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Papaya Jack Cocktail Drink

Papaya Jack Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Refresh yourself with the Papaya Jack recipe! Blend Tennessee Whiskey, papaya juice, and sparkling wine for an ideal summer cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 218

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Tennessee Whiskey
  • 2 oz papaya juice
  • 4 oz sparkling wine - to top up
  • ½ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz honey syrup
  • 2 dashes of orange bitters
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slice or twist - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Wine Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your wine glass with ice cubes to chill.
  • Add Bitters: Drop 2 dashes of orange bitters in a shaker.
  • Add Juices: Add ½ oz lemon juice and 2 oz papaya juice to the shaker.
  • Add Honey: Measure and pour ½ oz honey syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Whiskey: Measure and pour 1 oz Tennessee Whiskey into the shaker.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake: Shake the mixture well to blend the flavors.
  • Strain and Pour: Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice.
  • Top with Sparkling Wine: Gently pour approx. 4 oz sparkling wine on top.
  • Garnish: Add a lemon slice or twist for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tennessee Whiskey: If you don't have Tennessee whiskey, I often use bourbon for a similar depth of flavor. For a lighter taste, try using rum.
  • Papaya Juice: Mango juice works well as an alternative if papaya juice is unavailable. It adds a different tropical note but still complements the other ingredients.
  • Honey Syrup: Agave syrup can replace honey syrup with a slightly different sweetness profile without altering the drink's balance.

Making a Pitcher of Papaya Jack:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all ingredients by 8. Use 8 oz of Tennessee whiskey, 16 oz of papaya juice, and so on.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients except the sparkling wine in a large pitcher. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour into individual ice-filled glasses, top each with sparkling wine, garnish with lemon slices or twists, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Sparkling Wine Substitute: Replace with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage to maintain the fizz.
  • Proceed As Usual: Follow the original steps using these substitutes for a refreshing non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Honey Syrup Substitute: Swap honey syrup with agave syrup or maple syrup to make this cocktail vegan-friendly without losing sweetness.