A Jim Jones cocktail is bold, bright, and made for kicking back. It’s got a sweet-tart balance with cranberry, lime, and a fizzy finish-kind of like a grown-up fruit punch, but way more refreshing. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting it: fresh lime juice makes all the difference. Whether you’re serving it at a party or sipping it on the porch, this cocktail’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Jim Jones
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 (easily scaled up for a group)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (orange liqueur)
– ½ oz (15 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) cranberry juice (unsweetened or sweetened, depending on your preference)
– Sprite or other lemon-lime soda, to top (about 2-3 oz / 60-90 ml)
– Ice
– Lime wedge or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Equipment
– Shaker or mason jar with lid
– Highball glass or any tall glass
– Jigger or shot glass for measuring
– Strainer (optional, but helpful)
Method
- Fill your shaker with ice. Add vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice.
- Shake well for about 10-15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill a highball glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture over it.
- Top with Sprite or any lemon-lime soda. About 2-3 oz is usually perfect, but adjust to taste.
- Give it a gentle stir to mix without losing too many bubbles.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or cherry. Serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh lime juice-bottled just doesn’t bring the same brightness.
– Chill your glass ahead of time if you can. It helps the drink stay colder longer.
– If you’re prepping for a group, mix everything but the soda ahead of time and keep it chilled. Add soda and ice just before serving.
– Want a little more fizz? Add extra Sprite. Want it tarter? A splash more lime juice will do the trick.
Substitutions & Variations
– Vodka: Swap with white rum for a lighter, sweeter version.
– Soda: Use sugar-free lemon-lime soda to cut down on sugar.
– Triple sec: Try orange juice and a splash of simple syrup for a non-alcoholic substitute.
– Fruit juice: Pineapple or pomegranate juice gives this a tropical or deeper twist.
Try These Fun Twists
Tropical Jim Jones
– Add 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice and a splash of coconut cream to the shaker. Shake as usual and top with soda.
Spicy Jim Jones
– Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker before shaking. Strain well to keep the heat subtle.
Virgin Jim Jones
– Skip the vodka and triple sec. Use 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice and 1 oz (30 ml) sparkling water. Still delicious and refreshing!
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail really shines with the right bites. Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
– Spicy appetizers: Think jalapeño poppers, buffalo wings, or chili-lime shrimp. The drink’s sweetness balances the heat.
– Grilled seafood: Lightly charred shrimp or grilled fish tacos go perfectly with the citrusy notes.
– Light desserts: Lemon sorbet, fruit tarts, or even a berry parfait make a great finish.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio with friends. It’s simple, refreshing, and always gets a “wow” for the color alone.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– You can mix the vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
– Don’t add the soda or ice until just before serving to keep it fizzy and cold.
– Leftovers (without soda) will keep in the fridge for a day. Just shake again before serving.
Common Questions
Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just swap out the vodka and triple sec for orange juice and sparkling water. It’s still delicious and super refreshing.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened cranberry juice and a splash of soda water instead of Sprite. You can also add more lime for extra tang.
Can I make this for a crowd?
Yes! Multiply the base ingredients (vodka, triple sec, lime, cranberry) and mix in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled and let guests top off with soda and ice themselves.
What’s the best garnish?
A lime wedge is classic, but try fresh mint, a cherry, or even a slice of orange for extra flair.
What glass should I use?
A highball glass works best-it’s tall and lets the bubbles shine. A mason jar gives a fun, casual vibe too.
Once you’ve made this drink a few times, you’ll probably start putting your own twist on it. That’s part of the fun. Whether you go tropical, spicy, or stick with the classic, the Jim Jones is one of those cocktails that’s easy to love and even easier to make again. Cheers!
