Go Back
Rhode Island Red Cocktail Drink

Rhode Island Red Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
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.