The famous Augusta Azalea Cocktail recipe combines fruity sweetness with vodka to create a delicious, beautiful pink azalea-colored drink. It’s a favorite spring cocktail that is served all over Augusta during the week of Masters.
What is an Azalea cocktail?
The azalea cocktail combines fresh lemonade, grenadine, and Kettle One Vodka. It’s known as the cocktail of The Masters golf tournament.
It’s perfect for serving when hosting a Masters watch party. Be sure to visit my post, Masters Party Ideas, to learn simple decorating tips, ideas for what to wear, and recipes to help you serve traditional foods from the Masters.
Why is the cocktail called Azalea?
If you ever come to Augusta in the spring, you will be awestruck at the blanket of color that permeates our yards and, most importantly, our beloved Augusta National golf course. It only seems fitting that a cocktail would be created to emulate the beautiful pink azaleas on the 13th hole at Augusta National Golf Club. The par 5,510-yard hole is one of the most famous holes in professional golf.
Ingredients
This cocktail is straightforward to make. The key is to use fresh-squeezed lemonade.
- Lemonade: Don’t skimp and buy cheap lemonade. Make your own with fresh lemons and sugar, or purchase 100 % juice lemonade.
- Grenadine
- Kettle One Vodka: You can use your favorite brand, but to keep it authentic to our local golf club, use Kettle One.
- Garnishes: The Augusta tradition is to garnish the Azalea with a 1 maraschino cherry and a slice of orange
What is grenadine?
Grenadine is a syrup that is used as a cocktail mixer. It is made from fresh pomegranate juice reduced with sugar. Basically, it is a simple syrup with a hint of citrus flavor. It adds stunning red color to your drink. I like to use Rose’s Grenadine.
Variation ideas
- To make your cocktail creamy, try adding 1 tablespoon of whipping cream.
- You could substitute gin for vodka if you prefer.
- Add a few pomegranate seeds for color and texture.
Garnishing the cocktail
To add a touch of floral accent to this drink, I like to garnish it with pink rose petals. I float them on top of the drink for looks, but they are edible. They have an earthy and floral taste, with a slight sweetness to them.
How to serve
I like to serve it in a large martini glass. Any cocktail glass will do as long as it shows off the pretty pink color. I serve it on ice with a few rose petals sprinkled on top.
More Drinks Served At The Masters
Did you know that the Masters has a secret menu item? You need to make the Secret Stand 12 Drink. The National’s clubhouse serves Transfusions Drink, and Arnold Palmer Drinks that you can learn to make at home.
Famous Augusta copycat recipes
Would you like all the Masters inspired recipes in one book?
Bring a little Masters Golf to your table! I have compiled the most FAMOUS AUGUSTA GOLF COPYCAT RECIPES associated with the traditions of golf in one cookbook. Learn the recipe’s history, get tips on making the recipe, and print beautiful golf-themed recipe cards. Your friends and family will love these!
More Golf Recipes and Party Ideas
Azalea Cocktail
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 5 ounces Lemonade, fresh-squeezed
- 1/2 ounce Grenadine
- 1 1/2 ounces Vodka, Ketel One Vodka
- 1 Maraschino cherry, Garnish
- 1 slice orange , Garnish
- dried rose petals , Optional
Instructions
- Combine the lemonade, grenadine, and vodka in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Strain the contents of the shaker into an ice-filled glass.
- Garnish with a Maraschino cherry and a slice of orange. For something special, I like garnishing with tiny dried pink rose petals floating on top.
Equipment
Notes
Webstory: Azalea Cocktail
