This fun and fruity Pink Starburst Cocktail is a sweet treat! Made with vodka, lemonade, and a splash of cranberry juice, it’s bursting with flavor like your favorite candy.
Mix it up for a party, or just enjoy it on a cozy evening. I love to garnish with a slice of lemon for a zesty twist. It’s like sipping on happiness! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vodka: This is the main spirit in your cocktail. You can use any vodka you like. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using a flavored soda or spritzer instead.
Pink Lemonade: The starlets of this drink! You can make your own by mixing lemon juice, sugar, and a splash of cranberry juice or use store-bought for convenience.
Cranberry Juice: This adds a tartness to balance sweetness. You can substitute it with another fruit juice like raspberry or strawberry juice for a different flavor kick!
Coarse Sugar: For rimming, use coarse sugar or pink sanding sugar to add a fun touch. You could also use regular granulated sugar or even a flavored sugar with a bit of food coloring.
How Do I Get a Perfect Sugar Rim on My Glass?
Rimming the glass with sugar not only looks great but adds a nice touch of sweetness with every sip. Follow these simple steps:
- Start by running a wedge of lemon or a bit of water around the rim of your glass. This helps the sugar stick.
- Pour coarse sugar or pink sanding sugar onto a plate.
- Dip the wet rim of the glass into the sugar, twisting gently to coat it evenly.
- Shake off any excess sugar before filling with your cocktail mix. Voila!
With these tips, your Pink Starburst Cocktail will not only taste great, but it will look fantastic too! Enjoy this sweet treat responsibly!
Easy Pink Starburst Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1 oz pink lemonade
- 1/2 oz cranberry juice
- Coarse sugar or pink sanding sugar (for rimming)
- Pink Starburst candies (cut into small pieces, for garnish)
- Ice cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cocktail can be prepared in about 5-10 minutes! You’ll spend a little time rimming the glass and shaking up the ingredients, making it a quick and fun drink to whip up for any occasion.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Glass:
Start by rimming your glass to add some sweetness! Dip the rim of the glass in a little water or lemon juice and then roll it in coarse sugar or pink sanding sugar until it’s nicely coated. This adds a festive touch and a little extra sweetness to each sip!
2. Mix the Cocktail:
In a cocktail shaker, add ice cubes to chill the drink. Pour in the vodka, pink lemonade, and cranberry juice. Secure the lid on the shaker tightly, then shake it well for about 15 seconds until everything is nicely mixed and chilled.
3. Strain and Serve:
Carefully strain the chilled cocktail into your prepared glass. If you like it on the rocks, you can add more ice to the glass before pouring.
4. Add the Finishing Touch:
For a fun garnish, place a piece of pink Starburst candy on the rim of the glass or inside the drink. This not only looks cute but also lets your guests nibble on a treat while they sip!
5. Enjoy!
Serve your Pink Starburst Cocktail immediately and enjoy the sweet, fruity flavors that remind you of your favorite candy. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Vodka?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for regular vodka, you can use flavored vodka (like raspberry or citrus) to give your cocktail an extra twist. Just keep in mind that flavored vodka will change the overall taste of the drink.
Can I Make This Cocktail Non-Alcoholic?
Yes! To create a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the vodka with more pink lemonade or a flavored soda like 7-Up or Sprite. This keeps the fun, candy-like flavors while making it suitable for all ages!
How Should I Store Leftover Ingredients?
If you have leftover pink lemonade or cranberry juice, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a week. However, once you mix the cocktail, it’s best consumed fresh, as the flavors can change over time.
Can I Prepare This Cocktail in Advance?
This cocktail is best when freshly made, but you can mix the vodka and juices in a pitcher ahead of time (without ice) and shake with ice just before serving. Just remember to rim the glasses just before pouring to keep the sugar from getting soggy!
