Savor the Rhode Island Red Cocktail this fall! Follow this recipe to mix Tequila, Chambord, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar, orange bitters, and ginger beer for a delightful drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 257
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila
- ½ oz Chambord
- ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 1 dash of Orange Bitters
- 3 oz Ginger Beer - to top
- Ice cubes
- Lemon and lime zest twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball or Collins Glass
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Collins or Highball glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Bitters & Agave Nectar: Pour 1 dash of Orange Bitters and ½ oz agave nectar or syrup into the shaker.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add ¾ oz fresh lemon juice.
- Add Chambord: Add ½ oz Chambord.
- Add Tequila: Measure and pour 2 oz Tequila into the shaker as well.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Collins or Highball glass and refill it with fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to strain the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Add Ginger Beer: Top up with approx. 3 oz Ginger Beer, adjusting to taste and to the size of the glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon and lime twists and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: If you don't have tequila, use vodka for a different but enjoyable flavor profile. I've also tried white rum, which adds a sweeter touch.
- Chambord: If Chambord is unavailable, try using crème de cassis or another raspberry liqueur for a similar taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but fresh is always best for that vibrant citrus kick.
- Agave Nectar: Honey or simple syrup can replace agave nectar if needed; adjust to taste since they are sweeter.
- Orange Bitters: Angostura bitters can work if you don't have orange bitters, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Making a Pitcher of Rhode Island Red Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 dashes of orange bitters, 16 oz of tequila, 4 oz of Chambord, 6 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 4 oz of agave nectar.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the bitters, tequila, Chambord, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, top with ginger beer, garnish with lemon and lime twists, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; these are available and reasonably mimic tequila's flavor.
- Chambord Substitute: Opt for a raspberry syrup or non-alcoholic raspberry liqueur alternative.
- Orange Bitters: Opt for a drop of orange flower water for a non-alcoholic alternative.
- 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:
- Agave Nectar Substitute: Ensure your agave nectar is vegan-friendly; most are, but it's good to check labels.
- Proceed As Usual: All other ingredients are typically vegan-friendly, so follow the original steps to enjoy a vegan version of this cocktail.
What is a Rhode Island Red Cocktail?
A Rhode Island Red Cocktail is a tequila-based drink made of Tequila, Chambord, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar, orange bitters, and ginger beer. It’s easy to make; the steps are straightforward and involve simple mixing and shaking. This cocktail offers a unique blend of flavors: the tartness of lemon juice is balanced by the sweetness of Chambord and agave nectar, topped off with the refreshing fizz of ginger beer.
What is a Rhode Island Red Cocktail made of – The ingredients
For a Rhode Island Red Cocktail, use these ingredients:
- Tequila: Provides a robust and earthy base for the cocktail.
- Chambord: Adds a sweet and fruity raspberry flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings a tart and refreshing citrus note.
- Agave Nectar: Sweetens the drink naturally without overpowering it.
- Orange Bitters: Enhances the complexity with a hint of citrus bitterness.
- Ginger Beer: Tops off the cocktail with a spicy, fizzy finish.
