Atomic Bomb Recipe

Atomic Bomb Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Atomic Bomb cocktail is a potent mix that was popularized in the 1950s, during the height of the Cold War. The name is a nod to the era's obsession with nuclear power and the fear of atomic warfare. This cocktail is for those who appreciate a strong, fiery drink with a hint of sweetness to balance out the kick.

How Atomic Bomb Tastes?

The Atomic Bomb is a strong, fiery cocktail with a potent kick. The sweetness of the pineapple juice balances the strong alcohol content, while the Tabasco sauce adds a spicy, peppery note that lingers on the palate.

Interesting facts about Atomic Bomb

  • The Atomic Bomb cocktail was popularized in the 1950s, during the height of the Cold War.
  • Despite its strong alcohol content, the sweetness of the pineapple juice and the heat from the Tabasco sauce make it surprisingly palatable.
  • The name 'Atomic Bomb' is a nod to the era's obsession with nuclear power and atomic warfare.

Ingredients

A few good options for Atomic Bomb are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

Vodka provides a clean, strong alcohol base to which the other flavors can anchor. Its neutral taste makes it an ideal spirit for mixing, ensuring the pineapple juice and Tabasco can shine. If less vodka is used, the drink becomes less potent and the kick could become overshadowed by the sweetness. Too much vodka, and the balance is lost; the drink becomes overly harsh.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

The sweet and tangy flavor of pineapple juice not only adds a tropical flair but also helps to temper the spicy Tabasco sauce. Without sufficient pineapple juice, the shot might be too spicy and unbalanced. If you use more, it could become too sweet and the heat from the Tabasco would be muted.

Mary Mitkina

Tabasco Sauce

A couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce give the 'Atomic Bomb' its explosive name. It introduces a spicy element that contrasts with the sweetness of pineapple juice. Omitting Tabasco would mean missing out on the shot's signature heat. Using too much could overpower the other ingredients.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Atomic Bomb Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add 2 oz of vodka, 4 oz of pineapple juice, and 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Serve and enjoy.

Pro Tips

  • Use a high-quality vodka for a smoother taste.
  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to properly mix the ingredients.
  • Serve in a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cold for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Spicy Mexican dishes: The fiery kick of the Tabasco will complement the heat from Mexican cuisine, such as tacos or nachos.
  • Grilled seafood: The tropical notes of pineapple juice pair beautifully with the smoky flavor of grilled shrimp or fish.
  • Fried appetizers: The sharpness of the vodka can cut through the grease of fried foods like onion rings or calamari.

Drink Pairings

  • Light beers: A crisp lager will balance out the zesty spice of the shot.
  • Sparkling water with lime: To cleanse the palate and refresh after the intensity of the shot.

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What you could change in Atomic Bomb

If you don't have Tabasco sauce, you can substitute it with any other hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can replace the vodka with rum.

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

Green Dragon

  • Substitute Tabasco Sauce with Green Chili Sauce.
  • Add a slice of jalapeño pepper into the shaker. This version introduces a fresh, herbaceous heat instead of the vinegar kick of Tabasco. It's slightly milder and adds a green twist to the original plot, perfect for those who enjoy their spice with a hint of garden freshness.

Sunken Treasure

  • Add a splash of blue curaçao to the mix.
  • Garnish with a cherry at the bottom of the shot glass. This adds an aquatic hue and a slight orange flavor, reminiscent of exotic islands and buried treasure. The cherry waits as a sweet reward at the end of the fiery shot.

Tropical Heatwave

  • Use coconut-flavored vodka instead of regular vodka.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top after pouring. The coconut flavor brings another layer of tropical complexity, and the cinnamon adds warmth, creating a shot that feels like a sunny beach day with a sudden spicy surprise.

In case you forgot basics how to make Atomic Bomb

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Atomic Bomb

What is the origin of the name 'Atomic Bomb' for this cocktail?

The name 'Atomic Bomb' for this cocktail came from the era it was popularized in - the 1950s, a time when there was an obsession with nuclear power and the fear of atomic warfare.

Why is there a mix of sweet and spicy flavors in this cocktail?

The Atomic Bomb is designed to offer a unique taste experience, pairing the sweetness of pineapple juice with the spiciness of Tabasco sauce. This combination creates a flavorful kick that makes the cocktail interesting and refreshing.

Can I use pineapple syrup instead of juice?

Yes, you can substitute pineapple juice with pineapple syrup. However, it may make the cocktail sweeter, and you may need to adjust other ingredients to balance the taste.

What type of glass is best for serving the Atomic Bomb?

This cocktail is best served in a chilled cocktail glass to keep the it cold for longer.

Is it safe to consume multiple Atomic Bombs in a short amount of time?

While the final decision is up to the drinker, it's always advised to drink responsibly and be aware of the alcohol content in each cocktail. The Atomic Bomb is a strong cocktail, so moderation is key.

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