South Beach Cocktail Recipe

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South Beach Nutrition Facts

Calories:220

Fat:0g

Protein:0.2g

Carbohydrates:25g

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 South Beach cocktail is a refreshing and tropical drink that was created in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. Known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and diverse culture, Miami is the perfect place for this colorful and fruity cocktail. The South Beach cocktail is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, who enjoy sipping on this delicious drink while soaking up the sun and taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

  • The South Beach cocktail was inspired by the famous South Beach neighborhood in Miami, Florida
  • It is a popular choice for beachgoers and partygoers alike
  • The tropical flavors and vibrant colors of the South Beach cocktail perfectly represent the lively atmosphere of Miami

How South Beach Tastes?

The South Beach cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and grenadine is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the slight bitterness of the orange liqueur. The white rum adds a smooth, subtle kick to the drink, making it a refreshing and enjoyable beverage.

Interesting facts about South Beach

  • The South Beach cocktail is sometimes served with a small umbrella, adding to its tropical and beachy vibe
  • The vibrant colors of the South Beach cocktail are reminiscent of the iconic Art Deco architecture found in Miami's South Beach neighborhood
  • The South Beach cocktail is often enjoyed during Miami's famous annual event, Art Basel, where art enthusiasts from around the world gather to celebrate and appreciate contemporary art

Ingredients

White Rum

The life of the party! White rum adds a smooth kick without overpowering the tropical fruit flavors. Too much rum, and we're sailing too far from shore; too little, and the cocktail might lose its spirit. Skip it, and you're just having juice. If you're feeling adventurous, substitute with coconut rum for an extra tropical twist!

Emma Rose

Orange Liqueur

This adds a touch of citrus complexity and a little sweetness to harmonize the drink. It's like the best wingman — always makes the main star shine brighter. Without it, the cocktail might feel a tad incomplete. Cointreau works as a great substitute but expect a slightly bolder, more pronounced citrus flavor.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

Brings the beach to your glass. The sweetness and tartness balance the rum and add body to the drink. It's not a South Beach without the pineapple! If you substitute with another juice like mango, expect a different type of tropical feel.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice is key — it's the zesty high note that cuts through the sweetness. Miss out on it, and the cocktail could end up one-dimensional. Lemon juice could be a substitute, but it won't be quite the same sunshine in a glass!

Emma Rose

Grenadine

For the sunset hue and a hint of pomegranate sweetness. Without it, the drink loses some of its visual appeal and flavor depth. A raspberry syrup could add a similar color with a different berry twist.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Essential for chilling and slightly diluting the drink to perfection. No ice equals a lukewarm experience. Want a frozen twist? Blend the ice until the drink sings 'smoothie'!

Alex Green

Maraschino Cherry

The cherry on top, literally. It's for a fun garnish that adds a hint of cherry flavor. Without it, life goes on, but your Instagram pic might not get as many likes.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Wedge

Because we eat with our eyes first, it adds that 'vacation vibe' and a nibble of fresh pineapple to your experience. It's okay to skip, but why miss the chance to feel fancy?

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make South Beach Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
  2. Add the white rum, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine to the shaker
  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 the ingredients are well combined
  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more refreshing taste
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep the drink cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Ceviche: The citrusy notes of the South Beach cocktail pair well with the lime and fresh seafood flavors.
  • Fried Calamari: The cocktail’s crispness cuts through the richness of the fried appetizers.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Fish Tacos: The lime juice in the cocktail complements the fish perfectly.
  • Coconut Shrimp: The pineapple juice in the cocktail echoes the tropical vibe of the shrimp.

Desserts

  • Mango Sorbet: A light, fruity dessert to match the tropical feel of the drink.
  • Key Lime Pie: The tartness of the lime juice in both the pie and the cocktail make them a perfect match.

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What you could change in South Beach

  • White rum: Can be replaced with vodka or tequila
  • Orange liqueur: Triple sec can be used as a substitute
  • Pineapple juice: Mango or peach juice can be used for a different flavor profile

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

The Miami Sunset

  • Swap out the white rum for a spiced rum to give the drink a bolder, more aromatic profile. Also, replace grenadine with a dash of orange bitters for a slightly more complex bitter edge. It’s like the usual South Beach decided to dress up in a spicy coat!

The South Beach Cooler

  • Replace half of the ice with frozen pineapple chunks and blend until smooth. This will turn your cocktail into a frozen slushy, perfect for those days when the sun is just unforgiving. It’s like your drink put on its coolest sunglasses.

The Pink Flamingo

  • Add a splash of coconut cream and a float of dark rum on top. The coconut cream adds a smooth richness, turning the drink into a tropical indulgence, while the dark rum float gives it a deeper flavor. It's like your cocktail decided to take a walk on the creamy side of the beach.

In case you forgot basics how to make South Beach

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 South Beach

Are all ingredients necessary to make South Beach cocktail?

While it's best to stick to the cocktail recipe for the most authentic taste, some ingredients can be substituted or omitted based on personal preference while still maintaining the essence of the cocktail.

Can I use blended rum for the South Beach cocktail?

While the original recipe calls for white rum, you can use blended rum for a more complex flavor. Note though, that this may slightly change the taste of your cocktail.

Is South Beach a seasonal cocktail?

While its tropical taste might be associated with summer, the South Beach cocktail can be enjoyed all year round, regardless of the season.

Where else is South Beach popular besides Miami?

While it originates from Miami, the South Beach cocktail is popular in beach resorts and tiki bars around the world, particularly in the Caribbean.

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