Tarantula Cocktail Recipe

Tarantula Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:16g

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 Tarantula cocktail is a mysterious and exotic drink, often associated with tropical destinations and adventurous nights. It is said to have originated in the Caribbean, where local bartenders would create this unique concoction to impress tourists and locals alike. The cocktail is named after the tarantula, a large and hairy spider, due to its bold and striking appearance.

  • The Tarantula cocktail has a rich history, with many variations and adaptations over the years
  • It is a popular choice for those who enjoy trying new and exciting drinks
  • The cocktail is often served at themed parties and events, adding an element of intrigue and excitement

How Tarantula Tastes?

The Tarantula cocktail is a complex and layered drink, with a sweet and fruity base, a hint of sourness from the citrus, and a subtle warmth from the tequila. The combination of flavors creates a well-balanced and refreshing taste, perfect for sipping on a warm summer evening.

Interesting facts about Tarantula

  • The Tarantula cocktail is often served in a unique glass, designed to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the drink
  • Some variations of the Tarantula cocktail include additional ingredients, such as pineapple juice or grenadine, to add extra depth and flavor
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a small plastic tarantula, adding a playful and quirky touch to the presentation

Ingredients

Tequila: 1.5oz

The heart of our Tarantula cocktail is the Tequila. It adds the spirit and kick that gives this beverage its backbone, with a nod to its Mexican roots. Using less would make the drink less potent, more would overwhelm the delicate balance. If not available, Mezcal can be an alternative for a smokier profile.

Mary Mitkina

Blue Curacao: 0.5oz

Blue Curacao brings a touch of tropical orange flavor and vibrant blue to turn our Tarantula into an eye-catcher. Less would not achieve the desired color effect, more could make it too sweet. Triple Sec could substitute for flavor, but you'd lose the blue magic!

Alex Green

Lime Juice: 0.5oz

The Lime Juice adds a zesty kick, perfect for cutting through the sweetness and ensuring our Tarantula doesn't become too cloying. Without it, the drink would lose its refreshing edge. Lemon juice could substitute but expect a slightly different tang.

Emma Rose

Simple Syrup: 0.5oz

Simple Syrup is the sweet whisperer that balances out the citrus. Less and you may pucker up more than desired, more and the cocktail turns into a sticky web. Honey could sweeten instead, adding a floral note.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice: 1oz

Orange Juice rounds out our drink with fruity sweetness and a little tartness. Altering the amount would tip the delicate balance of sweet and sour. A different juice could work, like mango for a tropical spin, but it would definitely change the character.

Alex Green

Ice: 1 cup

The Ice is what chills our arachnid-themed friend, ensuring a cold and refreshing experience. Without it, you'd be sipping on a lukewarm concoction that would not be nearly as invigorating.

Emma Rose

Salt: 1 pinch

Just a pinch of Salt on the rim adds contrast and can enhance the overall flavor profile by highlighting the sweet and sour notes. Without it, the cocktail would still be tasty, but you'd miss that little extra zing.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Tarantula Drink

  1. Prepare the glass:
    • Rim a chilled cocktail glass with a pinch of salt
  2. Combine ingredients:
    • In a cocktail shaker, add tequila, blue curacao, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange juice
  3. Shake it up:
    • Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds
  4. Strain and serve:
    • Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and garnish with a lime wheel or plastic tarantula (optional)

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed
  • Use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for the best flavor
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Seafood: The citrus notes in the Tarantula cocktail make it a perfect companion for seafood dishes, especially those with a hint of spice or citrus, like ceviche or grilled shrimp.
  • Mexican Cuisine: Complement the Tequila base by pairing with traditional Mexican favorites such as tacos, nachos, or quesadillas.
  • Light Salads: A refreshing salad with a citrus dressing would go nicely, balancing the cocktail's sweet and sour components.

Drink Pairings

  • Chilled Water: To cleanse the palate between sips and bites.
  • Sparkling Soda: For a non-alcoholic bubbly to alternate with the cocktail's richness.
  • Light Beer: A Lager or Pilsner could contrast well with the Tarantula's sweetness.

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What you could change in Tarantula

  • Tequila: Can be replaced with white rum or vodka
  • Blue Curacao: Can be replaced with any other citrus-based liqueur
  • Simple Syrup: Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Spider's Kiss

  • Replace Blue Curacao with Midori for a green hue, and add a splash of grenadine to the bottom of the glass before pouring the drink.
  • The sweetness of the Midori will enhance the melon flavors, and the grenadine adds a layer of sweet, tart cherry, creating a cocktail that looks as venomous as it sounds enticing.

Frostbite Tarantula

  • Swap in white crème de cacao for Blue Curacao and float cream on top for a dessert drink style.
  • The chocolate notes from the crème de cacao paired with the cream add a velvety texture and richness, creating a silky dessert variant of the classic Tarantula.

Citrus Orb Weaver

  • Use equal parts lemon and lime juice and add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.
  • The addition of rosemary or thyme will bring an herbal freshness to the cocktail, complementing the citrus notes and giving a more aromatic sip.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tarantula

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 Tarantula

What is the origin of the name 'Tarantula' for this cocktail?

The Tarantula cocktail got its name from the tarantula, a large and hairy spider, because of its bold and striking appearance. It is meant to embody the adventurous and exotic spirit of the drink.

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

Yes, a non-alcoholic version, often referred to as a 'mocktail', can be made by simply omitting the tequila and blue curacao and replacing them with non-alcoholic substitutes like blue fruit punch or a citrus-based soft drink.

What type of tequila works best in a Tarantula cocktail?

While any type of tequila can be used, a silver or blanco tequila is often recommended for its clean, crisp flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

Can I make a batch of the Tarantula cocktail for a party?

Absolutely! The Tarantula cocktail scales up well, so it's perfect for parties or gatherings. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want to make and mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl.

What's the best way to serve the Tarantula cocktail at a party?

For parties, you can prepare a batch of the Tarantula in advance and serve it in a glass punch bowl. Provide an ice bucket and a variety of fun garnishes on the side, such as lime wheels or plastic spiders.

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