Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:20%
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
The Thunderbird cocktail is a classic drink that dates back to the 1950s. It was first introduced by the United States Air Force's Thunderbirds aerobatic team. This cocktail was a favorite among the pilots and quickly gained popularity in bars across the country.
Who would like it?
If you're a fan of strong, citrusy cocktails, you'll love the Thunderbird. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a good balance of sweet and sour flavors.
The Thunderbird cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The sweetness of the grenadine and the sourness of the grapefruit juice are perfectly balanced by the strong, robust taste of the whiskey.
The Thunderbird cocktail was named after the U.S. Air Force's Thunderbirds aerobatic team.
It's a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over six decades.
The cocktail's strong, citrusy flavor makes it a popular choice for summer gatherings.
Whiskey is the heart of the Thunderbird; it brings warmth, complexity, and a hint of smokiness or sweetness, depending on the variety used. Using 2 oz is just right to assert its presence without overpowering the other ingredients. If you use less, you might not feel the soul of the cocktail, and more might turn the cocktail into a boozy punch. If whiskey isn't your thing, trying a dark rum could add a fun, tropical twist to your Thunderbird.
Grapefruit juice offers a pleasantly bitter and tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the whiskey and grenadine. 1 oz balances the cocktail with just enough zing without making it too tart. If you forget it, you'll miss out on the refreshing citrusy lift it gives. For a twist, orange juice could work but would bring a sweeter, less complex profile to the drink.
Grenadine syrup adds a splash of color and a touch of sweetness that rounds out the drink and gives it its signature blush. Half an ounce is perfect for a subtle hint of pomegranate sweetness that doesn't turn the drink cloying. If grenadine's not on hand, a simple raspberry syrup could do the trick but would bring a more berry-forward sweetness to the cocktail.
Use fresh grapefruit juice for the best flavor.
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You can substitute the whiskey with bourbon for a slightly sweeter taste.
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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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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 garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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While any type of whisky can be used in a Thunderbird cocktail, it is generally accepted that a rye or bourboun whisky gives the best flavor.
Yes, the alcohol can be omitted from the recipe for a non-alcoholic version. There are also non-alcoholic spirits available on the market that replicate the flavour of whisky.
The Margarita, Paloma, and Tom Collins are other popular cocktails that have a citrus base.
Yes, while grapefruit is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other citrus juices such as orange or lime. However, this alters the signature taste of the cocktail.
The Thunderbird cocktail is a versatile drink that can be served anytime. It is particularly popular during summer evenings and party gatherings.
The Texas Twister is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a refreshing tang. The blend of orange, pineapple, and grapefruit juices gives it a tropical, citrusy flavor, while the vodka and rum add a subtle, warming kick. The cocktail is balanced, not too sweet nor too tart, making it a delightful sipper on a hot summer day.
The Siesta cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The tequila provides a smooth, earthy base, while the Campari adds a hint of bitterness. The fresh lime and grapefruit juices add a refreshing, citrusy tang, and the simple syrup balances out the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
The Dirty Blonde is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and strong. The peach schnapps adds a sweet, fruity flavor, while the grapefruit juice provides a tart, citrusy note. The vodka gives the cocktail its strong, boozy kick.
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
The Rusty Nail is a smooth, sweet, and slightly spicy cocktail with a strong, warming whiskey backbone. The honey and herbal notes from the Drambuie complement the smoky, peaty flavors of the Scotch.
The New York Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. It has a rich, full-bodied taste with a smooth whiskey base, tangy lemon, and a hint of red wine.
The Whiskey Smash is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and citrusy cocktail. It has a strong whiskey flavor, balanced by the tartness of lemon and the cooling effect of fresh mint.
