Tree Smacker Cocktail Recipe

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Tree Smacker Nutrition Facts

Calories:~500

Total fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:~50g

Alcohol %:~20%

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 Tree Smacker is a cocktail that seems to have emerged from the vibrant tiki culture, which is known for its exotic blends of rums and fruit juices. It's a favorite among those who enjoy a sweet, fruit-forward drink with a potent kick from the rum.

  • Origins
    • The exact origins of the Tree Smacker are not well documented, but it likely evolved from the tradition of tropical tiki cocktails that became popular in the mid-20th century.
  • Popularity
    • This cocktail has gained a following for its balance of sweet and sour flavors, combined with the strength of multiple types of schnapps and rum.
  • Audience
    • It's particularly popular among young adults who are looking for a fun and strong drink that's also visually appealing.

How Tree Smacker Tastes?

The Tree Smacker is a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The peach and apple schnapps provide a fruity sweetness, while the pineapple and orange juices add a citrusy tang. The sweet and sour mix enhances the tartness, and the grenadine syrup gives a hint of cherry-like depth. The overproof rum delivers a warm, fiery finish that lingers on the palate.

Interesting facts about Tree Smacker

  • The Tree Smacker is often served in a highball glass or a tiki mug to enhance its tropical presentation.
  • Despite its fruity taste, the Tree Smacker is quite strong due to the combination of schnapps and rums, including the overproof rum.
  • The cocktail's name might suggest a 'knockout' effect, playing on the idea that it's a drink with a punch.

Ingredients

Peach Schnapps

Peach Schnapps brings a sweet, fruity base that echoes the flavors of summertime orchards. Not using it would take away the peachy charm, making the cocktail less complex. If you're peach-prejudiced, try apricot liqueur for a similar tree-inspired taste that's just a branch away from the original.

Mary Mitkina

Apple Schnapps

The crisp, tangy bite of Apple Schnapps sharpens the drink's profile. Without it, you'd lose the 'apple of your eye' effect. If it's not 'apple-ing' enough for you, apple brandy provides a stronger kick with more depth, but like Snow White, be wary of going overboard.

Alex Green

Rum

Rum adds a sugar cane sweetness and depth of flavor, acting as the backbone of the cocktail. Forget the rum, and you might as well be drinking a fruit salad. Spiced rum could be a swashbuckling alternative, adding additional intrigue to your cocktail treasure hunt.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

It brings a tropical twist, making each sip a mini holiday. Leave it out, and you'll miss the luau in your mouth. Mango juice can substitute on days when pineapples are 'not on the menu', bringing a similarly exotic zing.

Mary Mitkina

Sweet and Sour Mix

Balances the saccharine with a pucker-up punch. Skipping it would leave your tongue less gymnastically inclined. Lemon juice mixed with simple syrup could step in if you've run out, but it's more DIY than a mixologist's IKEA.

Alex Green

151 Proof Rum

This potent topper adds fiery strength and a layer of flavor. It's the spark that lights the cannon, so omit at your peril - your cocktail might not be battle-ready. Overproof rum is a suitable replacement for thrill-seekers wanting to feel like a cocktail pirate.

Emma Rose

Grenadine Syrup

Adds a blushing hue and a whisper of sweet, pomegranate charm. Without it, the cocktail is undressed and less vibrant. Raspberry syrup might pinch-hit, playing a similar 'red' role but with a different berry on deck.

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

It injects vitamin C charisma, rounding out the tropical theme. No OJ, and the drink is akin to a beach without sun. Mandarin juice could be a citrus understudy, slightly altering the script with a dash of drama.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Tree Smacker Drink

  1. Combine Liquors
    • In a shaker, combine 16oz of peach schnapps, 16oz of apple schnapps, and 16oz of rum.
  2. Add Juices
    • Add 4oz of pineapple juice, 4oz of orange juice, and 4oz of sweet and sour mix.
  3. Shake Well
    • Shake the ingredients vigorously to mix them thoroughly.
  4. Prepare the Glass
    • Fill a highball glass with ice.
  5. Pour the Mixture
    • Strain the mixture into the glass over the ice.
  6. Color with Grenadine
    • Drizzle 0.5oz of grenadine syrup over the top to add color.
  7. Float the Rum
    • Carefully float 0.5oz of 151 proof rum on top of the drink.
  8. Garnish (Optional)
    • Garnish with a slice of orange or a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • To ensure a perfect layer of 151 proof rum on top, pour it over the back of a spoon to gently disperse it.
  • Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail colder for longer.
  • If you're serving this at a party, prepare the base mixture in advance and add the 151 proof rum and grenadine just before serving.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Fruit Plates: The Tree Smacker's fruity profile complements fresh fruit or fruit-based appetizers, such as melon wrapped in prosciutto.
  • Spicy Asian Cuisine: Bold flavors like those in Thai or Chinese dishes will balance against the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Barbecue: Smoky barbecue meats or spicy wings can be a good match for the refreshing and fruity flavors of the cocktail.
  • Seafood: Lighter seafood options like shrimp cocktail or ceviche pair nicely without overshadowing the drink's flavors.

Desserts

  • Peach or Apple Cobblers: These desserts echo the fruit schnapps flavors in the Tree Smacker.
  • Tropical Sorbets: To complement the pineapple and citrus notes.
  • Cheesecake: A classic New York cheesecake can balance the sweetness and acidity nicely.

Drinks

  • Iced Tea: A non-alcoholic option that pairs well with the fruity sweetness.
  • Sparkling Water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Tree Smacker

  • If you don't have 151 proof rum, you can use any overproof rum available.
  • In case peach or apple schnapps are not on hand, try using flavored liqueurs that have similar taste profiles.
  • For a less sweet version, you can substitute the sweet and sour mix with freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice.

Explore all drinks starting with T here

And of course - twists🍹

Tropical Breeze Twist

  • Instead of peach schnapps, use coconut rum for a more island-inspired vibe.
  • Swap apple schnapps with mango liqueur to embrace the tropical atmosphere further.
  • Garnish with a sprig of mint and a pineapple wedge to enhance the presentation. This switcheroo will make you feel like you're sipping on a hammock between two palm trees, adding a 'coconuts for you' flavor to the original.

Spicy Orchard Twist

  • Add a dash of cinnamon and a splash of apple cider to the mix for an autumnal version.
  • Drizzle a little honey into the shaker for a soothing sweetness.
  • An apple slice dusted with chili powder can be used as a garnish, providing a sweet and spicy kick. The heat from the cinnamon and chili mixes with the sweetness of honey, creating an 'orchard with attitude' that gives traditional fall flavors a flamboyant flair.

Berry Bliss Twist

  • Substitute peach schnapps with raspberry vodka for a berry bonanza.
  • Use cranberry juice in place of orange juice to keep the berry theme going strong.
  • Float a few fresh raspberries on top for a bold berry statement. Dive into this berry adventure and your taste buds will be throwing a 'berry big' party, with a tangy twist on the classic Tree Smacker.

In case you forgot basics how to make Tree Smacker

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 Tree Smacker

What types of glassware are best for serving a Tree Smacker cocktail?

Tiki mugs, highball glasses, or any large enough glass that can comfortably hold the drink and its garnishes are ideal for the Tree Smacker.

Can I make the Tree Smacker in a large batch for a party?

Yes, you can scale up the ingredients proportionally to create a large batch. Just remember to add the 151 proof rum and grenadine right before serving to preserve the distinct layers.

What non-alcoholic substitutions can be made for a mocktail version?

For a non-alcoholic Tree Smacker, omit the liquors and use peach and apple juice or syrups combined with a non-alcoholic rum substitute or more fruit juices.

How can I vary the strength of the Tree Smacker cocktail?

Adjust the amount of 151 proof rum, or the base spirits to make a weaker or stronger cocktail according to your preference.

Is it necessary to shake the ingredients for a Tree Smacker?

Shaking the ingredients with ice ensures that the cocktail is well-chilled and properly mixed, which is especially important for the flavor balance of the Tree Smacker.

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