Area 51 Cocktail Recipe

Area 51 Nutrition Facts

Calories:210

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

Alcohol %:20%

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 Area 51 cocktail is a mysterious and intriguing drink, just like its namesake. It was created in the late 90s by a bartender who was a fan of science fiction and conspiracy theories. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity cocktail with a strong kick.

  • The name is a nod to the infamous Area 51, a highly classified and mysterious remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base within the Nevada Test and Training Range in the United States.

How Area 51 Tastes?

The Area 51 cocktail is a sweet and fruity cocktail with a strong kick. It has a vibrant tropical flavor with a hint of citrus and a strong, smooth finish.

Interesting facts about Area 51

  • The Area 51 cocktail is often served in a martini glass, adding to its sophisticated and mysterious appeal.
  • Despite its sweet and fruity taste, this cocktail packs a punch with its high alcohol content.
  • The vibrant green color of the cocktail is reminiscent of the alleged extraterrestrial activities associated with Area 51.

Ingredients

A few good options for Area 51 are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

  • Why it's used: Vodka is the backbone of this cocktail, providing a strong base without overwhelming the other flavors.
  • Flavor enhancement: Vodka has a neutral taste that allows the melon, pineapple, and lime to shine. Without it, you'd have a non-alcoholic punch.
  • Alternatives: If you're feeling adventurous, use Tequila for a 'Roswell Rita' or white rum for a 'Galactic Mojito' twist.

Alex Green

Melon Liqueur

  • Why it's used: This liqueur gives the 'Area 51' its alien-green hue and sweet melon flavor.
  • Flavor enhancement: It adds depth and a fruity sweetness that complements the tartness of the pineapple and lime juice.
  • What if omitted: Skipping this is like forgetting the alien in Area 51 - you just wouldn't.
  • Alternatives: Midori is a popular choice, but you could also use peach schnapps for a different fruity flavor.

Emma Rose

Pineapple Juice

  • Why it's used: Pineapple juice brings tropical vibes and acidity to balance the sweetness.
  • Flavor enhancement: It adds a tartness that plays well with the other ingredients.
  • What if omitted: The cocktail would lose its tropical character and would be less balanced.
  • Alternatives: Mango juice could be an exotic replacement, giving the drink a different but equally mysterious twist.

Mary Mitkina

Lime Juice

  • Why it's used: It's the sour counterpoint to the cocktail's sweetness, keeping everything in check.
  • Flavor enhancement: Lime juice adds freshness and zing, essential for the perfect cocktail blend.
  • What if omitted: The cocktail would be cloyingly sweet without the lime's acidity.
  • Alternatives: Lemon juice can work in a pinch, giving a similar, though slightly more tart profile.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Area 51 Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of melon liqueur, 1 oz of pineapple juice, and 0.5 oz of lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Pro Tips

Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your martini glass before serving to keep your cocktail cold longer.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled shrimp: The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the melon liqueur complement the smokiness of the grilled shrimp.
  • Teriyaki chicken skewers: Vodka's clean flavor cuts through the richness of the teriyaki while the fruity components of the cocktail match well with the glaze.
  • Cheese platter: Specifically with lighter cheeses like mozzarella or feta that won't overpower the cocktail's delicate melon flavors.
  • Fruit salad with a citrus dressing: To echo the cocktail's fruity and citrus notes.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
  • Chilled green tea: The earthiness of the tea contrasts well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Area 51

You can substitute the vodka with gin for a more herbal flavor.

  • If you don't have melon liqueur, you can use a melon syrup or a melon-flavored vodka.

Explore all drinks starting with A here

And of course - twists🍹

The Roswell Rita

  • Ingredients: 2 oz Tequila, 1 oz Melon Liqueur, 1 oz Pineapple juice, 0.5 oz Lime juice
  • Recipe: Same process, but with tequila instead of vodka. Shake well, strain, and serve with a salt rim.
  • Flavor profile: Expect a bolder kick from the tequila, a savory edge that plays well with the sweet and tangy flavors of the cocktail.

The Galactic Mojito

  • Ingredients: 2 oz White Rum, 1 oz Melon Liqueur, 1 oz Pineapple juice, a handful of fresh mint leaves, 0.5 oz Lime juice, club soda to top
  • Recipe: Muddle the mint with lime juice in a shaker, add the rest of the ingredients except the soda, shake, strain into an ice-filled glass, top with club soda.
  • Flavor profile: The combination of mint and rum adds a refreshing twist to the alien concoction, giving it a mojito feel with an extraterrestrial twist.

Cosmo 51

  • Ingredients: 2 oz Vodka, 1 oz Melon Liqueur, 0.5 oz Cranberry juice, 0.5 oz Lime juice
  • Recipe: Mix vodka, melon liqueur, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
  • Flavor profile: Adding cranberry brings a tartness that contrasts the melon's sweetness, creating a cosmic take on the classic Cosmopolitan.

In case you forgot basics how to make Area 51

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 Area 51

Can I add other fruits to this cocktail?

Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits like strawberries or peaches. Just remember to adjust the amount of juice accordingly to maintain balance.

Is this cocktail suitable for a party?

Yes, the Area 51 cocktail with its vibrant color can be a great addition to a cocktail party or any social event.

Can I prepare it non-alcoholic?

Yes, you can substitute the alcoholic ingredients with non-alcoholic alternatives such as sparkling water or non-alcoholic vodka to make a mocktail.

Do I need any special equipment to make this cocktail?

You'll need a shaker to combine the ingredients effectively and a martini glass for serving the cocktail.

What food pairs well with this cocktail?

Given the tropical flavors, this cocktail pairs well with light foods such as sushi or a shrimp salad.

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