Unwind like a pro with the Ruby Relaxer, a tropical cocktail that packs a punch! Made with cranberry and pineapple juice, Peach Schnapps, rum, and vodka, this fruity concoction is perfect for those seeking a refreshing escape. Impress your friends with this easy-to-make drink that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ruby Relaxer Ingredients

Ruby Relaxer Recipe

mix ingredients together
fill glass

The Ruby Relaxer: A Delicious and Versatile Cocktail

As a professional bartender, I've seen many cocktails come and go, but one that consistently remains popular is the Ruby Relaxer. It's sweet, fruity, and packs a punch, making it a favorite among many patrons. In this article, we'll explore the history and popularity of the Ruby Relaxer, its ingredient roles, how to garnish it, variations, and common mistakes when making it.

Popularity

The Ruby Relaxer is a relatively new cocktail that has gained popularity over the last few decades. Its origins are unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the southern United States. The drink is famous for its sweet and fruity taste, which makes it a popular choice for those who enjoy sweeter cocktails. It's also known for its vivid reddish-pink color, which is achieved by mixing cranberry and pineapple juice with alcohol.

The Ruby Relaxer has become a staple in many bars and restaurants across the country, especially in coastal areas. Its popularity has only continued to grow thanks to social media and the many variations that have been created over the years.

Ingredient Roles

The Ruby Relaxer is made up of five primary ingredients: cranberry juice, peach schnapps, pineapple juice, rum, and vodka. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the cocktail's sweet and fruity flavor.

Cranberry juice: Provides a tart flavor that balances out the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Peach schnapps: Adds a sweet, peachy flavor that complements the other fruits in the cocktail.
Pineapple juice: Adds a tropical, fruity flavor that enhances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Rum: Brings a warm, spicy flavor to the cocktail, and adds a kick of alcohol.
Vodka: Adds a neutral flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine, and also adds to the alcohol content.

When making a Ruby Relaxer, it's essential to use quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the juices. Fresh-squeezed juices will provide a much better flavor than bottled versions. As for the alcohol, it's essential to use high-quality brands to ensure the cocktail's flavor is not compromised.

How to Garnish

Garnishing your Ruby Relaxer can take it from a standard cocktail to a work of art. There are many ways to garnish this cocktail, but the most common is to use a slice of fresh pineapple and a cherry. Simply slide the pineapple wedge onto the rim of the glass and place the cherry on top of the pineapple. This simple garnish adds a pop of color and a touch of tropical flair to the cocktail.

Another popular garnish for the Ruby Relaxer is to rim the glass with sugar. This adds a sweet touch to the cocktail and enhances the overall presentation. To rim the glass, simply dip the rim into a shallow dish of sugar, making sure to coat the entire rim.

Variations

The Ruby Relaxer is a versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some of the most popular variations of the cocktail:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

For those who prefer not to consume alcohol, a virgin or mocktail version of the Ruby Relaxer is the perfect alternative. Simply omit the rum and vodka, and replace them with additional pineapple and cranberry juice to maintain the cocktail's flavor and sweetness.

Gluten-Free Version

Many people follow a gluten-free diet, making it essential to find cocktails that cater to their dietary needs. The Ruby Relaxer is naturally gluten-free, but it's essential to ensure that the ingredients used are also gluten-free. Brands such as Ocean Spray and Dole offer gluten-free versions of their juices, which can be used in the cocktail.

Vegan Version

For those following a vegan diet, it's essential to ensure that the ingredients used in the cocktail are also vegan-friendly. Many brands of peach schnapps contain dairy or other animal products, so it's essential to check the label before purchasing. Brands such as DeKuyper and Hiram Walker offer vegan-friendly versions of their schnapps.

Keto Version

For those following a keto diet, it's essential to find cocktails that are low in carbs and sugar. To make a keto-friendly Ruby Relaxer, omit the pineapple juice and reduce the amount of cranberry juice used. Replace the peach schnapps with a sugar-free version, and use a low-carb rum and vodka.

Low-Calorie Version

For those looking to reduce their calorie intake, a low-calorie version of the Ruby Relaxer is easy to make. Use a sugar-free version of the peach schnapps, and reduce the amount of cranberry juice used. Use fresh-squeezed pineapple juice to maintain the cocktail's flavor and sweetness.

Common Mistakes When Making

Like any cocktail, there are common mistakes that bartenders and home mixologists make when creating a Ruby Relaxer. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Using low-quality ingredients: Using low-quality juices or alcohol will compromise the flavor of the cocktail.
Not balancing the sweetness: The Ruby Relaxer is a sweet cocktail, but it's essential to balance the sweetness with a tart flavor. Use fresh-squeezed cranberry juice and avoid adding too much peach schnapps.
Overpouring alcohol: The Ruby Relaxer is a strong cocktail, but it's essential to measure the alcohol carefully to ensure the cocktail doesn't become too potent.
Not garnishing the cocktail: Garnishing the cocktail adds a touch of flair and enhances the overall presentation.

In conclusion, the Ruby Relaxer is a delicious and versatile cocktail that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a low-calorie version or a vegan-friendly option, the Ruby Relaxer has got you covered. Just remember to use high-quality ingredients, balance the sweetness, and garnish the cocktail to make it truly shine. Cheers!

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

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Ruby Relaxer Drink recipe