Big Red Cocktail Drink

Big Red Cocktail

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you craving an adventurous drink? Try the Big Red Cocktail with this easy recipe! Simple ingredients combine to create a delicious cocktail.

Big Red Cocktail Recipe

Refresh yourself with the Big Red Cocktail recipe! Blend Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky, Budweiser, and ginger beer for a perfect fall drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

116 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky
  • 2 oz Budweiser
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Whisky: Pour 1 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky over the ice.
  • Add Budweiser: Pour 2 oz Budweiser into the glass.
  • Add Ginger Beer: Top with 3 oz ginger beer.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky: If you don't have Johnnie Walker Red Label, you can use any other blended scotch whisky. I've also tried bourbon for a sweeter twist, which works well.
  • Budweiser: Any light lager can replace Budweiser if needed. I've used Heineken, and it still tastes great.
  • Ginger Beer: If you're out of ginger beer, ginger ale can be a milder substitute. You might lose some of the spiciness, but it's still refreshing.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Budweiser Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic beer like Heineken 0.0 or other non-alcoholic lager.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

All the ingredients in this recipe are vegan-friendly! Ensure that the ginger beer and any substitutes you use are vegan-certified.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
116
% Daily Value*
Sodium
 
8
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
8
g
3
%
Sugar
 
8
g
9
%
Potassium
 
13
mg
0
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Calcium
 
5
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.2
mg
1
%

 

Big Red Cocktail Drink

Big Red Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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Refresh yourself with the Big Red Cocktail recipe! Blend Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky, Budweiser, and ginger beer for a perfect fall drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 116

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky
  • 2 oz Budweiser
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Whisky: Pour 1 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky over the ice.
  • Add Budweiser: Pour 2 oz Budweiser into the glass.
  • Add Ginger Beer: Top with 3 oz ginger beer.
  • Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.
  • Garnish: Place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky: If you don't have Johnnie Walker Red Label, you can use any other blended scotch whisky. I've also tried bourbon for a sweeter twist, which works well.
  • Budweiser: Any light lager can replace Budweiser if needed. I've used Heineken, and it still tastes great.
  • Ginger Beer: If you're out of ginger beer, ginger ale can be a milder substitute. You might lose some of the spiciness, but it's still refreshing.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whisky Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whisky alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Budweiser Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic beer like Heineken 0.0 or other non-alcoholic lager.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

All the ingredients in this recipe are vegan-friendly! Ensure that the ginger beer and any substitutes you use are vegan-certified.

What is a Big Red Cocktail?

A Big Red Cocktail is a whisky-based drink made of Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky, Budweiser, and ginger beer. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward mixing without complex techniques or equipment. This cocktail offers an intriguing combination of flavors with the smoothness of whisky, the crispness of beer, and the spiciness of ginger beer.

A side shot of a Big Red cocktail in a highball glass on a wooden coaster placed on a black surface surrounded by a jigger, a bar spoon, and a lime slice

What is a Big Red Cocktail made of – The ingredients

Use these ingredients to whip up a Big Red Cocktail:

  • Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky: Adds a smooth, smoky flavor to the cocktail.
  • Budweiser: Provides a crisp, refreshing element that balances the whisky.
  • Ginger beer: Brings a spicy kick and sweetness, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for a balanced flavor.
  • Lime wedge (optional): Adds a hint of citrus and serves as a garnish for visual appeal.

Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky, Budweiser, ginger beer and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Big Red Cocktail?

Discover the process of making a Big Red Cocktail with our easy guide:

1
<p>Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.</p>

Fill your highball glass with ice cubes to chill the drink.

2
<p>Pour 1 oz of Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky over the ice.</p>

Pour 1 oz of Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky over the ice.

3
<p>Add 2 oz of Budweiser to the mix.</p>

Add 2 oz of Budweiser to the mix.

4
<p>Top up the glass with approximately 3 oz of ginger beer.</p>

Top up the glass with approximately 3 oz of ginger beer.

5
<p>Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.</p>

Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients gently.

6
<p>Place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass for garnish.</p>

Place a lime wedge on the rim of the glass for garnish.

History and Origin

Unlike some classic cocktails with long histories, bartenders created the Big Red Cocktail more recently. They mixed whisky with beer and ginger beer to craft a unique drink. The trend of experimenting with different ingredients likely led to its creation. The name “Big Red” probably comes from using Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky as a critical ingredient in this cocktail.

A Big Red cocktail, shot from above, in a white marmol surface surrounded by Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky, Budweiser, ginger beer and lime

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Big Red Cocktail?
It typically contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
How strong is the Big Red Cocktail?
Its alcohol by volume (ABV) is approximately 10-12%, which translates to about 20-24 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Big Red Cocktail?
The primary alcohol used is Johnnie Walker Red Label scotch whisky.
In which glass is the Big Red Cocktail served?
Bartenders usually serve the cocktail in a highball glass.
What does a Big Red Cocktail taste like?
It offers a unique blend of smooth whisky, crisp beer, and spicy ginger beer, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Big Red Cocktail?
The typical ratio is 1 part whisky, 2 parts Budweiser, and 3 parts ginger beer.
How is the Big Red Cocktail served?
Serve the cocktail over ice to keep it chilled and slightly diluted for balanced flavors.
Can I use a different type of whisky in a Big Red Cocktail?
You can use other types of blended scotch whisky or bourbon for a different flavor profile.
Is the Big Red Cocktail suitable for vegans?
Ensure that your chosen ginger beer is vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal products in their filtration process.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Big Red Cocktail?
Yes, you can substitute non-alcoholic whisky alternatives and non-alcoholic beer to create a similar-tasting drink without alcohol.

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