There’s something about the Fort Lauderdale cocktail that just feels like sunshine in a glass. It’s fruity, refreshing, and has that tropical kick that instantly puts you in vacation mode—no plane ticket required. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it’s become my go-to for backyard barbecues and lazy Sunday afternoons. It’s easy to mix, tastes like a citrusy breeze, and always brings good vibes.
Fort Lauderdale
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass (or a Hurricane glass for a beachy look)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
– 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice
– ½ oz (15 ml) grenadine
– Ice (enough to fill your glass)
– Orange slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the white rum, triple sec, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
- Add the grenadine last. For a pretty layered look, pour it slowly over the back of a spoon so it settles at the bottom.
- Shake it all up for about 10 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail into it.
- Garnish with an orange slice or cherry. Don’t skip this step—it adds a nice aroma and a pop of color.
Tips for the Best Fort Lauderdale
– Use fresh-squeezed juices if you can. They make a huge difference in flavor.
– If you want less sugar, try swapping grenadine for a drizzle of agave or honey.
– Want to impress? That layered look is all about the pour—go slow and steady.
– If you’re making a bunch, mix everything except the ice and grenadine ahead of time, then shake and serve when your guests arrive.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can mix the rum, triple sec, cranberry juice, and orange juice in a pitcher a few hours ahead. Store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, shake each portion with ice and finish with grenadine and garnish.
Leftovers? Keep the mix (without ice) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a good shake before using.
Substitutions
– No white rum? Try dark rum for a richer flavor or coconut rum for a tropical twist.
– No triple sec? Cointreau or Grand Marnier work great.
– Want to skip alcohol? Use coconut water or club soda in place of rum, and skip the triple sec for a mocktail version.
Why This Recipe Works
The combo of cranberry and orange juices brings the sweet-tart balance. The rum adds that warm tropical base, and the grenadine gives it a hint of sweetness and a beautiful color. Each ingredient plays a role, and when they come together, it’s like sipping on a Florida sunset.
Serving Suggestions
This drink shines brightest when served chilled with:
– Grilled shrimp or fish tacos: The citrusy cocktail cuts through the richness of the seafood.
– Spicy snacks: Think jalapeño poppers or buffalo wings—the sweetness cools the heat.
– Fresh salads: A zesty vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this fruity drink.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails because this one always hits the spot. It’s light enough not to weigh you down, but flavorful enough to feel like a treat.
Variations to Try
Tropical Lauderdale
– Add pineapple and mango juice instead of cranberry.
– Blend with crushed ice for a slushy version.
Berry Lauderdale
– Muddle a few strawberries and blueberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients.
– Strain into your glass for a fruity spin.
Spicy Lauderdale
– Add a splash of jalapeño syrup or a few muddled jalapeño slices.
– Rim your glass with chili salt for a little kick.
Virgin Fort Lauderdale (Mocktail)
– Skip the rum and triple sec.
– Use coconut water or club soda.
– Add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist.
Helpful Hints
- Don’t over-shake: Just enough to chill and combine is perfect.
- Use clear ice for a prettier drink—it melts slower and looks great.
- Fresh citrus makes a difference. Bottle juice works in a pinch, but fresh oranges really elevate the flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes! Scale up the ingredients and mix in a pitcher. Add ice and grenadine just before serving.
How do I get that pretty gradient look?
Pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon so it sinks instead of mixing in.
Can I use bottled juice?
You can, but fresh juice gives a brighter, more natural flavor.
What’s the best garnish?
An orange slice and a maraschino cherry are classic. A sprig of mint is lovely too.
When’s the best time to enjoy this drink?
Warm afternoons, sunset happy hours, or anytime you want to feel like you’re on vacation.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, the Fort Lauderdale cocktail brings a little sunshine into your glass. It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it always gets compliments. Cheers to that!
