Easy
Fresh & Fruity
3 minutes
Rocks Glass
Ingredients
How to Make a Aligatorade
Bar tools you’ll need
Fine Strainer
Jigger
Knife
Muddler
Boston Shaker
How to Mix
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Add 1 slice Pineapple into a shaker.
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Muddle the Pineapple.
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Add Lime juice, Coconut water, Absolut Citron and dashes of Bitters to a Cocktail Shaker.
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Fill your shaker with Ice.
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Shake until well chilled.
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Fill a Rocks glass with fresh Ice.
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Strain your drink into your glass.
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Garnish with Pineapple leaves.
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Sip and enjoy!
All about the Aligatorade Cocktail
Aligatorade is a vivid blend of Absolut Citron, Coconut Water, Lime Juice, Bitters, Pineapple and shaken and served over ice for a balanced, tropical-yet-spirit-forward sip. It stands out for its electric combination of tart lime, smooth coconut, citrus brightness, and a dash of bitterness. Aligatorade is simple to craft, using tools found in most home kitchens, making it ideal for adventurous home bartenders.
Aligatorade lights up your taste buds with sharp citrus and vibrant coconut, rounded out by tangy lime and a subtle bite of bitters. Every sip balances tropical sweetness with a sly bitter tingle, creating a lively and layered flavor adventure.
Originally created by Rico Dynan, Absolut ambassador and bartender, the Aligatorade is a lighter riff on the classic Piña Colada that replaces Rum and Coconut Cream for Vodka and Coconut Water.
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Nail the Ratios for Balance (The Golden Rule)
Always use a Jigger to keep the Absolut Citron, Coconut Water, Lime Juice, and Bitters in perfect harmony. This helps citrus and coconut shine together. Taste after shaking to ensure flavors pop. -
Ice It Right (Chill Factor Upgrade)
Use cracked or pebble ice in your shaker to chill faster. For the Rocks Glass, go for oversized clear cubes so the drink stays cold without diluting. Pre-chill your glass for extra chill. -
Freshness Hacks for Pro-Level Zest
Add a little Lime zest to your shaker for extra brightness. If your Coconut Water lacks flavor, try a splash of Cream Of Coconut for more body. Dress up your garnish with a torch or an edible flower for high style. -
Shake Like You Mean It (Technique That Transforms)
Shake hard and confidently for about 12-15 seconds in a figure-8 motion. A quick “dry shake” before adding ice can add a foamy texture if you want a little drama. -
Batch & Boost for Parties (Scaling Secret)
Multiply everything for a pitcher, but only shake each drink on demand with ice. Add a pinch of Sea Salt to a big batch for extra zip, or swap half the vodka for Elderflower Liqueur if you want more floral notes.
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Caramelized Pineapple Skewer
Torch or grill a Pineapple slice for a smoky, sweet accent that pairs well with the citrus and coconut flavors. -
Lime Wheel and Edible Flower
Skewer a Lime Wheel with a colorful edible flower for a tropical upgrade that makes your Aligatorade pop visually. -
Grapefruit Twist Express
Twist a Grapefruit peel over the glass before serving to add a burst of bright citrus oil and an aromatic finish.
Aligatorade FAQ
Aligatorade is actually approachable for anyone willing to try. With basic tools like a Cocktail Shaker, Strainer, Rocks Glass, and Jigger, you can easily create this zesty and vibrant drink at home.
Aligatorade stands out for its mix of muddled Pineapple, bright citrus vodka, mixed with Coconut Water and finished with Lime Juice and Bitters. That unusual coconut and bitters combo brings unique depth not often found in spirit-forward vodka cocktails.
Absolut Citron is the top choice for Aligatorade, as its citrus character brightens the whole drink. Try to stick with it for the clearest flavor.
Batch the Aligatorade in a pitcher without ice, then shake and serve each drink individually over fresh ice for the best taste and coldness.
