful contrast against the drink’s colors.
• Maraschino Cherry: The classic cocktail cherry contributes a touch of sweetness and that undeniable festive feel.
• Tropical Umbrella: For an extra touch of fun and festivity, a small tropical umbrella is a must-have, instantly elevating your drink to vacation status!

Essential Equipment for Success:

Having the right tools will make your cocktail-making experience smooth and enjoyable, ensuring you achieve the perfect texture and presentation.

• Hurricane Glasses: These elegant, tall, and curvaceous glasses are specifically designed for tropical drinks. Their shape beautifully showcases the layered colors of the Kiss on the Lips and enhances the overall drinking experience, making each sip feel like a special occasion.
• Blender: A powerful blender is paramount for achieving the smooth, lump-free, and perfectly slushy consistency of this frozen cocktail. We personally prefer a high-speed model like a Ninja Blender, which excels at crushing ice evenly and quickly, ensuring your drink is velvety smooth without any icy chunks.

Mastering the Art of Making a Kiss on the Lips Frozen Cocktail

Creating this iconic Carnival drink is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to bring the flavors of the high seas right to your kitchen or patio. The key is in the blending and layering to achieve that signature look and luscious texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Blend the Base: Begin by combining the mango margarita mix, peach schnapps, and a generous amount of ice in your blender. Pulse the mixture in short bursts, gradually increasing speed, until it reaches a perfectly smooth, slushy consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable. Avoid over-blending, which can make it too watery, or under-blending, which leaves ice chunks.
2. Layer with Grenadine: Pour a tablespoon of grenadine syrup into the bottom of your hurricane glass. The grenadine, being denser, will settle beautifully at the base. Gently pour the blended mango and peach mixture over the grenadine. You’ll notice the grenadine slowly start to rise and swirl, creating a stunning visual effect that gives the cocktail its distinctive “kissed” appearance.
3. Garnish and Serve: Crown your masterpiece with an orange slice perched on the rim of the glass, and drop in a vibrant maraschino cherry. For an extra touch of tropical charm, add a small cocktail umbrella. Serve immediately and prepare to be transported to paradise!

Preparation, Storage, and Expert Tips for the Best Carnival Cruise Kiss on the Lips Frozen Cocktail

To ensure your Kiss on the Lips cocktail is always perfect, consider these preparation, storage, and customization tips:

Make Ahead & Storage:

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance. The peach and mango base mixture, without ice, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply blend with ice and proceed with the grenadine layering. Due to the alcohol content, this cocktail will not freeze solid but will remain slushy if stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container. This makes it a great option for keeping a ready-to-serve batch chilled and frosty for several weeks, if you happen to have any delicious leftovers!

Recipe Variations & Customization:

• Homemade Mango Base: If you prefer to go completely homemade, skip the mango margarita mix. Instead, blend fresh or frozen mango chunks with a squeeze of lime juice and a touch of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) to create your own luscious mango puree. This offers a more natural flavor but requires a bit more prep.
• Alternate Fruit Flavors: While mango and peach are classic, feel free to experiment. A splash of pineapple juice or passion fruit nectar could add an interesting twist. Just ensure the flavors complement the peach schnapps.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond the traditional orange and cherry, consider a pineapple wedge, fresh mango chunks, a lime wheel, or even a fresh strawberry for an even more vibrant presentation. Edible flowers also make a beautiful addition for special occasions.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Friendly: This Carnival Cruise cocktail is inherently vegetarian. For a vegan option, simply ensure that your peach schnapps and mango mix do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, though most commercial brands are typically vegan. Always check product labels to confirm.
• Gluten-Free: Similarly, the Kiss on the Lips should be gluten-free. As with vegan options, verify that all individual components (peach schnapps, mango mix, grenadine) are certified gluten-free, as ingredients can vary by brand.
• Alcohol-Free Version (Mocktail): To create a delicious non-alcoholic “Kiss on the Lips” for all ages, simply omit the peach schnapps. Replace it with an equal amount of peach nectar juice or a peach-flavored syrup to maintain that sweet, fruity essence. It’s just as refreshing and delightful!
• Spicy Twist: Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t typically offer a spicy version of this cocktail, but if you enjoy a kick, consider muddling a thin slice of jalapeño in the blender with the mango mix, or adding a dash of chili-lime seasoning to the rim of the glass.
• Serving a Crowd: For tropical parties or larger gatherings, this recipe scales up beautifully. Easily double or triple the ingredients to create a large pitcher of the mango-peach blend. Store it in a decorative pitcher and keep it chilled. When serving, pour the grenadine into individual hurricane glasses first, then top with the pre-made mix for that beautiful layered effect.
• Sugar-Free Alternatives: Each ingredient in this cocktail naturally contains sugar. For a sugar-free version, look for sugar-free mango mixes and peach-flavored syrups. However, be mindful that artificial sweeteners can sometimes alter the taste and texture.

Enhancing Your Tropical Experience: What to Serve with a Kiss on the Lips Cocktail

With this simple three-ingredient recipe, you can effortlessly bring a slice of your cherished cruise vacation right to your home bar. To truly recreate the magical ambiance of a Carnival Cruise, pair your Kiss on the Lips with these other cruise-inspired favorites:

Main Dishes:

• Carnival Cruise Guy’s Burger Joint Pig Patty Burger: Nothing says Carnival casual dining like a juicy burger from Guy’s Fieri’s popular joint. Its savory flavors are a perfect counterpoint to the sweet cocktail.

Desserts:

• Carnival Chocolate Melting Cake: The ultimate Carnival dessert experience, this warm, gooey chocolate cake with a molten center is a decadent treat that perfectly concludes any tropical meal.

Complementary Cruise Line Drinks:

• Carnival Rum Jumper: Another popular cruise cocktail, often featuring a blend of rums and tropical juices for a potent yet smooth experience.
• Carnival Cruise Ting Mojito: A refreshing twist on the classic mojito, incorporating the unique grapefruit soda “Ting” for a zesty, bubbly kick.
• Copy Cat Carnival Fun Ship Cocktail: Capture the spirit of Carnival with this signature drink, often a blend of fruity flavors and spirits that embody fun.
• Copy Cat Carnival Caribbean Colada: A creamy, coconut-infused delight that perfectly evokes the Caribbean islands.
• Copy Cat Carnival Cruise Cruiser Cocktail: Another cruise staple, known for its easy-drinking tropical flavors, ideal for lounging by the pool.
• Copy Cat Carnival Caribbean Breeze Cocktail: Light, airy, and bursting with tropical fruit notes, this drink is as refreshing as its name suggests.
• Carnival Cruise Alchemy Bar Cucumber Sunrise: For those who prefer something a bit more unique, this cocktail from Carnival’s specialized Alchemy Bar offers a refreshing blend of cucumber and citrus.

When to Indulge: Perfect Occasions for the Kiss on the Lips

The Kiss on the Lips cocktail is incredibly versatile and suits a wide array of occasions, especially when you’re yearning for a touch of tropical paradise:

• Springtime Refreshers: As the weather warms up, this fruity drink is the perfect way to welcome spring.
• Summer Parties & BBQs: It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering, backyard barbecue, or poolside fiesta.
• Luaus & Tropical-Themed Events: The vibrant colors and flavors make it an essential addition to any luau or tropical party theme.
• Hot Summer Days: There’s nothing quite like a frosty, sweet drink to cool you down when the temperatures soar.
• Easy Fruity Cocktail Nights: For a relaxed evening at home, when you crave something easy, fruity, and utterly delicious.
• Vacation Nostalgia: Recreate cherished cruise memories and relive the joy of your last Carnival adventure.
• Valentine’s Day Cocktails: Its name, “Kiss on the Lips,” makes it a charming and thematic choice for Valentine’s celebrations or romantic evenings.

Explore More Tropical Cocktail Delights

If you’re planning a party or simply love the taste of the tropics, we have a treasure trove of other fantastic tropical cocktail recipes that are perfect for luaus, summer celebrations, or a cozy night in. Consider enhancing your tropical party with a fun Luau party kit from Amazon!

• Malibu Coconut Rum Drinks: Dive into our extensive guide featuring all our favorite tropical drinks made with the quintessential Malibu Coconut Rum.
• Pineapple Juice Cocktails: Discover a taste of the tropics with these easy-to-make and incredibly delicious pineapple juice cocktails.
• Funny Cocktail Names: From “Duck Farts” to “Nutty Irishmen,” this collection of hilariously named drinks will have you giggling and finding tons of great new cocktails to enjoy!
• Cocktails with Grenadine: Learn all about one of the most popular mixers for both cocktails and mocktails – how to mix with it, what it tastes like, and how to use it to add a great sweetness to your drinks.
• Vodka Shot Recipes: Explore a variety of easy vodka shot recipes that anyone can make, from classic party shots to fun holiday concoctions.
• Tequila Cocktails: Master easy drinks made with tequila, including classic margaritas and many other exciting options.
• Blue Cocktails: These eye-catching blue cocktails are as tasty as they are beautiful. Discover our favorites that you can easily make from the comfort of your home.

Find this delightful recipe featured in our Valentine’s Day Cocktails Collection!

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Originally posted July 29, 2014, updated on February 18, 2020