Chill out with this uncomplicated Grateful Dead Drink recipe! This strong yet refreshing cocktail is perfect for welcoming the spring season, combining vodka, Gin, light rum, Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, raspberry liqueur and a dash of soda water.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
1 minute
Servings:
1
Calories:
293
Ingredients
- ½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz Gin
- ½ oz Light Rum
- ½ oz Tequila
- ½ oz Triple Sec
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ¾ oz raspberry liqueur
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 2 oz soda water - to top up
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge & fresh raspberries - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball or Sling Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Highball or Sling glass with ice. Give it a quick stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Sugar & Lime Juice: Pour 1 oz fresh lime juice and ½ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
- Add Liqueurs: Add ½ oz Triple Sec and ¾ oz raspberry liqueur.
- Add Spirits: Finally, measure and pour ½ oz Vodka, ½ oz Gin, ½ oz Tequila and ½ oz Light Rum.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Remove the ice in the Hurricane or Sling glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Top-up with Soda Water: Top-up with approx. 2 oz soda water (adjust to taste and to the size of the glass). Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a lime wedge and fresh raspberries (you can use a cocktail skewer to hold them together). Serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Vodka: If you're out of vodka, use more white rum for a tropical twist.
- Gin: No gin? Try using extra vodka (or light rum, depending on your taste)
- Light Rum: Dark or spiced rum can be used as a substitute for light rum if you prefer a more robust flavor.
- Tequila: If you do not like Tequila's distinct taste, you can replace it with more vodka, rum, or gin.
- Triple Sec: Any kind of orange liqueur can be used to prepare this cocktail (you can use any brand of triple sec or curaçao).
- Simple Syrup: If you don't have any simple syrup, you can easily make some at home by mixing together equal parts of sugar (any kind you like) and hot water. Stir well to dissolve and let it cool down before using it. In the refrigerator, this homemade simple syrup will last for about a month.
- Fresh Lime Juice: You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be less bright and fresh. Another option is to use fresh lemon juice for a slightly different citrus kick.
- Raspberry Liqueur: Chambord is our go-to, but any raspberry-flavored liqueur will do. A raspberry syrup or grenadine can work in a pinch if you can't find any.
- Soda Water: For a sweeter and fruitier drink, you can use lemonade or lemon soda as a substitute for soda water. Ginger ale also works great in this drink.
Making a Pitcher of Grateful Dead Drink:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 4 oz of each spirit (vodka, gin, light rum, tequila), 4 oz of triple sec, 4 oz of simple syrup, 6 oz of raspberry liqueur, 8 oz of freshly squeezed lime juice and roughly 16 oz of soda water.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all of the ingredients except the soda water. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled highball or sling glasses. Top up each glass with soda water (approx. 2 oz per drink) and garnish each glass with a lime wedge and/or fresh raspberries. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container.
Making it Vegan:
The Grateful Dead cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. However, some brands may use animal products in their production process, especially if a filtration process is involved. If you have a doubt, always check the brand's website or contact them directly to ensure their products are vegan.What is a Grateful Dead Drink?
A Grateful Dead Drink is a cocktail made of vodka, Gin, light rum, Tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, fresh lime juice and raspberry liqueur. Despite its complex list of ingredients, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The result is a vibrant drink with a strong kick and fruity undertones that can be enjoyed on various occasions.
What is a Grateful Dead Drink made of – The ingredients
For the concoction of a Grateful Dead Drink, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Vodka: A clear distilled alcoholic beverage, it provides a smooth base for the cocktail.
- Gin: This spirit, known for its botanical flavors, adds complexity to the drink.
- Light Rum: Adds a touch of sweetness and tropical flair to the cocktail.
- Tequila: Kicks the drink and contributes to its strong flavor profile.
- Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a hint of citrus sweetness.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Balances out the strong spirits with its tangy and crisp
- Simple Syrup: Provides a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor balance of the cocktail.
- Raspberry Liqueur: Gives the cocktail its signature fruity finish and vibrant color.
- Soda Water: Adds effervescence, making the drink refreshing and light. It also brings extra dilution to the drink.
