The Grateful Dead cocktail is a bold, colorful drink with a wild mix of spirits and fruity flavors. It’s a fun twist on the Long Island Iced Tea, with a raspberry kick and a splash of cola that gives it a deep, tie-dye hue. It’s strong, sweet, and surprisingly smooth-perfect for parties or a laid-back evening with friends.
Grateful Dead Purple
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I picked up along the way: balance is everything. Too much raspberry liqueur can overpower the rest, so go light and adjust to your taste.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass or mason jar
Ingredients
– 1 oz (30 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) white rum
– 1 oz (30 ml) gin
– 1 oz (30 ml) tequila
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec
– ½ oz (15 ml) raspberry liqueur (like Chambord)
– 2 oz (60 ml) sour mix (store-bought or homemade – see tips below)
– Splash of cola (about 1-2 tablespoons)
– Ice
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker is nice and cold.
- Fill a highball glass or mason jar with ice.
- Strain the shaken mix into the glass.
- Add the raspberry liqueur by slowly pouring it over the back of a spoon. This helps it float and gives the drink that signature layered look.
- Top it off with a splash of cola for color and a little fizz.
Tips & Tricks
- Homemade sour mix: Mix ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice, ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lime juice, and ¾ cup (150 g) sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- To keep the drink from being too sweet, use less sour mix or go with a diet cola.
- Want bold layers? Chill each ingredient beforehand and pour slowly.
- If you don’t have a shaker, stir the spirits in a mixing glass with ice and strain into your serving glass.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can pre-mix the base spirits (vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec) and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add sour mix, raspberry liqueur, and cola just before serving for the best flavor and fizz.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is strong and flavorful, so it pairs best with bold or spicy foods. Here are a few favorites:
- Spicy wings: The sweet and sour notes of the drink balance out the heat.
- BBQ ribs: Smoky, saucy ribs bring out the citrusy side of the cocktail.
- Veggie tacos: Grilled peppers, onions, and avocado keep things light and fresh.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails-this one never fails to impress guests, and it’s such a conversation starter thanks to its name and look.
Variations
Electric Blue Dead
Swap out the triple sec for blue curaçao. You’ll get a bold electric-blue color and a slightly orangey flavor.
Berry Dead
Use blackberry liqueur instead of raspberry for a darker, richer berry flavor.
Sunny Dead
Replace the cola with a splash of orange juice. It’s a great twist for daytime sipping.
Virgin Grateful Dead
Mix 1 oz (30 ml) raspberry syrup, 2 oz (60 ml) lemon-lime soda, 1 oz (30 ml) sour mix, and a splash of grenadine. Stir over ice for a sweet, fizzy mocktail.
Common Questions
Can I make a Grateful Dead without alcohol?
Yes! Use flavored syrups, juices, and soda to mimic the taste and look of the original. See the Virgin Grateful Dead above.
Is this cocktail strong?
Definitely. It’s packed with five different spirits, so sip it slowly and responsibly.
Can I use flavored vodka or rum?
Absolutely. Try citrus vodka or coconut rum for a fun twist.
How do I get that layered effect?
Pour the raspberry liqueur gently over the back of a spoon. It’ll float on top and slowly sink, creating a beautiful gradient.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the sour mix and raspberry liqueur. You can also use diet cola or a splash of soda water.
Final Thoughts
The Grateful Dead is more than just a cocktail-it’s a throwback to the free-spirited vibes of the ’70s, wrapped in a glass full of color and flavor. It’s a fun drink to make, a showstopper to serve, and a guaranteed good time when enjoyed with great food and company.
Try one of the variations next time or mix up a batch for your next gathering. Just be ready-everyone will want to know what’s in that gorgeous glass.
