Fandango Cocktail Recipe

Fandango Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:14%

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 Fandango cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that has its origins in the 1920s. It was created by a bartender named Fernando, who worked at a popular bar in Havana, Cuba. The cocktail quickly gained popularity among the elite and was often enjoyed during the hot summer months. The Fandango is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail.

  • The Fandango was created in the 1920s in Havana, Cuba
  • It gained popularity among the elite and was often enjoyed during the hot summer months
  • The cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors

How Fandango Tastes?

The Fandango cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a refreshing and tangy taste with a hint of sweetness, making it a perfect drink for a hot summer day. The combination of citrus and pineapple gives it a tropical flair, while the rum adds a smooth and warming finish.

Interesting facts about Fandango

  • The Fandango cocktail was named after its creator, Fernando, who was a bartender in Havana, Cuba
  • The cocktail is often enjoyed during the hot summer months due to its refreshing and fruity flavors
  • The Fandango has a tropical flair, making it a popular choice for beach and poolside parties

Ingredients

White Rum

We kick things off with 2 oz of white rum because it's the life of the party, providing a clean, smooth and slightly sweet base. Too little rum and you might feel like it's mocktail hour, too much and it might be time to salsa with the floor.

Alex Green

Fresh Lime Juice

1 oz fresh lime juice adds a zesty tang, waking your taste buds up with a bang! Lime juice balances the sweetness. Without it, you might as well be sipping on a pineapple smoothie.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

Aloha to 1 oz of pineapple juice! It gives that tropical vibe and sweet, tangy flavor. Skip it and say goodbye to your fruity fantasies.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup

0.5 oz of simple syrup sweetens the deal. It's like the sugar in your coffee—without it, you're navigating a bitter rum sea. But don't get syrupy sweet or it'll overpower the other flavors.

Alex Green

Angostura Bitters

Couple dashes of Angostura Bitters and, whoa, complexity check! It's like adding a dash of spice to life—it ties the flavors together. Forget the bitters, and you’re missing that special je ne sais quoi.

Mary Mitkina

Maraschino Cherry

Then there’s the Maraschino Cherry. It's not just a pretty face; it adds depth with a hint of sweet almond-like flavor. Leave it out, and you ditch a classic cocktail charm.

Emma Rose

Garnish: Pineapple Wedge

Finally, dressing up with a pineapple wedge garnish isn't just for looks; it’s an invitation to tropical paradise with every sip. Without it, the drink loses its vacation vibe.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Fandango Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the white rum, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and Angostura bitters
  3. Shake well until chilled and combined
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure all ingredients are well combined
  • Use fresh lime juice for a more authentic and refreshing taste
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep the drink cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Foods

Caribbean or Tropical Dishes: The fruity and refreshing nature of the Fandango pairs perfectly with light and vibrant island fare, such as jerk chicken, grilled fish, or a tropical fruit salad.

Spicy Foods: The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the lime's acidity can help balance out spicier dishes like Thai or Indian curries.

Salty Snacks: The cocktail's sweetness and acidity will complement salty snacks like tortilla chips, pretzels, or salted nuts exceptionally well.

Drinks

Pairing with other drinks isn't typically recommended as it can alter the taste experience, but if you must, stick with light beverages like sparkling water to maintain palate freshness between sips.

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What you could change in Fandango

  • White Rum: Can be substituted with any other light rum
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Can be replaced with bottled lime juice, but fresh is always better
  • Simple Syrup: Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup

Explore all drinks starting with F here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut Fandango

  • Replace white rum with coconut rum
  • Add 0.5 oz of cream of coconut
  • Shake with a few leaves of fresh mint

Bringing in the beach with a coconut rum base and a touch of cream of coconut, this twist dials up the tropical meter. Your Fandango now has a creamy texture and the mint leaves add a refreshing kick; it's like sunbathing under palm trees—without the risk of a sunburn.

Spicy Mango Fandango

  • Add 0.5 oz of mango nectar
  • A small pinch of cayenne pepper

Spicing things up with mango nectar, your Fandango is sweeter and more exotic, while the cayenne pepper gives it a surprising warmth that's sure to intrigue. It's like a tropical storm in a glass, but the kind you definitely want to get caught in.

Herbal Fandango

  • Replace simple syrup with honey syrup
  • Add a sprig of fresh thyme

Swapping out the simple for honey syrup and throwing in some thyme, this twist adds herbal notes and a richer sweetness. You're taking your tastebuds on a herb garden tour with a sweet, syrupy guide. Herbalicious!

In case you forgot basics how to make Fandango

The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.

Learn everything about simple syrup

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Fandango

What's the alcohol content of a Fandango cocktail?

The alcohol content can vary, but it typically falls between 15-20% ABV (Alcohol by Volume), depending on the specific volume of white rum used.

Is the Fandango cocktail suitable for vegans?

Yes, the Fandango cocktail is suitable for vegans as it doesn't contain any animal products.

What other fruits could be used in the Fandango cocktail in place of pineapple?

While pineapple is traditional, you could experiment with other tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit to give a different flavor profile.

What kind of glassware should I use to serve the Fandango cocktail?

The Fandango cocktail is traditionally served in a highball or Collins glass, but can also be presented in a hurricane glass for a more tropical aesthetic.

Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Fandango cocktail?

Yes, a non-alcoholic or 'mocktail' version can be made by substituting the white rum for a non-alcoholic alternative, or simply by leaving it out altogether.

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