Get a taste of the tropics with this easy-to-make Spice Island drink recipe! Made with Kiwi Vodka, sugar, cinnamon, and ginger ale, this cocktail packs a punch of flavor. Add a squeeze of lime and a garnish of lime for a refreshing finish. Stir with a metal straw or bar spoon (if you're feeling fancy) and serve in a Highball glass. Perfect for beginner bartenders looking to impress their guests!
Spice Island Ingredients
- 1-1/2 oz Kiwi Vodka
- 1 tsp Sugar
- pinch Cinnamon
- 1/2 Lime
- Ginger Ale
- garnish Lime
Spice Island Equipment
- metal straw or teaspoon to stir properly, if you want to be a pro: use bar spoon
- muddler - don't give up when you don't have one, wooden spoon will save you
Spice Island Recipe
- stir the ingredients together with ice
- fill Highball glass half full with ice cubes
- use the Lime as 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 Kiwi Spice Island cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful drink that has been growing in popularity in recent years. It is known for its unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors, which is achieved through the use of different ingredients and garnishes. In this article, we will explore the history and origins of the Kiwi Spice Island cocktail, its appearance, ingredient roles, how to garnish it, variations, common mistakes when making it, and more.
Popularity
The Kiwi Spice Island cocktail has gained popularity thanks to its unique blend of flavors and its refreshing taste. The drink is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where it was first made with local spices and fruits. Over time, it spread to other parts of the world, where it was modified to suit local tastes and preferences.
The Kiwi Spice Island cocktail is famous for its use of kiwi vodka, which gives it a distinct flavor. The addition of sugar, cinnamon, and lime further enhances the taste, while ginger ale adds a refreshing fizz. The garnish of lime adds a touch of color and flavor to the drink, making it more visually appealing.
Ingredient Roles
The key ingredients in the Kiwi Spice Island cocktail are kiwi vodka, sugar, cinnamon, lime, and ginger ale. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the unique taste of the drink.
The kiwi vodka is the star ingredient of the cocktail, providing a fruity and slightly tart flavor. The sugar adds sweetness to the drink, while the cinnamon adds a spicy note. The lime provides a sour taste, which balances the sweetness of the sugar. Finally, the ginger ale adds a refreshing fizz and a hint of ginger, which complements the other flavors in the drink.
How to Garnish
Garnishing is an essential part of making a Kiwi Spice Island cocktail. A properly garnished drink not only looks more appealing but also enhances the flavors of the drink.
To garnish the cocktail, start by cutting a lime into thin slices. Squeeze one slice of lime into the drink and drop the rest into the glass. This will add a hint of lime flavor to the drink and make it more visually appealing. Finally, add a metal straw or a teaspoon to the glass and stir the drink properly. If you want to be a pro, you can use a bar spoon to stir the drink.
Variations
The Kiwi Spice Island cocktail can be modified to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations of the drink:
- Virgin/Mocktail Version: For a non-alcoholic version of the drink, omit the kiwi vodka and replace it with kiwi juice or syrup. The rest of the ingredients and garnishes remain the same.
- Gluten-Free Version: The Kiwi Spice Island cocktail is already gluten-free, but if you want to make it with gluten-free vodka, you can use brands like Tito's or Absolut.
- Vegan Version: The cocktail is already vegan, but if you want to make it with vegan vodka, you can use brands like Crop or Square One.
- Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of the drink, replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Use a sugar-free ginger ale like Zevia or Diet Schweppes.
- Low-Calorie Version: To make a low-calorie version of the drink, use a sugar-free ginger ale and reduce the amount of sugar to 1/2 tsp. Use a light kiwi vodka like Smirnoff or Ketel One.
Common Mistakes when Making
While making a Kiwi Spice Island cocktail is relatively easy, there are some common mistakes that people make. Here are some of them:
- Not using a muddler: A muddler is essential for crushing the lime and releasing its flavor. If you don't have a muddler, you can use a wooden spoon instead.
- Not stirring the drink properly: To ensure that all the ingredients are properly mixed, you need to stir the drink properly. Use a metal straw or a teaspoon to stir the drink. If you want to be a pro, use a bar spoon.
- Using the wrong type of vodka: The Kiwi Spice Island cocktail requires kiwi vodka, which is different from regular vodka. Make sure to use the correct type of vodka to get the right flavor.
- Using too much sugar: While sugar is essential for the drink, using too much of it can make the drink too sweet. Stick to the recommended amount of sugar to get the right balance of flavors.
- Not garnishing the drink properly: A poorly garnished drink can ruin the overall experience. Make sure to garnish the drink properly by adding lime slices and stirring the drink properly.
In conclusion, the Kiwi Spice Island cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is easy to make. With the right ingredients and garnishes, you can create a drink that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you want a non-alcoholic version or a low-calorie version, there are plenty of variations to choose from. Just remember to avoid the common mistakes and enjoy the drink responsibly. Cheers!
If you are going to order Spice Island in a bar, don’t forget to mention all the ingredients to the bartender. Spice Island can be served with different ingredients in different places.