Get ready to feel the explosion of flavors with our New Orleans Hand Grenade drink recipe! This highball glass cocktail packs a punch with gin, grain alcohol, melon liqueur, rum, and vodka. Perfect for the beginning bartender looking to impress. Mix it up and enjoy the taste of the Big Easy!
New Orleans Hand Grenade Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Gin
- 1.5 oz Grain Alcohol
- 1.5 oz Melon liqueur
- 1.5 oz Rum
- 1.5 oz Vodka
New Orleans Hand Grenade Recipe
- mix ingredients together
- pour into glass
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.The New Orleans Hand Grenade: A Cocktail with a History
If you're a cocktail lover, chances are you've heard of the New Orleans Hand Grenade. This famous drink has been a staple of the New Orleans party scene for decades, and it's easy to see why. With a unique combination of ingredients and a distinctive appearance, the Hand Grenade is a drink that's sure to impress. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the Hand Grenade, its ingredients, variations, and how to avoid common mistakes when making it.
Popularity
The Hand Grenade is a cocktail that's closely associated with New Orleans. It was first created in the 1980s by a group of bartenders at the Tropical Isle bar in the French Quarter. The drink was an instant hit, and it quickly became one of the most popular cocktails in the city. Today, you can find Hand Grenades at bars and restaurants throughout New Orleans, as well as at many other bars across the country.
The Hand Grenade is famous for its distinctive appearance. The drink is served in a tall, plastic cup that's shaped like a hand grenade. The cup is green and has a handle, making it easy to carry around while you're out and about. The drink itself is a bright green color, thanks to the melon liqueur that's used in the recipe.
Ingredients
The Hand Grenade is made with a combination of five different liquors: gin, grain alcohol, melon liqueur, rum, and vodka. Each of these ingredients plays a unique role in the final product. The gin and vodka provide a neutral base, while the grain alcohol adds extra strength. The melon liqueur gives the drink its distinctive green color and a sweet, fruity flavor. The rum adds a bit of depth and complexity, while still keeping the overall flavor profile light and refreshing.
How to Garnish
No Hand Grenade would be complete without a garnish. Traditionally, the drink is served with a cherry and a slice of lime. Some bars and restaurants also add a plastic sword or other novelty item to the top of the drink, to give it a bit of extra flair.
Variations
Like any popular cocktail, the Hand Grenade has inspired a number of variations over the years. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
Virgin/Mocktail Version
If you're looking for a non-alcoholic version of the Hand Grenade, you can simply leave out the alcohol and replace it with a bit of extra fruit juice or soda. This version is perfect for anyone who's looking for a refreshing, fruity drink without the buzz.
Gluten-Free Version
All of the liquors used in the Hand Grenade are gluten-free, so there's no need to make any substitutions. However, if you're serving the drink to someone who's gluten intolerant, be sure to use a gluten-free garnish.
Vegan Version
The Hand Grenade is already a vegan cocktail by default. None of the ingredients contain animal products, so there's no need to make any substitutions.
Keto Version
The Hand Grenade is not a particularly keto-friendly cocktail, as it contains a lot of sugar from the melon liqueur. If you're following a keto diet, you'll need to make some substitutions to make this drink work. You can replace the melon liqueur with a sugar-free alternative, and use a low-carb sweetener instead of the cherry garnish.
Low-Calorie Version
If you're watching your calories, you can make a few simple substitutions to create a lower-calorie version of the Hand Grenade. Use a sugar-free melon liqueur, and replace the grain alcohol with soda water. You can also skip the cherry garnish to save a few extra calories.
Common Mistakes When Making
While the Hand Grenade is a relatively simple cocktail to make, there are a few common mistakes that you'll want to avoid. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Don't overdo it on the melon liqueur. While this ingredient is what gives the Hand Grenade its distinctive flavor, too much of it can make the drink cloyingly sweet.
- Use a light hand when pouring the grain alcohol. This ingredient is very strong, and too much of it can overpower the other flavors in the drink.
- Don't skimp on the garnish. The cherry and lime slice are an important part of the Hand Grenade's overall appearance and flavor.
In conclusion, the New Orleans Hand Grenade is a cocktail with a fascinating history, a unique appearance, and a delicious flavor. Whether you're in New Orleans or elsewhere, this drink is definitely worth trying. And with a few simple substitutions, you can make a version that's perfect for almost any dietary need. So why not give it a try?
If you are going to order New Orleans Hand Grenade in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. New Orleans Hand Grenade can be served with different ingredients in different places.
