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Bora Bora Drink recipe

Rocks glass

Indulge in a tropical getaway with the Bora Bora drink! This refreshing cocktail combines the tangy flavors of lemon and passion fruit juice with the sweet taste of pineapple juice and a hint of grenadine. Use a shaker to mix and chill the ingredients, then garnish with a slice of fresh fruit for the perfect finishing touch. Ideal for beginner bartenders, this recipe is easy to follow and can be made with a classic kitchen blender or smoothie blender. Serve in a rocks glass and enjoy a taste of paradise!


Bora Bora Ingredients

Bora Bora Equipment

  • shaker - allows you quickly mix and chill ingredients
  • knife - to prepare garnish slice
  • classic kitchen blender or smoothie blender works too
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Bora Bora Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Lemon juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker halfway with ice cubes to cool the ingredients properly
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. prepare Rocks glass half full with ice cubes

Recommend: serve in Rocks glass

It's also called a "lowball", "whiskey" or "old-fashioned" glass. The bottom of old-fashioned glass is thick. Rocks glasses carry between 6 and 8 ounces.

The Bora Bora Cocktail: A Tropical Delight

As a professional bartender, I’ve made countless cocktails over the years, but one that always stands out to me is the Bora Bora Cocktail. This tropical drink is a refreshing blend of citrus and fruit juices, with a hint of sweetness from the grenadine. In this article, I’ll dive into the history of the Bora Bora Cocktail, its ingredients, variations, garnishing techniques, and common mistakes to avoid when making it.

Popularity

The Bora Bora Cocktail is a relatively new addition to the world of cocktails, with its origins only dating back to the 1970s. It was first created in the South Pacific, and quickly gained popularity in the United States as a tropical, beachy drink. Today, it’s a staple in many bars and restaurants, particularly those that specialize in tiki cocktails.

One of the reasons that the Bora Bora Cocktail is so famous is its unique appearance. The bright red grenadine gives the drink a striking color, while the various juices create a layered effect. It’s typically served in a rocks glass, sometimes with a fancy umbrella or fruit garnish.

Ingredient Roles

To make a classic Bora Bora Cocktail, you’ll need four ingredients: lemon juice, pineapple juice, passion-fruit juice, and grenadine. The lemon juice adds a tartness to the drink, which is balanced out by the sweetness of the other ingredients. Pineapple juice provides a tropical flavor, while passion-fruit juice adds a unique twist. Grenadine is a sweet syrup made from pomegranates, which gives the drink its signature red color.

When making a Bora Bora Cocktail, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed juices will always taste better than bottled ones, and using a good quality grenadine will make a big difference in the taste of the drink. Some bartenders even make their own grenadine to ensure that it’s made with natural ingredients and without any artificial flavors or colors.

How to Garnish

Garnishing a Bora Bora Cocktail is all about adding a tropical touch. Some common garnishes include pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries, and even a tiny umbrella. To prepare a pineapple wedge, simply cut a slice of fresh pineapple and make a small cut on the edge so that it can sit on the rim of the glass. A cherry can be skewered with a toothpick and placed on top of the pineapple. The umbrella can be inserted into the drink, providing a fun and festive touch.

Variations

One of the great things about the Bora Bora Cocktail is that there are many variations to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions. Here are some examples:

  • Virgin/mocktail version: Simply omit the alcohol and add extra juice or soda water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
  • Gluten-free version: Ensure that all of your ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use a gluten-free grenadine such as Sonoma Syrup Co. Grenadine.
  • Vegan version: Some grenadines contain honey or other animal products, so be sure to read the label carefully. Use a vegan grenadine such as Liber & Co. Grenadine, and ensure that your other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
  • Keto version: Use a sugar-free grenadine such as Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Grenadine Syrup, and substitute the pineapple juice with coconut water or unsweetened almond milk.
  • Low-calorie version: Use a low-calorie grenadine such as Torani Sugar-Free Grenadine Syrup, and substitute the pineapple juice with a low-calorie fruit juice such as cranberry or grapefruit.

Common Mistakes When Making

Despite its seemingly simple recipe, there are a few common mistakes that bartenders and home mixologists can make when preparing a Bora Bora Cocktail. Here are some to avoid:

  • Using too much grenadine: While grenadine is an essential ingredient in the Bora Bora Cocktail, using too much can make the drink overly sweet and syrupy. Stick to the recipe measurements or adjust to your taste.
  • Not shaking the ingredients properly: The Bora Bora Cocktail needs to be well-shaken to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed and chilled. Use a shaker and fill it with ice before shaking vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.
  • Using low-quality ingredients: As mentioned earlier, using fresh ingredients and high-quality grenadine is key to making a delicious Bora Bora Cocktail. Don't skimp on the quality of your ingredients.
  • Not using the right glassware: The Bora Bora Cocktail is traditionally served in a rocks glass. Using the wrong glass can affect the drink's appearance and taste.

Conclusion

The Bora Bora Cocktail is a tropical delight that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or for transporting your taste buds to an exotic location. By following the recipe, garnishing with tropical fruits, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a memorable Bora Bora Cocktail experience. Whether you prefer the classic version or one of the many variations, this cocktail is sure to impress your guests and transport them to a tropical paradise.

If you are going to order Bora Bora in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Bora Bora can be served with different ingredients in different places.