There’s something undeniably cheerful about the Yellow Submarine cocktail. With its sunny color, tropical flavor, and light fizz, this drink feels like summer in a glass. It’s sweet, citrusy, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it always brings a smile—especially on warm afternoons or during backyard get-togethers.
Yellow Submarine
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glass Type: Highball or pint glass
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) vodka
– 1 oz (30 ml) white rum
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) banana liqueur
– 3 oz (90 ml) orange juice (fresh is best!)
– 1 oz (30 ml) sweet and sour mix
– Splash of club soda
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slice or maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the vodka, white rum, banana liqueur, orange juice, and sweet and sour mix.
- Shake it up for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold.
- Fill your highball glass with fresh ice, then strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda. Give it a gentle stir to mix.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or a cherry. A colorful straw or paper umbrella adds a playful touch!
Tips for the Best Yellow Submarine
– Use fresh orange juice for a brighter, cleaner citrus flavor. Bottled juice can make it taste flat.
– Chill your glass ahead of time—it keeps the drink colder longer.
– If your drink feels too sweet, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to balance it out.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix everything except the club soda ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Right before serving, pour over ice and top with club soda for that bubbly finish.
Storage
If you’ve made a larger batch, keep the mix (minus club soda) in a sealed jar or pitcher in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving and don’t add ice until the last minute to avoid watering it down.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
No banana liqueur? Use a banana-flavored syrup or even a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Too sweet? Cut the banana liqueur in half or add more citrus.
Want it stronger? Add an extra half-ounce of rum.
Try a twist: Use spiced rum instead of white rum for a warmer, richer flavor.
Fun Variations
Green Submarine
– Swap the banana liqueur for blue curaçao.
– Add a splash of lemon juice.
– Result: A green-hued drink with a citrus kick.
Red Submarine
– Add grenadine instead of banana liqueur.
– Pour it slowly over the back of a spoon to create a fun layered effect.
Golden Submarine
– Use gold rum and top with ginger beer instead of club soda.
– Gives the drink a spicy, fizzy bite.
Virgin Yellow Submarine
– Mix orange juice with a splash of lemon-lime soda and a few drops of banana extract.
– Serve with a fun straw and garnish for a kid-friendly version.
Food Pairings
The Yellow Submarine shines best alongside light, fresh dishes. Here are a few favorites:
Grilled Chicken Skewers
The citrus in the drink pairs beautifully with savory, slightly charred chicken. A honey-lime glaze takes it over the top.
Summer Salad
A crisp salad with mixed greens, citrus segments, and a vinaigrette plays well with the cocktail’s sweet and tangy profile.
Tropical Fruit Platter
Pineapple, mango, kiwi—these fruits echo the drink’s tropical notes and make for a colorful, refreshing side.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and just the right mix of sweet and citrusy.
Common Questions
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings. Mix everything except the club soda in a pitcher and refrigerate. Stir well and top each glass with soda right before serving.
What’s the best garnish?
A lemon wheel or an orange slice works great. Cherries add a retro touch. For parties, mini umbrellas are always a hit!
How strong is this cocktail?
It’s a moderate drink—balanced, not too boozy. But you can adjust the alcohol up or down to suit your taste.
Can I make it less sweet?
Absolutely. Reduce the banana liqueur or use a citrus-forward sweet and sour mix. A squeeze of fresh lime also helps cut sweetness.
What should I avoid when making this?
Don’t overdo the banana liqueur—it can overpower everything. Also, make sure to shake the drink well so it’s properly chilled and blended.
Final Notes
The Yellow Submarine is a playful, feel-good drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings, beach days, or just when you want a little sunshine in your glass. It’s simple enough for beginners, with lots of room to get creative. Pair it with light bites, and don’t be afraid to tweak it to match your mood. Whether you’re hosting a Beatles-themed party or just kicking back on the porch, this cocktail is bound to bring some cheer.
