Azalea Cocktail is a refreshing, lemony cocktail served at the Augusta National Golf Course during the Masters Tournament. Its vibrant color adds to its festive appeal, and you can enjoy it anytime, as the ingredients are readily available year-round.
Recipe for the Azalea Cocktail
According to the Masters’ website, this is the recipe for the signature Azalea Cocktail. It’s a simple drink made with lemonade, grenadine, vodka, and ice. However, there are many other versions with varying ingredients, but one thing they all have in common is their distinctive pink color.
Lemonade for an Azalea Cocktail
For the best flavor, use homemade lemonade. However, you can easily opt for good-quality store-bought lemonades, such as:
- Simply Lemonade
- Trader Joe’s Lemonade
- Newman’s Own Old Fashioned Lemonade
- Tropicana Classic Lemonade
Chick-fil-A lemonade is also available by the gallon in both regular and diet options. Consider a sugar-free lemonade, such as Tropicana Zero Sugar, if you prefer a low-sugar option.
Grenadine Syrup
Most brands of grenadine will yield a vibrant pink color reminiscent of spring azaleas. Rose’s Grenadine is widely available in grocery stores. To avoid artificial ingredients and high-fructose corn syrup found in some brands, opt for grenadine made with real pomegranate juice, such as Liber & Co. Alternatively, you can also use sugar-free grenadine in this cocktail. Try Skinny Mixes Grenadine for zero calories and zero sugar.
You can easily make grenadine syrup at home with pomegranate juice and sugar.
Ice for Azalea Cocktail
I recommend using nugget, pellet, or pebble ice for this cocktail. It’s slightly larger than crushed ice, which helps it melt more slowly. Nugget ice is small and chewy, making it perfect for cocktails. However, regular-sized ice or crushed ice can also be used. Just ensure the drink is served ice-cold.
Garnishes for the Azalea Cocktail
To create an appealing presentation that reflects the beauty at Augusta National, consider garnishing with lemon or orange slices, maraschino cherries with stems, and fresh mint sprigs. These garnishes are optional but enhance the drink’s aesthetic. Avoid placing azalea flowers in drinks, as they are toxic to humans. Instead, place the blooms in a vase for a lovely splash of color in your setting.
Maraschino Cherries
Not all maraschino cherries are created equal. Some are made from tart cherries, while others use sweet cherries. For a higher-quality touch, consider brands like:
- The Silver Palate All-Natural Maraschino Cherries
- Filthy Red Cherry Long Stemmed Maraschino Cherries
- Mezzetta Maraschino Cherries With Stems
- Traverse City Whiskey Co. Premium Cocktail Cherries
Make a Mocktail Azalea Cocktail
You can create an azalea mocktail by omitting the vodka and adding extra lemonade.
Substitutions in the Azalea Cocktail
The Azalea Cocktail provides numerous opportunities for personalization. Here are some creative substitutions to craft your own unique version:
- Substitute gin for vodka to vary the flavor profile.
- Instead of using plain vodka, experiment with flavored vodka, such as peach, cherry, or pomegranate.
- Replace the lemonade with a 2:1 mixture of pineapple and lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
- Enhance the flavor by adding a splash of pomegranate juice.
- Reduce the sweetness and add a few bubbles by adding cold sparkling water.
Get creative and enjoy your customized cocktail!
Other Cocktails You Might Enjoy
Click on each name or photo to link to the recipe.
Azalea Cocktail
Ingredients
- 5 ounces lemonade (Simply Lemonade used)
- 1 tablespoon grenadine
- 2.5 tablespoons vodka (omit for mocktail)
- 1 scoop nugget ice (crushed or regular-sized)
- 1 slice orange or lemon for garnish
- 1 maraschino cherry for garnish
- 1 sprig of mint for garnish
Instructions
- Pour lemonade, grenadine, vodka, and ice into a cocktail shaker. Shake and pour into a large clear glass to enjoy its pretty color. Alternatively, add these ingredients to a glass and stir them together.
- Add a lemon slice, cherry, and mint to garnish. Serve immediately.
- Omit the vodka and add a splash of lemonade to make a mocktail.