Pink Cadillac Cocktail Recipe

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Pink Cadillac Nutrition Facts

Calories:300

Fat:5g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:30g

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: January 7, 2024

History

The Pink Cadillac cocktail is a fruity and colorful drink that gained popularity in the 1980s. It was named after the iconic pink Cadillac car, which was a symbol of luxury and style during that time. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity flavors, making it a popular choice for parties and celebrations.

How Pink Cadillac Tastes?

The Pink Cadillac cocktail has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of tartness from the cranberry juice. The combination of orange liqueur and pineapple juice gives it a tropical and refreshing flavor, while the creaminess of the coconut milk balances out the acidity.

Interesting facts about Pink Cadillac

  • The Pink Cadillac cocktail was named after the iconic pink Cadillac car, which was a symbol of luxury and style during the 1980s.
  • This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity flavors, making it a popular choice for parties and celebrations.
  • The combination of orange liqueur, pineapple juice, and coconut milk gives the Pink Cadillac a tropical and refreshing flavor.

Ingredients

A few good options for Pink Cadillac are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The vodka serves as the primary alcohol base for the Pink Cadillac, providing a neutral background that allows the flavors of the other ingredients to shine. Using 1 oz ensures a balanced strength; more could overpower, less might underwhelm. If omitted, you’d lose the cocktail’s kick, but you could substitute with white rum for a different kind of warmth.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Liqueur

Orange liqueur adds a sweet citrus zing and a hint of complexity. It complements the tropical profile and bridges the gap between the sharp vodka and the creamy coconut. Without it, the cocktail might taste flat. A substitute could be triple sec or Cointreau for similar effects.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice delivers a tropical punch and a touch of acidity that can brighten up the drink. 1 oz balances the sweetness and tang; too much might make it too acidic, too little and you’d miss out on the tropical vibe. No pineapple juice? Try mango or papaya juice for a twist.

Alex Green

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice contributes to the 'pink' color and adds a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the other ingredients. It also helps to round out the flavor profile. Lose the cranberry, and you lose some zing. If you're out of cranberry, a splash of raspberry or pomegranate juice could step in.

Mary Mitkina

Coconut Milk

The coconut milk adds a creamy, rich texture, and a bit of exotic flair. It melds the fruit and alcohol together into a smooth concoction. Too much could make the drink overly rich, too little, and you'd lack the tropical creaminess. You could go with coconut cream for an even richer taste.

Emma Rose

Ice

It chills the drink, making it more refreshing, particularly on hot days. No ice makes for a less invigorating cocktail experience. Ice also dilutes the drink a bit as it melts, which some find pleasing for strong cocktails.

Alex Green

Garnish

A maraschino cherry and pineapple wedge don’t just add visual appeal; they hint at the flavors within and offer a nibble to enjoy with the drink—the cherry adds a touch of sweetness, while the pineapple echoes the juice in the cocktail.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Pink Cadillac Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the vodka, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and coconut milk to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until all ingredients are well combined and chilled.
  4. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a pineapple wedge.

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more refreshing taste.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese plates: A selection of mild to medium cheeses, such as brie, gouda, or Monterey Jack, will complement the cocktail's sweet and fruity flavor.
  • Seafood dishes: Light seafood like grilled shrimp or seared scallops will pair nicely without overpowering the drink's delicate tropical notes.
  • Sushi: The clean, fresh flavors of sushi, especially those with tropical fruit elements, echo the fruity components in the Pink Cadillac.

Desserts

  • Fruit tarts: A dessert with a balance of sweet and tart, such as a lemon or raspberry tart, will pair beautifully.
  • Coconut-based desserts: Anything with coconut, like coconut cake or macaroons, will echo the tropical vibe of the drink.
  • Chocolate: Light chocolate desserts, such as chocolate fondue with fruit for dipping, will complement the cocktail without being too heavy.

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What you could change in Pink Cadillac

  • Vodka: Can be substituted with white rum or gin.
  • Orange Liqueur: Can be substituted with triple sec or Cointreau.
  • Coconut Milk: Can be substituted with coconut cream for a richer taste.

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And of course - twists🍹

Tropical Sunset

  • Swap vodka for coconut rum to dive deeper into the tropical feels.
  • Use 0.5 oz of grenadine instead of cranberry juice for a sweeter, gradient effect.
  • Add a splash of orange juice.
  • Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. This version will have a more pronounced coconut flavor with a beautiful sunset-like presentation, sweeter and with an extra citrus kick.

Pink Cadillac Cream

  • Use full-fat coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer texture.
  • Add a splash of half & half.
  • Rim the glass with pink sugar.
  • Skip the orange liqueur and use vanilla vodka instead. Richer, creamier, and with a hint of vanilla, it's like a tropical dessert in a glass—decadent and perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Berry Bliss

  • Substitute cranberry juice with a mixed berry puree for a deeper berry flavor.
  • Add a dash of lemon juice for extra zing.
  • Muddle a few fresh raspberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
  • Garnish with fresh berries. The Berry Bliss twist is fruitier and more robust in flavor, with a fresh berry intensity that's perfect for berry enthusiasts.

In case you forgot basics how to make Pink Cadillac

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 Pink Cadillac

What type of glass is best for serving the Pink Cadillac cocktail?

A chilled cocktail glass with a long stem is generally the preferred choice for serving the Pink Cadillac cocktail. However, it can also be served in a Collins glass or a Hurricane glass.

Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, the Pink Cadillac can be made as a mocktail by replacing the vodka and orange liqueur with non-alcoholic substitutes such as Sprite and orange juice.

Can I prepare the Pink Cadillac cocktail in advance?

It is best to prepare the Pink Cadillac cocktail immediately before serving to ensure its freshness and chill. However, the cocktail mix without ice can be pre-made and stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.

What type of vodka is best for this cocktail?

Any type of high-quality vodka will work in this cocktail, but it's most commonly made with plain vodka. If you want to add a twist, you can use a flavored vodka such as coconut or orange.

What are some other popular 1980s cocktails?

The 1980s were known for their sweet and colorful cocktails like the Cosmopolitan, Fuzzy Navel, and Tequila Sunrise.

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