Refresh yourself with this quick Tomahawk Cocktail recipe! Blend Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice, and Pineapple Juice for the perfect summer cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 210
Ingredients
- 1 oz Reposado Tequila
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 2 oz cranberry juice - sweetened
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice and/or cherry - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Highball Glass
- Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Highball glass with ice. Give it a quick stir and set it aside.
- Add Pineapple Juice: Pour 2 oz pineapple juice into the shaker.
- Add Cranberry Juice: Add 2 oz cranberry juice.
- Add Triple Sec: Measure and pour 1 oz Triple Sec into the shaker as well.
- Add Tequila: Finally, add 1 oz Reposado Tequila to the mix.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Discard the ice in the Highball glass and refill it with a generous amount of fresh, new ice cubes. Then, use the cocktail strainer to pour the drink into the ice-filled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a pineapple wedge and/or maraschino cherry and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Reposado Tequila: You can use any kind of tequila to make this cocktail; silver (or blanco) tequila is a great option if you don’t have reposado tequila. You can also use mezcal for a similar agave flavor profile with a touch of smokiness. For a lighter version, vodka or light rum will also work in a pinch.
- Triple Sec: Any type of orange liqueur, such as curaçao for example, can be used to make this cocktail.
- Sweetened Cranberry Juice: Unsweetened cranberry juice can be used as well, but you may have to add a bit of simple syrup to the mix to balance the cocktail, which may otherwise be too sour. If you don’t have cranberry juice at all, pomegranate juice can be used as a substitute; both have a tart flavor that goes well in this cocktail.
- Pineapple Juice: Orange juice can replace pineapple juice in a pinch, although it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Making a Pitcher of Tomahawk Cocktail:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of Triple Sec, 16 oz of cranberry juice, and 16 oz of pineapple juice.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled highball glasses, and garnish each drink with a pineapple slice and/or a maraschino cherry. 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 Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila alternative; these are available and mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. You can also try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic, and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).
- Triple Sec Substitute: You can use orange peel syrup as a substitute. To make your own syrup, mix together 1 part white sugar and 1 part water over low heat. Stir well to dissolve the sugar, remove from the heat, and add orange peels to the syrup. Let the mixture cool down to temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and let it infuse in the fridge for at least one day. For a stronger flavor, you may add a drop of bitter orange essence to the mix. When ready to use, strain to remove the peels and store in the fridge after use.
- 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:
The standard recipe is already vegan-friendly since it uses plant-based spirits and no animal products. Just ensure that any substitutes or garnishes are free from animal-derived coatings or additives (some maraschino cherries have died using cochineal, so make sure to use a vegan-friendly brand or leave it out if you have any doubt).What is a Tomahawk Cocktail?
A Tomahawk is a long-drink cocktail made of Tequila, Triple Sec, Cranberry Juice, and Pineapple Juice. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward mixing of ingredients without any complex techniques. This cocktail offers a unique blend of tartness from the cranberry juice and sweetness from the pineapple juice, making it refreshing and flavorful for various occasions.
What is a Tomahawk Cocktail made of – The ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed for a Tomahawk Cocktail:
- Reposado Tequila: Provides a robust and distinctive base spirit with a rich, earthy flavor.
- Triple Sec: Adds a sweet, citrusy orange flavor that compliments the Tequila.
- Cranberry Juice: Brings tartness and a vibrant red color to the cocktail.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds sweetness and a tropical twist, balancing the tartness of the cranberry juice.
- Ice Cubes: Chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.
- Pineapple slice or cherry (optional): Used as a garnish to enhance presentation and add a touch of extra flavor.
