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This Azalea Drink is a floral and citrusy cocktail, with a hint of bitterness from the grapefruit and bitters. The official drink of the Masters is made with vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and a splash of grenadine to get that pink azalea color.
What is an azalea drink?
The Azalea is a cocktail that has been the official drink of the Master’s golf tournament since 1955. The recipe is said to be a closely guarded secret, but it is believed to be a simple mix of vodka, citrus juices, and a splash of grenadine for the pink hue.
The drink is named after the blooming azaleas that are a hallmark of the Augusta National Golf Club, where the Masters is held each year. The Azalea has become a beloved tradition among golf fans and is often associated with the relaxed, southern charm of the tournament.
Ingredients Needed
- Vodka (or gin) – Vodka, in particular, has a smooth taste and does not have a strong flavor of its own, and blends well with the other cocktail ingredients. Gin, on the other hand, has a more pronounced flavor profile, with notes of juniper and other botanicals, which can complement the flavors. Whichever one you choose will be delicious.
- Pineapple Juice – Pineapple juice in the Azalea cocktail provides a sweet and tropical flavor that complements the other ingredients in the drink. It has a subtle tanginess and acidity that can help to brighten the flavors of the cocktail.
- Lemon Juice – Lemon Juice adds a crucial element to the Azalea cocktail, providing a zesty and refreshing flavor that is essential to the drink’s taste profile. I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Grenadine – Grenadine provides a sweet and fruity flavor and adds a vibrant pink color to the Azalea cocktail, which can enhance the visual appeal of the drink.
How to make an Azalea Drink
- Add all the ingredients. Pour the vodka or gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine into a mixing glass.
- Chill the mixture. Add some ice to the mixture and stir it in to chill the ingredients.
- Strain. Using a strainer, strain the mixture into cocktail glasses filled with ice.
FAQS
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of the Azalea drink by omitting the vodka or gin and increasing the pineapple juice and lemon juice.
Yes, you can make the Azalea cocktail in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If making it in advance don’t add ice to the mixture just store it in the fridge until ready to serve. Before straining it into ice-filled glasses give it another stir.
Azalea Cocktail Pitcher Recipe
To make an Azalea cocktail in a pitcher, you can follow the same recipe as for an individual serving, but adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. Here’s a recipe for a pitcher of Azalea cocktail that serves 8:
- 16 ounces vodka or gin
- 16 ounces pineapple juice
- 8 ounces fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grenadine
- Ice
- Lemon wheels, for garnish
- In a large pitcher, combine the vodka or gin, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine. Stir to combine.
- Fill the pitcher with ice and stir again.
- Serve in ice-filled glasses, garnished with lemon wheels, if desired.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Gin or vodka? Though it is unclear whether the original azalea drink had gin or vodka, the most common versions of the recipe contain vodka. Use your favorite or the two and you can’t go wrong.
- Adjust the grenadine to taste: The amount of grenadine used in the cocktail can vary depending on personal preference. Start with a splash and add more as needed, tasting as you go. You can even make your own Homemade Grenadine or if you don’t have any use some of these Grenadine Substitutes.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel: A slice of lemon on the rim of the glass or a lemon wheel in the drink can add a pop of color.
More Pink Cocktails
Azalea Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Vodka
- 2 ounces Pineapple Juice
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Grenadine
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients. Pour the vodka or gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine into a mixing glass.
- Chill the mixture. Add some ice to the mixture and stir it in to chill the ingredients.
- Strain. Using a strainer, strain the mixture into cocktail glasses filled with ice.
Notes
- Gin or vodka? Though it is unclear whether the original azalea drink had gin or vodka, the most common versions of the recipe contain vodka. Use your favorite or the two and you can’t go wrong.
- Adjust the grenadine to taste: The amount of grenadine used in the cocktail can vary depending on personal preference. Start with a splash and add more as needed, tasting as you go. You can even make your own Homemade Grenadine or if you don’t have any use some of these Grenadine Substitutes.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel: A slice of lemon on the rim of the glass or a lemon wheel in the drink can add a pop of color.
