Looking for a refreshing drink to beat the summer heat? Try our Koala Cooler recipe! Made with Rum Bundaberg, sugar syrup, lemon juice, and lemon syrup, this drink is perfect for any beginner bartender. Simply mix the ingredients, add ice, and garnish with a lemon peel. Serve in a highball glass and enjoy the taste of Australia in the USA. Get your juicer ready and start mixing!
Koala Cooler Ingredients
- 30 ml Rum Bundaberg
- 10 ml Sugar Syrup
- 15 ml Lemon juice
- 45 ml Lemon Syrup
- 190 ml Ice
- Lemon Peel
Koala Cooler Equipment
- juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice
Koala Cooler Recipe
- consider making fresh Lemon juice you can press fruit yourself (be careful - fresh juice stays good only 12 hours)
- mix the ingredients together with ice
- fill Highball glass halfway with ice
Recommend: serve in Highball glass
The highball (or hi-ball) and collins glasses have a lot in common. They can both be used for tall beverages and hold the same amount of liquid, which can range from 8 to 16 ounces.How to Make the Perfect Koala Cooler: A Bartender's Guide
Are you looking for a refreshing, citrusy cocktail that will take you on a trip down under? Look no further than the Koala Cooler. This Australian-inspired cocktail is perfect for any occasion, from a summer barbecue to a cozy night in. As a professional bartender, I've served my fair share of Koala Coolers, and I'm here to share my tips and tricks to make the perfect one every time.
Popularity
The Koala Cooler is a relatively new cocktail, having been created in the early 2000s. It was first introduced by the Australian rum brand, Bundaberg, which is famous for its distinctively sweet and smooth flavor. The cocktail quickly became popular in Australia and has since spread to other parts of the world.
The Koala Cooler is known for its refreshing taste and bright yellow color. It's typically served in a tall glass, such as a highball, and garnished with a lemon peel. The cocktail is perfect for warm weather, as it's light and citrusy.
Ingredients
The key to making a delicious Koala Cooler is using quality ingredients. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and their role in the cocktail:
- Rum: The star of the show. Bundaberg rum is the traditional choice, but any high-quality rum will work.
- Sugar syrup: Adds sweetness to the cocktail.
- Lemon juice: Provides the tartness that balances out the sweetness.
- Lemon syrup: Another source of sweetness, but with the added flavor of lemon.
- Ice: Essential for keeping the cocktail cool and refreshing.
- Lemon peel: Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and extra lemon flavor.
How to Garnish
Garnishing a Koala Cooler is simple but important. First, take a lemon peel and twist it over the glass to release the oils. Then, place the peel on the rim of the glass. This adds a burst of lemon aroma and flavor to each sip.
Variations
One of the great things about the Koala Cooler is that it's easy to customize. Here are some variations to try:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
To make a non-alcoholic version of the Koala Cooler, simply omit the rum and add more lemon syrup or sugar syrup to taste. You can also add a splash of soda water for some fizz.
Gluten-Free Version
All of the ingredients in the Koala Cooler are naturally gluten-free, so no substitutions are needed.
Vegan Version
The Koala Cooler is already vegan, as it contains no animal products.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version of the Koala Cooler, swap the sugar syrup for a keto-friendly sweetener, such as monk fruit or stevia. Be sure to use a sugar-free lemon syrup as well.
Low-Calorie Version
To cut down on calories, use a sugar-free sweetener instead of sugar syrup. You can also use a lower-calorie rum or omit it entirely.
Common Mistakes When Making
While the Koala Cooler is a relatively simple cocktail to make, there are a few common mistakes that can be easily avoided:
- Using low-quality rum: The rum is the star of the show in this cocktail, so be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
- Using too much lemon juice: While lemon juice is essential to the cocktail, using too much can make it overly tart and unbalanced.
- Not using enough ice: The Koala Cooler should be served cold, so be sure to use plenty of ice to keep it cool.
- Forgetting the lemon peel garnish: The lemon peel adds an extra burst of flavor and aroma to the cocktail, so don't skip it.
Now that you know all the tips and tricks for making the perfect Koala Cooler, it's time to try it out for yourself. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing cocktail or want to impress your guests at your next party, the Koala Cooler is sure to be a hit. Cheers!
If you are going to order Koala Cooler in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Koala Cooler can be served with different ingredients in different places.
