Polynesian Drink recipe

Shake up your bartending skills with our Polynesian Cocktail recipe! Made with vodka, cherry brandy, lime juice, and powdered sugar, this tropical drink is perfect for any occasion. Use a shaker to strain out any large ingredients and serve in a fancy cocktail glass. Impress your guests and transport them to the islands with each sip!

Polynesian Cocktail Ingredients

• 11/2 oz Vodka
• 3/4 oz cherry brandy
• 1 of) Lime
• 1  powdered sugar

Polynesian Cocktail Equipment

Polynesian Cocktail Recipe

Recommend: serve in Cocktail glass

The Polynesian Cocktail: A Tiki Classic

If you're looking for a tropical escape in a glass, look no further than the Polynesian Cocktail. This tiki classic is a sweet and sour concoction that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day, or any time you want to transport yourself to a far-off island paradise. In this article, we'll explore the history and popularity of the Polynesian Cocktail, its key ingredients and garnishes, and some variations on the classic recipe.

Popularity

The Polynesian Cocktail has its roots in the tiki culture of the mid-20th century, when Americans were fascinated with Polynesian culture and cuisine. The drink was first popularized in the 1940s and 50s by tiki bars like Trader Vic's, and has since become a staple of the tiki cocktail canon.

The origins of the Polynesian Cocktail are somewhat murky, but it's believed to have been inspired by the tropical fruit punches of the Caribbean and South Pacific. The drink is famous for its bright red color, which comes from the cherry brandy that's a key ingredient. The lime juice adds a tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cherry brandy and powdered sugar.

The Polynesian Cocktail's popularity has endured for decades, thanks in part to its eye-catching appearance and tropical flavor profile. It's a favorite of tiki enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike, and can be found on menus at tiki bars and upscale lounges all over the world.

Ingredient Roles

To make a classic Polynesian Cocktail, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz vodka
• 3/4 oz cherry brandy
• Juice of one lime
• 1 tsp powdered sugar

The vodka provides a neutral base for the drink, while the cherry brandy adds sweetness and a distinctive cherry flavor. The lime juice provides the tartness that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients, and the powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps to thicken the drink slightly.

How to Garnish

To garnish a Polynesian Cocktail, you'll want to add a slice of lime and a cherry to the rim of the glass. You can also add a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness and color. Some bartenders like to add a paper umbrella or other tiki-themed decoration to enhance the drink's tropical vibe.

Variations

While the classic Polynesian Cocktail recipe is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this tiki classic. Here are a few variations to try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a non-alcoholic version of the Polynesian Cocktail, simply omit the vodka and cherry brandy and replace them with a splash of grenadine or cherry juice. You can also add a bit of sparkling water or soda for some fizz.

Gluten-Free Version

All of the ingredients in the classic Polynesian Cocktail recipe are gluten-free, so there's no need to make any substitutions.

Vegan Version

Again, all of the ingredients in the Polynesian Cocktail are vegan-friendly, so there's no need to make any substitutions here either.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of the Polynesian Cocktail, you'll want to replace the powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia or erythritol. You can also replace the cherry brandy with a sugar-free cherry syrup.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a lower-calorie version of the Polynesian Cocktail, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or substitute it with a low-calorie sweetener like Splenda. You can also reduce the amount of cherry brandy or replace it with a lower-calorie cherry juice.

Common Mistakes When Making

While the Polynesian Cocktail is a relatively simple drink to make, there are a few common mistakes that can trip up even experienced bartenders. Here are a few tips to avoid these pitfalls:

• Use fresh lime juice: Don't use bottled lime juice, as it won't have the same bright, fresh flavor as freshly squeezed lime juice.
• Don't overdo the powdered sugar: The powdered sugar is meant to add a touch of sweetness and help thicken the drink slightly, but too much can make the drink cloyingly sweet.
• Strain the drink properly: Use a shaker with a strainer to remove any large pieces of ingredients (like fruit parts or seeds) from the drink before serving.
• Use quality ingredients: The Polynesian Cocktail is a simple drink, but it relies on quality ingredients to really shine. Use a high-quality vodka and cherry brandy for the best results.

In conclusion, the Polynesian Cocktail is a classic tiki drink that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. With its bright red color and sweet and sour flavor profile, it's sure to transport you to a tropical paradise. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just looking to try something new, the Polynesian Cocktail is a must-try drink that's sure to impress.

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