Chill out with this uncomplicated Pearl Harbor drink recipe! This stimulating cocktail is ideally suited for spring, featuring vodka, melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and a cherry garnish.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 189
Ingredients
- 1½ oz Vodka
- ½ oz melon liqueur
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- Maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Add Melon Liqueur: Measure and pour ½ oz melon liqueur into the glass.
- Add Vodka: Pour 1½ oz Vodka over the ice.
- Add Pineapple Juice: Add 3 oz pineapple juice to the mix.
- Stir Gently: Use a bar spoon to stir the ingredients.
- Garnish: Place a maraschino cherry into the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Vodka: If you're out of vodka, try white rum for a slightly different flavor profile. I've also used gin instead of vodka for a more botanical taste.
- Melon Liqueur: If you don't have melon liqueur, you can use a melon-flavored syrup or blend fresh melon and strain it for a natural alternative.
- Pineapple Juice: I've used orange juice instead of pineapple juice in a pinch. It changes the character of the drink but still works well.
Making a Pitcher of Pearl Harbor Drink:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of vodka, 4 oz of melon liqueur, and 24 oz of pineapple juice.
- Mix: Combine the vodka, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice in a large pitcher and stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, garnish with a maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Vodka Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic vodka substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic vodka's neutral flavor.
- Melon Liqueur Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic melon-flavored syrup or fresh melon juice.
- 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:
- Maraschino Cherry Substitute: Some brands of maraschino cherries are not vegan due to the use of artificial colors or flavors. Look for a brand that is labeled as vegan, or use a fresh cherry instead. The rest of the ingredients in this cocktail are naturally vegan.
What is a Pearl Harbor Drink?
A Pearl Harbor drink is a vodka-based tropical cocktail made of vodka, melon liqueur, and pineapple juice. It’s pretty easy to make because it only combines the three ingredients in a glass filled with ice. This refreshing beverage isn’t a variant of any well-known cocktail. Still, it stands out due to its vibrant green color from the melon liqueur and its fruity flavor profile, making it perfect for warm weather occasions or when you’re simply craving something exotic.
What is a Pearl Harbor Drink Made of – The Ingredients
The essentials for a Pearl Harbor drink encompass these ingredients:
- Vodka: This clear, distilled spirit forms the cocktail’s base, providing a neutral backdrop for the other flavors to shine.
- Melon Liqueur: This sweet, vibrant green liqueur gives Pearl Harbor its distinctive color and imparts a fruity melon flavor.
- Pineapple Juice: This tropical juice adds a tangy sweetness that balances the alcohol and enhances the cocktail’s overall fruitiness.
- Maraschino Cherry (optional): Used as a garnish, this cherry adds a pop of color and an extra sweetness if desired.
