Barracuda Cocktail Recipe

Jump to Recipe ⬇️

Barracuda Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:16%

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: January 7, 2024

History

The Barracuda cocktail is believed to have originated in the 1960s, although its exact origins are unclear. Some say it was created by a bartender in San Francisco, while others believe it was first made in the Caribbean. Regardless of its origins, the Barracuda has become a popular cocktail among those who enjoy tropical, fruity drinks. Its combination of rum, pineapple, and lime makes it a refreshing choice for warm summer evenings or beachside vacations.

  • The Barracuda is often associated with tiki culture and tropical-themed bars
  • It has been featured in various cocktail books and bartending guides over the years
  • The cocktail is often served in a tall, slender glass, which showcases its vibrant colors and layers

How Barracuda Tastes?

The Barracuda cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the tanginess of the lime juice create a refreshing, fruity base, while the rum adds a warm, rich depth. The Galliano liqueur provides a subtle hint of herbal bitterness, balancing out the overall taste and making it a well-rounded, satisfying drink.

Interesting facts about Barracuda

  • The Barracuda is named after the predatory fish found in tropical and subtropical waters, known for its speed and agility
  • The cocktail is sometimes referred to as a 'tiki drink' due to its tropical flavors and presentation
  • The Barracuda has been featured in various cocktail competitions, showcasing its popularity among bartenders and mixologists

Ingredients

Rum

Rum provides the strong backbone for the cocktail with its rich and sometimes sweet, molasses-derived flavors. At 1.5 oz, it's just the right amount to let you know it's there without knocking you overboard. Without it, you'd lose the heart of the cocktail—like a pirate without a ship!

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice adds a tropical sweetness and a fruit-forward profile, balancing the acidity and enhancing the drink's overall refreshment factor. Missing out on the 2 oz of pineapple would be like missing a beach on a tropical vacation—very noticeable.

Emma Rose

Lime Juice

The 0.5 oz of lime juice brings a crisp tartness, balancing the sweetness of the pineapple and rum, keeping the drink from becoming cloyingly sweet. Without this citrus zing, it would be like a day without sunshine.

Mary Mitkina

Galliano

Galliano, at 0.5 oz, is the mystical spice drawer of the cocktail, providing an herbal undertone and subtle vanilla sweetness. Without it, the Barracuda would lack depth—like a beach without sand.

Alex Green

Prosecco

Prosecco bubbles add a festive flair and help to lighten up the cocktail, giving it a celebratory vibe. At 1 oz, it's enough to tickle your nose without overwhelming the delicate balance of the other ingredients. Without the sparkle of Prosecco, it would be like a firework show with no finale.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Barracuda Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice
  2. Add the rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Galliano to the shaker
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a tall, slender glass filled with ice
  5. Top with Prosecco
  6. Gently stir to combine the layers
  7. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant and refreshing taste
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer
  • Add the Prosecco last to maintain its bubbly texture

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Crab cakes pair wonderfully with the sweet and tropical flavors of the Barracuda cocktail.
  • Shrimp cocktail, especially when served with a tangy sauce, provides a delightful contrast to the cocktail's sweetness.

Entrees

  • Grilled white fish like mahi-mahi or sea bass complements the fruity and refreshing nature of the Barracuda cocktail.
  • Jerk chicken or pork with its spicy and aromatic profile can stand up to the bold flavors of the cocktail.

Desserts

  • Coconut-based desserts such as coconut cream pie or flan echo the tropical notes in the drink.
  • Pineapple upside-down cake for a harmonious match with the pineapple juice in the cocktail.

🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹

Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

What you could change in Barracuda

  • Rum: Can be substituted with vodka for a lighter taste
  • Galliano: If unavailable, can be replaced with another herbal liqueur like Strega
  • Prosecco: Champagne or any other sparkling wine can be used

Explore all drinks starting with B here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Barracuda

  • Ingredients: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, muddling the jalapeño slices with the rum before adding the other ingredients. Shake, strain, and top with Prosecco as usual.
  • Flavor: The Spicy Barracuda will surprise you with a hot kick that plays well with the sweet and tangy profile—it's like a tropical holiday with a dash of adventure.

Berry-cuda

  • Ingredients: Substitute raspberry liqueur for Galliano.
  • Recipe: Mix as per the original, but with the fruity substitution.
  • Flavor: The Berry-cuda takes a berrylicious turn, adding a touch of berry tartness and color to the cocktail, making it a more berry interesting choice.

Sunset Barracuda

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of grenadine.
  • Recipe: Shake all ingredients except Prosecco and grenadine, strain into a glass, pour grenadine over the back of a spoon to layer, and finish with Prosecco.
  • Flavor: As the grenadine sinks, it creates a beautiful sunset effect, adding a hint of sweet pomegranate flavor—it's evening beach vibes in a glass.

In case you forgot basics how to make Barracuda

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

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

Find the cocktail you'd love!

If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!

Frequently Asked Questions on Barracuda

What type of rum is preferred for making a Barracuda cocktail?

While the variety of rum can depend on personal preference, a light or gold rum is often used in a Barracuda cocktail.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Barracuda cocktail?

Yes, you can substitute the rum with a non-alcoholic rum-flavored syrup and replace the Prosecco with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine.

Does the Barracuda cocktail pair well with any particular foods?

The tropical, fruity flavor of the Barracuda goes well with spicy and grilled food, especially seafood and dishes with tropical fruits.

What is the appropriate occasion for serving a Barracuda cocktail?

While it can be served on any occasion, Barracuda cocktails are especially fitting for tropical-themed parties, beach gatherings, and summer barbecues.

More similar recipes to Barracuda!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe