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Scorpion Drink recipe

Highball glass

Get stung by the Scorpion - a refreshing and tropical cocktail that's perfect for any occasion. Mix up 1 oz of white rum, 1/2 oz of Cognac, 2 oz of orange juice, 1/2 oz of Orgeat Syrup, and 1/2 oz of lemon juice in a shaker. Strain the mixture and pour it over ice in a highball glass. Top it off with club soda and a garnish of fresh mint. It's the perfect drink to impress your friends and family with your bartending skills. Get ready to be the life of the party!


Scorpion Ingredients

Scorpion Equipment

  • shaker with strainer - get rid of large pieces of ingredients (ex: fruit parts, seeds)
  • juicer, squeezer manual or automatic - if you mind using fresh juice

Scorpion Recipe

  1. optionally make fresh Orange juice you can squeeze the juice yourself (once squeezed, fresh juice lasts good about 12 hours)
  2. fill a shaker half full with ice cubes so you can properly chill ingredients
  3. shake till perfectly chilled
  4. serve in Highball glass half full with ice cubes
  5. use Mint for garnish

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 Scorpion cocktail is a classic tiki drink that has been around since the 1940s. It is famous for its unique combination of rum, cognac, orange juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice. This cocktail is a favorite among tiki enthusiasts and is known for its tropical flavor and appearance. In this article, we will explore the history and popularity of the Scorpion cocktail, the roles of its ingredients, how to garnish it, and some variations to suit various dietary preferences.

Popularity

History and Origins

The Scorpion cocktail first appeared on the scene in the 1940s, during the tiki craze in America. It was created by Don the Beachcomber, a famous tiki bar owner, and restaurateur. The drink was named after a popular Polynesian dance and was meant to transport drinkers to a tropical paradise. The cocktail gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s when tiki culture was at its peak. Today, the Scorpion cocktail remains a classic tiki drink and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Famous For

The Scorpion cocktail is famous for its unique combination of rum, cognac, orange juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice. The drink is known for its tropical flavor and appearance, with a bright orange color and a mint garnish. The cocktail is often served in a highball glass with crushed ice, making it a refreshing drink for a hot summer day.

Geographic

The Scorpion cocktail is popular all over the world, but it is especially popular in the United States. It is a staple at tiki bars and restaurants, and many people enjoy making it at home. The drink is often associated with Polynesian culture and is a favorite among tiki enthusiasts.

Appearance

The Scorpion cocktail has a bright orange color and is often served in a highball glass with crushed ice. It is garnished with mint, which adds a refreshing aroma and flavor to the drink. The cocktail is often served with a straw and a small umbrella, which adds to its tropical appearance.

Ingredient Roles

The Scorpion cocktail is made with a unique combination of ingredients, each of which plays an important role in the drink's flavor and appearance.

White Rum

White rum is the base spirit in the Scorpion cocktail. It adds a tropical flavor and a slight sweetness to the drink. It is important to use a high-quality white rum to ensure that the cocktail has a smooth and balanced flavor.

Cognac

Cognac is a type of brandy that is made from grapes. It adds a rich and complex flavor to the Scorpion cocktail, with notes of oak and vanilla. Cognac is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Sidecar and the Brandy Alexander.

Orange Juice

Orange juice adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the Scorpion cocktail. It is important to use fresh-squeezed orange juice to ensure that the cocktail has a bright and natural flavor. Orange juice is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Screwdriver and the Mimosa.

Orgeat Syrup

Orgeat syrup is a sweet syrup that is made from almonds, sugar, and water. It adds a nutty and sweet flavor to the Scorpion cocktail and helps to balance out the acidity of the citrus juices. Orgeat syrup is a key ingredient in many classic tiki drinks, including the Mai Tai and the Zombie.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds a tart and sour flavor to the Scorpion cocktail. It helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients and adds a bright and refreshing flavor to the drink. Lemon juice is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Whiskey Sour and the Tom Collins.

Club Soda

Club soda is used to top off the Scorpion cocktail and add a bit of effervescence to the drink. It helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients and adds a refreshing fizz to the cocktail.

Mint

Mint is used as a garnish in the Scorpion cocktail. It adds a refreshing aroma and flavor to the drink and helps to balance out the sweetness of the other ingredients. Mint is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails, including the Mojito and the Julep.

How to Garnish

Garnishing the Scorpion cocktail is an important part of the drink's presentation. Here's how to garnish the cocktail:

  1. Take a small sprig of fresh mint and gently bruise it by slapping it against your palm.
  2. Place the mint sprig in the glass, so that the leaves are just above the rim.
  3. Add a small amount of crushed ice to the glass and pour the Scorpion cocktail over the ice.
  4. Insert a straw and enjoy!

Variations

The Scorpion cocktail can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:

Virgin/Mocktail Version

To make a virgin version of the Scorpion cocktail, simply omit the rum and cognac and increase the amount of orange juice and orgeat syrup. You can also add a splash of pineapple juice for an extra tropical flavor.

Gluten-Free Version

The Scorpion cocktail is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free rum and cognac. Some good gluten-free rum brands include Bacardi and Captain Morgan, while Hennessy and Martell are gluten-free cognac options.

Vegan Version

To make a vegan version of the Scorpion cocktail, simply use a vegan orgeat syrup. You can also use a plant-based rum, such as those made by Plantation or Flor de Caña.

Keto Version

To make a keto version of the Scorpion cocktail, simply omit the orgeat syrup and use a low-carb sweetener, such as stevia or erythritol. You can also use a sugar-free orange juice, such as Trop50.

Low-Calorie Version

To make a low-calorie version of the Scorpion cocktail, simply omit the cognac and use a low-calorie rum, such as Bacardi Light. You can also use a sugar-free orgeat syrup, such as the one made by Torani.

Common Mistakes When Making

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making the Scorpion cocktail:

  • Using low-quality ingredients: It's important to use high-quality ingredients when making the Scorpion cocktail to ensure that it has a smooth and balanced flavor.
  • Using bottled juice: Fresh-squeezed juice is essential for the Scorpion cocktail's bright and natural flavor. Avoid using bottled juice whenever possible.
  • Overmixing: Overmixing the Scorpion cocktail can dilute the flavors and make the drink less enjoyable. Be sure to shake the cocktail gently and only for as long as necessary.
  • Forgetting the garnish: The mint garnish is an important part of the Scorpion cocktail's presentation. Be sure to include it in the drink for the full experience.

In conclusion, the Scorpion cocktail is a classic tiki drink that is famous for its tropical flavor and appearance. With its unique combination of rum, cognac, orange juice, orgeat syrup, and lemon juice, this drink is a favorite among tiki enthusiasts all over the world. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a customized version to suit your dietary preferences, the Scorpion cocktail is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for any occasion.

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

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