Bright, citrusy, and full of energy-this Touchdown cocktail is like a burst of game-day excitement in a glass. It’s the kind of drink that lifts spirits fast, with sweet orange juice, a splash of lime, and the crisp fizz of lemon-lime soda. I’ve made this drink countless times, especially for backyard BBQs and football nights, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Touchdown
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glass: Highball glass (or a mason jar for a casual vibe)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
– 3 oz (90 ml) orange juice (preferably fresh)
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (orange liqueur)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
– 2 oz (60 ml) lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP)
– Ice
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Pour in the vodka, orange juice, triple sec, and lime juice.
- Shake well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Fill a chilled highball glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top off with lemon-lime soda. Stir gently to combine without losing the fizz.
- Garnish with a lime wedge or get playful with a mini football skewer if it’s game day.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer. Just pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
– Use fresh juice if you can. It really makes a difference in flavor-especially the lime.
– Want it less sweet? Cut back on the triple sec or use a splash of soda water instead of lemon-lime soda.
– Batch it! You can mix the vodka, triple sec, and juices ahead of time for a party. Just add soda when serving to keep things bubbly.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the base (vodka, orange juice, triple sec, lime juice) up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, just pour it over ice and top with soda.
Once mixed with soda, enjoy it right away-otherwise, it’ll go flat.
Substitutions & Variations
Need to switch things up? Here are some simple swaps and fun takes:
– Vodka: Try gin for a more herbal profile, or coconut rum for a tropical twist.
– Orange Juice: Grapefruit juice gives a tart edge. Pineapple juice adds a vacation vibe.
– Soda: Ginger beer adds a spicy zing, or use sparkling water for a lighter version.
– Non-alcoholic version: Skip the vodka and triple sec. Add a bit more orange juice and a splash of cranberry for color and tang.
Fun Variations
Sunset Touchdown
– Add a drizzle of grenadine over the finished drink. It’ll sink to the bottom and create a gorgeous layered look-like a sunset in a glass.
Tropical Touchdown
– Swap vodka for coconut rum and use pineapple juice instead of orange. It’s beachy, fruity, and perfect for summer.
Berry Touchdown
– Use berry-flavored vodka and cranberry juice in place of orange juice. It’s a deeper, tangier version that still keeps things refreshing.
Serving Suggestions
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio, and it pairs beautifully with casual, bold-flavored foods. Here are a few favorites:
Grilled Burgers
The smoky, juicy flavors of a burger balance the citrusy brightness of the cocktail.
Spicy Chicken Wings
The drink’s sweet-tart profile cools the heat and resets your palate for the next bite.
Chips & Salsa
A crisp, zesty pairing that’s perfect when you want something lighter but still satisfying.
Things to Watch For
– Don’t overdo the soda-it can water down the drink if you add too much.
– If using store-bought juice, make sure it’s not overly sweetened or it can overpower the cocktail.
– Shake with enough ice. A cold shake helps bring the flavors together and chills everything down fast.
FAQs
Can I make it alcohol-free?
Yes! Replace the vodka and triple sec with more juice and a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice for balance.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients for a pitcher, but add soda just before serving to keep it fizzy.
Is it okay to use bottled juice?
You can, but fresh is best. If using bottled, go for 100% juice with no added sugar.
How do I make it stronger?
Add an extra half-ounce of vodka if you like, but be careful not to throw off the balance.
What foods should I avoid pairing with it?
Heavy, creamy dishes (like alfredo pasta or cheesy dips) can clash with the cocktail’s bright, citrusy flavors.
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Whether you’re celebrating a big win or just kicking back on the weekend, the Touchdown is an easy, feel-good cocktail that brings people together. It’s zesty, fizzy, and endlessly tweakable-just the way a great drink should be.
