A fruity, colorful cocktail with a playful name, the Shaved Beaver is all about fun, flavor, and a little bit of flair. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and ridiculously refreshing — basically everything you want when you’re kicking back with friends. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-dinner cocktails that’s just as good at a summer BBQ as it is on a cozy night in.
Shaved Beaver
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1 (easily doubled or tripled for a crowd)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz (45ml) light rum
- 0.5 oz (15ml) peach schnapps
- 2 oz (60ml) orange juice (fresh squeezed if you can!)
- 2 oz (60ml) cranberry juice
- A splash of grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnishes: orange slice, maraschino cherry, fresh mint
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker
- Highball glass or hurricane glass
- Jigger (or a tablespoon works fine)
How to Make It
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Cold is key here to keep everything crisp and bright!
- Pour in the rum and peach schnapps.
- Add the orange juice and cranberry juice.
- Pop the lid on and give it a good shake — about 10–15 seconds — until the outside of the shaker feels frosty.
- Fill your glass with fresh ice and strain the drink into it.
- Slowly pour a splash of grenadine over the top. It’ll sink and create that gorgeous, sunset-like layer.
- Garnish with an orange slice, a cherry, or a little sprig of mint if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips for the Best Shaved Beaver
- Chill your glass ahead of time for a drink that stays cold longer.
- Use fresh juices whenever you can — it really makes the flavors pop.
- Don’t over-shake — you want it mixed and cold, not watered down.
- Pour the grenadine slowly for that beautiful color separation.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and one thing I learned early on: if you add the grenadine too fast, it’ll just mix right in. Slow and steady wins the race here!
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the rum, schnapps, orange juice, and cranberry juice ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Add the ice and grenadine right when you’re ready to enjoy it so you don’t lose that lovely layered look.
Substitutions & Variations
Substitutions:
- No rum? Use vodka for a slightly lighter, cleaner flavor.
- Out of peach schnapps? Try apricot brandy or even a splash of peach nectar.
- Prefer a natural sweetener? Skip grenadine and drizzle in a little honey or agave syrup.
Fun Variations:
Spicy Beaver
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce after shaking. The sweet-spicy combo is a game changer!
Winter Beaver
- Swap cranberry juice for pomegranate juice to get a richer, deeper flavor that’s perfect for chilly nights.
Tropical Beaver
- Use coconut rum instead of regular rum and toss in a splash of pineapple juice for a beachy twist.
Virgin Shaved Beaver
- Leave out the rum and schnapps. Mix the juices and grenadine for a super refreshing mocktail that’s perfect for all ages.
What It Tastes Like
The Shaved Beaver is a juicy, sweet-tart drink that hits you with a fruity burst right upfront, then mellows into a soft, citrusy finish. Thanks to the grenadine, it has a lovely hint of berry sweetness at the end too. It’s the kind of drink that just feels like sunshine in a glass.
Food Pairings
This cocktail loves a good snack! Here are a few pairings I swear by:
- Spicy Appetizers: Think spicy wings, jalapeño poppers, or spicy shrimp. The sweetness of the drink cools down the heat perfectly.
- Grilled Chicken: Simple grilled chicken skewers or even a chicken sandwich work great with the fruity notes.
- Vanilla Desserts: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake makes the perfect sweet ending.
Common Questions
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely! Just multiply the ingredients by however many servings you need. Mix everything except the ice and grenadine. Keep it chilled and add the grenadine right before serving.
How do I keep it from getting watered down?
Use plenty of ice when shaking and serving. It chills the drink quickly without melting too much.
Can I make it less sweet?
Sure can! Use unsweetened cranberry juice and cut back a little on the grenadine.
How should I garnish it?
An orange wedge and a cherry are classic, but a little mint sprig or even a twist of lime adds a fun touch.
Is it good for winter too?
Yes! Try the Winter Beaver variation with pomegranate juice for a festive, holiday-ready drink.
Final Thoughts
The Shaved Beaver is one of those cocktails that’s just plain fun — easy to make, easy to drink, and guaranteed to get people talking. Whether you’re sipping it by the pool, serving it at a party, or just treating yourself to a colorful pick-me-up, it’s a drink that always brings a little extra joy to the moment. Cheers!
