Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail Recipe

Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • Sugar, as needed, for rim
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 2 cups ice (or as needed)
  • 2 fluid ounces strawberry schnapps
  • 2 fluid ounces vanilla vodka
  • 2 fluid ounces sweet and sour mix

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare the drink:

  1. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate.
  2. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with a wedge of lime, then dip the moistened glass into the sugar. Set the glass aside.
  3. Scoop ice into a shaker.
  4. Pour in the strawberry schnapps, vanilla vodka, and sweet and sour mix into the shaker.
  5. Cover the shaker and shake vigorously until the outside is frosted.
  6. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 335
Fat 0g
Carbohydrates 47g
Protein 1g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Total Sugars 39g
Vitamin C 27mg (30%)
Calcium 40mg (3%)
Iron 0mg (3%)
Potassium 99mg (2%)
Sodium 25mg (1%)
Cholesterol 0mg (0%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail

Created by Chef Mo, this cocktail is a delicious twist on the classic sour patch candy, capturing its sweet and tangy flavors with a mix of strawberry schnapps, vanilla vodka, and sweet and sour mix. It's refreshing, fun, and perfect for summer parties or any time you want a sweet treat with an adult kick.

History of the Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail

The Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail is a modern creation that blends nostalgia with new-age cocktail trends. Inspired by the iconic Sour Patch candy, which was first introduced in the 1980s, this drink channels the sour-sweet balance that made the candy a favorite. The recipe taps into the current trend of candy-inspired cocktails, which has been growing in popularity at bars and home parties alike. While the cocktails specific origins are unclear, it reflects the ongoing innovation in cocktail culture, where flavors from childhood treats are being reimagined into complex adult beverages.

Regional Variations

The Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail is widely enjoyed in the United States, especially during warmer months when fruity, refreshing drinks are in high demand. While this specific cocktail is a modern American invention, it shares similarities with other region-specific cocktails that incorporate fruit, sour notes, and candy-inspired elements. In some areas, bartenders might substitute the watermelon flavor with other fruity schnapps, or even create variations using different types of vodka or mixers. The concept of combining candy flavors with spirits has made it a hit in beach towns and at summer festivals, where drinks are meant to be fun and easy to enjoy.

Differences from Similar Drinks

What makes the Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail stand out from similar drinks is its unique combination of strawberry schnapps and vanilla vodka, which brings out a candy-like sweetness. Most fruit-based cocktails either lean into the fruit's natural flavors or go for a more traditional citrus twist. This drink, however, opts for a sweet and sour mix reminiscent of sour candy. Additionally, the choice to rim the glass with sugar gives it a playful presentation, something not typically seen in other cocktails. Its playful nature and candy-inspired flavor set it apart from more standard summer cocktails like margaritas or daiquiris.

Where Is It Typically Served?

The Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail is commonly served at parties, bars, and casual gatherings where the atmosphere is fun and lively. Its vibrant color and sweet taste make it a crowd-pleaser, particularly in beachside bars, nightclubs, and outdoor events. Its especially popular during summer months and is often featured on special cocktail menus at places that cater to a younger, more adventurous crowd. The sugary rim adds a festive touch, making it ideal for celebrations like birthdays, holidays, or any event where a fun, Instagram-worthy drink is a must.

Interesting Facts

  • The Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail takes inspiration from the famous "Sour Patch Kids," a candy that has been a favorite among candy lovers since the 1980s.
  • Strawberry schnapps, the key ingredient in this cocktail, is a type of flavored liqueur made from neutral spirits, sweetened with fruit flavoring. It's often used in fruity cocktails.
  • The practice of rimming cocktail glasses with sugar, as seen in this recipe, is a common technique to add extra flavor and visual appeal to a drink.
  • This cocktail is a great example of how modern mixologists are playing with nostalgic flavors and childhood favorites to create something new and exciting for adults.

FAQ about Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail Recipe

While it's best to prepare the cocktail fresh to enjoy its full flavor, you can pre-mix the alcohol and sweet and sour mix in advance. Store it in the fridge and add ice and sugar rim when you're ready to serve.

This cocktail is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store the liquid (without ice) in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s not recommended to keep it for more than 24 hours, as the taste and texture might degrade.

Yes, you can substitute the strawberry schnapps with watermelon schnapps or another fruit-flavored schnapps if you want a different twist. Vanilla vodka can also be swapped for regular vodka, though it may slightly change the flavor profile. You could use a homemade or store-bought sweet and sour mix as an alternative.

To make a non-alcoholic version, replace the strawberry schnapps and vanilla vodka with fruit juices like watermelon or strawberry juice. Add a splash of lemon or lime juice and a sweetener like agave or simple syrup to mimic the sweet and sour mix.

Yes, you can use crushed ice instead of cubed ice. Just be mindful that crushed ice may dilute the drink more quickly, so it's best served immediately after mixing.

You can prepare the sugar rims in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure the rims are dry before storing to prevent clumping.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweet and sour mix or adjusting the amount of sugar you use for the rim. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sweet and sour mix and skip the sugared rim.

The Watermelon Sour Patch Cocktail is typically served in a rocks glass (also known as an Old Fashioned glass). You can also use a martini glass or any small cocktail glass for a different presentation.

Comments

Anthony Hernandez

11/17/2023 04:36:19 AM

This was absolutely fantastic, thank you for sharing!