Ready to impress your friends with a crowd-pleasing cocktail? Try our bucket drink recipe, made with 1 gallon of Everclear alcohol, 1.5 gallons of vodka, and 2 gallons of orange juice. Don't worry about squeezing fresh juice, a juicer or squeezer (manual or automatic) will do the trick. Serve in a bowl and get ready to party!
Bucket Ingredients
- 1 gallon Everclear alcohol
- 1 1/2 gallons Vodka
- 2 gallons Orange juice
Bucket Equipment
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Bucket Recipe
- optionally make fresh Orange juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
- mix ingredients together
- prepare Bowl
Recommend: serve in Bowl
The Bucket Drink: A Summertime Classic
Ah, summertime. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the drinks are flowing. There’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing cocktail while lounging by the pool or at a backyard BBQ. And when it comes to summertime cocktails, few are as beloved as the classic Bucket drink.
Popularity
The Bucket drink has been a staple at parties and gatherings for decades. Its origins are a bit murky, but it’s believed to have originated in the southern United States. The drink’s name comes from the fact that it’s often served in a large bucket or bowl, making it perfect for sharing with friends.
The Bucket drink is famous for its fruity, sweet taste, which is perfect for hot summer days. It’s usually made with a combination of Everclear alcohol, vodka, and orange juice. Some variations include other juices or even soda, but the basic recipe remains the same.
In terms of appearance, the Bucket drink is usually a bright orange color, thanks to the orange juice. When served in a bowl, it’s often garnished with slices of fresh fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes.
Ingredient Roles
The ingredients in the Bucket drink all play an important role in creating its unique flavor. The Everclear alcohol provides a strong, potent kick, while the vodka helps to balance it out. The orange juice adds a sweet, fruity flavor and helps to mask the alcohol taste.
When making the Bucket drink, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Cheap, low-quality alcohol will result in a harsh, unpleasant taste. Freshly squeezed orange juice is also a must, as it adds a bright, citrusy flavor that can’t be replicated with store-bought juice.
How to Garnish
Garnishing the Bucket drink is a fun way to add some extra flair to the presentation. To garnish, simply slice up some fresh fruit, such as oranges, lemons, and limes, and add them to the bowl. You can also add some fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
For a more elaborate presentation, consider freezing some fruit slices in ice cubes and adding them to the bowl. This will keep the drink cold and add a fun, decorative touch.
Variations
While the basic Bucket drink recipe is delicious on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
If you’re not a fan of alcohol or want to make a kid-friendly version, simply omit the Everclear and vodka and use more orange juice or soda instead. You can also add some grenadine syrup for a sweet, fruity flavor.
Gluten-Free Version
To make the Bucket drink gluten-free, simply make sure the alcohol you’re using is gluten-free. Many brands of vodka and Everclear are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check the label.
Vegan Version
The basic Bucket drink recipe is already vegan, but if you want to get creative, you can try using different fruit juices or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Keto Version
To make the Bucket drink keto-friendly, simply substitute the orange juice with a low-carb fruit juice, such as cranberry or grapefruit. You can also use a low-carb sweetener, such as Stevia, instead of sugar.
Low-Calorie Version
To make a lighter version of the Bucket drink, simply use diet soda or sparkling water instead of orange juice. You can also use a low-calorie sweetener, such as Splenda, instead of sugar.
Common Mistakes When Making
When making the Bucket drink, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are some tips to ensure your drink turns out perfectly:
- Use high-quality alcohol. Cheap, low-quality alcohol will result in a harsh, unpleasant taste.
- Use freshly squeezed orange juice. Store-bought juice won’t have the same bright, citrusy flavor.
- Don’t add too much sugar. The orange juice is already sweet, so adding too much sugar will make the drink overly sugary.
- Don’t overdo it on the garnishes. While it’s fun to add some fresh fruit and mint, too many garnishes can make the drink look cluttered and unappetizing.
In conclusion, the Bucket drink is a classic summertime cocktail that’s perfect for sharing with friends. With its sweet, fruity flavor and bright orange color, it’s sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. And with so many variations to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to put your own spin on this beloved drink. So go ahead, grab a bucket, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate summertime libation.
If you are going to order Bucket in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Bucket can be served with different ingredients in different places.