This cocktail packs a punch in all the right ways. The Category 5 is a bold, fruit-forward drink with layers of tropical flavor and just enough kick to keep things interesting. With a mix of spirits and fruit juices, it’s the kind of cocktail you want in hand when the weather’s hot and the vibe is easy. I’ve made this drink countless times-especially for backyard get-togethers-and here’s what I’ve learned to make it just right.
Category 5
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball or hurricane glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
– 3 oz (90 ml) mixed fruit juice (orange, pineapple, and passionfruit work great)
– Splash of grenadine
– Ice
– Orange slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it halfway with ice.
- Pour in the rum, vodka, gin, triple sec, and fruit juice.
- Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the drink over it.
- Add a splash of grenadine-it’ll sink and create a beautiful, sunset-like effect.
- Top with a slice of orange or a cherry. Serve right away while it’s ice-cold.
Tips for the Best Category 5
– Use fresh-squeezed juices if you can. It makes the flavors brighter and cleaner.
– Shake well to chill and mix everything evenly-don’t skip it!
– Pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon to get that pretty color gradient.
– If you’re making a few at once, prep the juice-spirit mix ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just add the grenadine and garnish when serving.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
– Fruit juice: I like a mix of orange and pineapple with a splash of passionfruit or mango juice. No rules-use what you love.
– Triple sec: Want a fun twist? Swap it for blue Curaçao for a deep ocean-blue version.
– Rum: Spiced rum adds a warm, cozy depth. Great for cooler nights.
– Too sweet? Add a squeeze of lime to cut the sweetness and brighten the flavor.
– No grenadine? Pomegranate juice or raspberry syrup works in a pinch.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the spirits and juices ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Don’t add ice or grenadine until just before serving to keep things fresh and crisp.
Leftovers? Store the mix (without ice) in a sealed jar in the fridge and shake it again before pouring.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail shines at summer parties, beach days, or any time you’re craving a little tropical escape. Serve it with:
– Grilled shrimp skewers or fish tacos
– Spicy appetizers like jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings
– A chilled tropical fruit salad with mango, pineapple, and melon
I love pairing it with grilled seafood-the smokiness balances the sweet, fruity kick of the drink. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds.
Recipe Variations
Stormy Sunrise
– Use blood orange juice and a dash of orange bitters
– Layer juices for a deep orange-to-red gradient
Calm After the Storm
– Add a splash of coconut cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg
– Shake and serve over crushed ice for a creamy, tropical treat
Eye of the Storm
– Add a small scoop of tropical sorbet (like mango or passionfruit)
– Shake and strain into a chilled glass-serve with a spoon
Non-Alcoholic Option
Want a zero-proof version? Mix orange juice, pineapple juice, a splash of lime, and a bit of grenadine. Pour over ice in a tall glass and garnish the same way. It’s just as refreshing without the buzz.
Q&A
Can I make this in a big batch for parties?
Definitely! Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add grenadine and garnish right before serving for that wow effect.
Which rum works best?
White rum is classic, but spiced or aged rum can give it a deeper, more complex flavor. Try both and see what you like.
How do I lower the alcohol content?
Cut the spirits in half and add a splash of soda water or more juice. It’ll still taste great but be a little lighter.
What’s the best garnish?
A slice of orange, a cherry, or even a tiny cocktail umbrella. It’s all about fun and flair.
Can I use bottled juice?
Yes, but go for 100% juice with no added sugar if possible. Fresh is always best, but bottled works in a pinch.
Too sweet for my taste-what can I do?
Squeeze in some fresh lime or reduce the grenadine. You can always tweak the balance to suit your palate.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends-it never fails to bring smiles. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a whole pitcher for a crowd, the Category 5 brings a burst of sunshine and a little stormy drama to any occasion.
