If you're looking for the cocktail to make during Masters week, this Azalea cocktail is it. It's the iconic drink of The Masters Tournament at Augusta National, and honestly? It deserves way more hype than it gets outside of golf season. It's fruity, it's pink, it's refreshing, and it tastes like summer in a cup.
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You’ll love this Azalea Cocktail
It’s THE drink of The Masters. You cannot have a Masters party without this cocktail! The Azalea cocktail is the signature drink of the Masters Tournament, served at Augusta National each spring!
It’s easy to make. The best part is that this Azalea cocktail recipe is SO easy to make. Just four ingredients, a cocktail shaker, and you're done. Whether you're hosting a Masters watch party or just want a fun cocktail to sip on a warm afternoon, this one is a total hole-in-one.
It tastes like summer in a cup. The combination of pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine is so bright, fruity, and refreshing.
Ingredients
Vodka. I typically use Tito's or Smirnoff! You want a clean, neutral vodka so it doesn't overpower the fruit flavors, and I find those are two of my favorite vodkas that are both good quality and affordable.
Lemonade. This is what gives the Azalea cocktail that sweet base. Use a good-quality lemonade for the best flavor!
Lemon Juice. Fresh lemon juice is always best if you can swing it! It adds that bright, tart kick that balances out the sweetness perfectly.
Grenadine. This is what gives the Azalea cocktail its gorgeous pink hue! A little goes a long way; you can always add more or less depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
How to make Azalea Cocktail
Making this Azalea cocktail is so simple. Here's how to do it step by step:
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. You want it nice and full so your cocktail gets super cold!
- Add the vodka, pineapple juice, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Give everything a good shake (about 15–20 seconds) until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice. A highball glass or a rocks glass both work great here!
- Add a splash of grenadine. Pour it in slowly, and it'll sink to the bottom, creating that gorgeous ombre pink effect. Give it a gentle stir to combine, or leave it as-is for the pretty look!
- Garnish and enjoy!
Substitutions and variations
One of the best things about the Azalea cocktail is how versatile it is. Here are a few easy swaps and fun variations:
Gin. Some people actually believe the original Azalea cocktail was gin-based! If you're a gin lover, swap the vodka for your favorite gin! It adds a lovely botanical note to the drink.
Lemon Lime Soda Topper. Want a little fizz? Top your Azalea cocktail off with a splash of lemon lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP) for a light, bubbly twist. It makes it feel extra summery and refreshing!
Garnish ideas
- Lemon Wheel
- Maraschino Cherry
How to make a big batch of this Azalea Cocktail
Hosting a Masters watch party? This recipe scales up SO easily, and since there's no sparkling ingredient, you can make it all ahead of time!
To make a big batch of Azalea cocktails (about 10 servings), combine the following in a large pitcher:
- 2½ cups vodka
- 2½ cups lemonade
- 1¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup grenadine
Stir everything together, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Pour over ice in individual glasses and garnish with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry. It truly couldn't be easier!
FAQs
How is an Azalea cocktail made?
The Azalea cocktail is made by combining vodka, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel and/or a maraschino cherry. It's simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!
Where did the Azalea cocktail originate?
The Azalea cocktail is the signature drink of The Masters Tournament, held each spring at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The drink gets its name from the stunning azalea bushes that bloom throughout the course during tournament week, including the famous 13th hole, which is actually named "Azalea" and reportedly has over 1,000 azalea bushes! The cocktail has been served at the tournament since at least the 1960s and has become as synonymous with The Masters as the coveted green jacket.
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Want more fun recipes for The Masters?
Azalea Cocktail (The Masters Signature Drink)
If you're looking for the cocktail to make during Masters week, this Azalea cocktail is it. It's the iconic drink of The Masters Tournament at Augusta National.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz vodka (or gin!)
- 3-5 oz lemonade
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz grenadine
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker with ice. You want it nice and full so your cocktail gets super cold!
- Add the vodka, lemonade, and fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Give everything a good shake (about 15–20 seconds) until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice. A highball glass or a rocks glass both work great here!
- Add a splash of grenadine. Pour it in slowly, and it'll sink to the bottom, creating that gorgeous ombre pink effect. Give it a gentle stir to combine, or leave it as-is for the pretty look!
- Garnish and enjoy!
Notes
How to make a big batch of this Azalea Cocktail
Hosting a Masters watch party? This recipe scales up SO easily, and since there's no sparkling ingredient, you can make it all ahead of time!
To make a big batch of Azalea cocktails (about 10 servings), combine the following in a large pitcher:
- 2½ cups vodka
- 2½ cups lemonade
- 1¼ cups fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup grenadine
Stir everything together, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve. Pour over ice in individual glasses and garnish with a lemon wheel or maraschino cherry. It truly couldn't be easier!
Substitutions and variations
One of the best things about the Azalea cocktail is how versatile it is. Here are a few easy swaps and fun variations:
Gin. Some people actually believe the original Azalea cocktail was gin-based! If you're a gin lover, swap the vodka for your favorite gin! It adds a lovely botanical note to the drink.
Lemon Lime Soda Topper. Want a little fizz? Top your Azalea cocktail off with a splash of lemon lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP) for a light, bubbly twist. It makes it feel extra summery and refreshing!
Garnish ideas
- Lemon Wheel
- Maraschino Cherry
FAQs
How is an Azalea cocktail made?
The Azalea cocktail is made by combining vodka, pineapple juice, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lemon wheel and/or a maraschino cherry. It's simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!
Where did the Azalea cocktail originate?
The Azalea cocktail is the signature drink of The Masters Tournament, held each spring at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The drink gets its name from the stunning azalea bushes that bloom throughout the course during tournament week, including the famous 13th hole, which is actually named "Azalea" and reportedly has over 1,000 azalea bushes! The cocktail has been served at the tournament since at least the 1960s and has become as synonymous with The Masters as the coveted green jacket.
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