Alligator Bait Cocktail Recipe

Alligator Bait Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:25g

Alcohol:14%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Alligator Bait cocktail is believed to have originated in the southern United States, particularly in the swamps of Louisiana. This cocktail is named after the practice of using small animals as bait to catch alligators. It is popular among those who enjoy adventurous and unique cocktails. The Alligator Bait cocktail is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and those who appreciate a taste of the wild.

  • The cocktail is said to have been created by hunters and fishermen in the swamps of Louisiana
  • It gained popularity in the late 20th century as adventurous drinkers sought out unique and bold flavors
  • The name 'Alligator Bait' is a nod to the cocktail's swampy origins and its daring taste

How Alligator Bait Tastes?

The Alligator Bait cocktail is a bold and daring mix of flavors. It is sweet, sour, and slightly spicy, with a strong kick from the alcohol. The combination of melon liqueur, pineapple juice, and jalapeño creates a unique and exciting taste experience.

Interesting facts about Alligator Bait

  • The Alligator Bait cocktail is often served in a unique glass shaped like an alligator's head
  • Some variations of the cocktail include a splash of grenadine for added color and sweetness
  • The cocktail is sometimes garnished with a small plastic alligator, adding to its swampy theme

Ingredients

A few good options for Alligator Bait are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Melon Liqueur

1 oz of melon liqueur brings a vibrant green hue and sweetness that evokes summer flavors in our Alligator Bait cocktail. Too little, and you might miss out on the tropical party; too much, and you'll feel like you've dived into a melon patch!

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice at 2 oz ensures a fruity, tart backbone to the cocktail. It's a party in a glass, and without it? The party's over before it started. You can sub in mango juice for a different kind of island twist.

Alex Green

Jalapeño

A slice of jalapeño - spicy's kiss to your sweet cocktail. It's a small dose of adventure in every sip. Skip it, and it's like ignoring the spice of life; add too much, and it's 'hello fire brigade'!

Mary Mitkina

Vodka

Vodka: the 1 oz of 'oomph' that transforms a fruit punch into a cocktail with a kick. Take this out, and suddenly, you're just chilling with juice; too much, and your taste buds might go on strike.

Emma Rose

Ice

Ice beads up the glass and chills the soul - 1 cup tames the heat and dilutes the intensity just so. No ice? Warm and intense. Like sipping on a summer sidewalk.

Alex Green

Grenadine (optional)

A little 0.5 oz dash of grenadine sweetens the deal and creates a sunset in your glass. Leave it out, and you decide to sail calm seas; overdo it, and it's sugary shipwreck ahead!

Mary Mitkina

Plastic alligator (optional)

The plastic alligator is your cheeky nod to the name. A beast of decor, no influence on taste; omit this, and no one's the wiser. But with it, you've got a cocktail with character and a story.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Alligator Bait Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the following ingredients:
    • 1 oz melon liqueur
    • 2 oz pineapple juice
    • 1 slice of jalapeño
    • 1 oz vodka
    • 1 cup of ice
  2. Shake well to combine and chill the ingredients
  3. Strain the mixture into an alligator head-shaped glass or a rocks glass filled with ice
  4. (Optional) Add a splash of grenadine for added color and sweetness
  5. (Optional) Garnish with a small plastic alligator

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for a more vibrant flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, leave the jalapeño slice in the shaker longer.
  • Chill the glass before pouring the cocktail to keep it extra cold.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: The sweet and tangy flavors of the Alligator Bait cocktail pair wonderfully with grilled shrimp or fish, complementing the smoky taste.
  • Spicy Chicken: To counterbalance the cocktail's sweetness and the mild kick from the jalapeño, pair it with spicy chicken dishes.
  • Tropical Salads: A fresh tropical salad with mangoes and avocados would echo the cocktail's fruity notes.

Drink Pairings

  • Coconut Water: Enjoy a non-alcoholic coconut water on the side; it will heighten the tropical vibe.
  • Cold Brew Coffee: For a contrasting pairing, the sweetness of the cocktail could be offset with the bitterness of cold brew coffee.

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What you could change in Alligator Bait

  • Melon liqueur: Can be substituted with Midori or another melon-flavored liqueur.
  • Pineapple juice: Can be replaced with orange juice for a different tropical twist.
  • Vodka: Can be replaced with white rum for a more Caribbean flavor.

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

Cool Cucumber Alligator

Substitute jalapeño with a cucumber slice and add a dash of elderflower liqueur for a more refreshing variant. The drink will be crisp and less spicy, offering a cool escape on a hot day.

Berry Bait Adventure

Mix in muddled fresh berries instead of jalapeño and top with a splash of club soda for a fruity fizz. The taste will be berry-centric with a bubbly personality - a sweet and playful adventure.

Swampy Sunrise

Layer the drink with blue curaçao before adding grenadine, creating a dazzling sunrise effect. The citrus kick from the blue curaçao will add complexity and a 'swampy' vibe - for those who like their cocktails bold and beautiful.

In case you forgot basics how to make Alligator Bait

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Alligator Bait

Is the Alligator Bait cocktail considered a traditional drink in Louisiana?

While the cocktail was originated in the swamps of Louisiana, it's not considered a traditional or classic Louisiana cocktail like the Sazerac or the Hurricane. It gained its popularity from its unique mix of flavors and the interesting story behind its name.

Which spirits can be used for an Alligator Bait cocktail if I don't have vodka or white rum?

You can try with different clear, neutral spirits like gin or tequila. Remember that different spirits have different flavor profiles, so they can alter the final flavor of the cocktail.

Can I use other types of peppers if I don't have jalapeño?

Yes, you can use other types of peppers depending on your spice tolerance. For less heat, try poblano peppers. For more heat, try serrano peppers or habaneros.

Does the plastic alligator affect the flavor of the cocktail?

No, the plastic alligator is mainly for aesthetics and doesn't impact the taste of the cocktail. It adds a fun twist to the cocktail presentation.

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