California Cooler Cocktail Recipe
California Cooler Nutrition Facts
Calories:150
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol %:12
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
Contents
History
The California Cooler is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that originated in the sunny state of California. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy a light, fruity drink with a hint of fizz. The cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1980s, during the wine cooler craze. It's a great choice for those who enjoy white wine and citrus flavors.
How California Cooler Tastes?
The California Cooler is a light, refreshing cocktail with a fruity taste. It has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of fizz. The white wine gives it a crisp, dry taste, while the citrus juices add a tangy sweetness. The soda water adds a bit of fizz, making it a perfect summer drink.
Interesting facts about California Cooler
- The California Cooler was popular during the 1980s wine cooler craze.
- It's a great choice for those who enjoy white wine and citrus flavors.
- The cocktail is named after the sunny state of California, where it was created.
Ingredients
- White wine: 4 oz(120ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Orange juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Soda water: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice cubes: as needed
- Orange slice: 1
- Maraschino cherry: 1
White Wine
A good California Chardonnay brings fruity and acidic notes that form the base of this cocktail. The 4 oz serving is just enough to shine without overpowering the other flavors. If you skimp on this, the drink loses its wine character. Using a different wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, can introduce more citrusy and grassy notes.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Juice
Bright and tangy, 1 oz of lemon juice adds a punch and contrast to the sweetness. Too much, and your lips will pucker; too little, and you'll miss the zing. Substitute with yuzu juice for an exotic twist.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
Lime juice at 1 oz complements the lemon with its own distinct tartness, adding depth. Mess up this measure, and the cocktail can become too tart or too flat. For a change-up, try swapping for key lime juice for a more aromatic profile.
Alex Green
Orange Juice
Sweetness and smoothness come from 1 oz of orange juice. It brings balance, so if it's left out or reduced, the cocktail might be too sharp. Mandarin juice could be a sweeter alternative—if you're willing to tweak traditions.
Mary Mitkina
Soda Water
The 2 oz of soda water give your drink a bubbly lift—miss out on this, and you've got a flat, sad cooler. Use tonic for a bitter kick, or flavored sparkling water for a subtle twist.
Emma Rose
Ice Cubes
Ice keeps it cool and casual. No ice equals a warm, uninviting sip that won't do you any favors. Crush it for a slushie-like cooler on those extra-hot days.
Alex Green
Orange Slice
An orange slice garnish isn't just for looks—it adds a hint of fresh citrus aroma with every sip. No slice is no fun. A lemon or lime wheel could step in if oranges are MIA.
Mary Mitkina
Maraschino Cherry
The cherry on top, literally. It's a sweet, playful finish that leaves a lasting impression. Skipping it isn't a dealbreaker, but why miss out on the fun? Try a slice of peach for a summery vibe.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make California Cooler Drink
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to use fresh citrus juices for the best flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of soda water to suit your taste.
- Serve in a tall glass for the best presentation.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
Light and refreshing appetizers such as bruschetta, sushi, or a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette would complement the bright acidity and citrus notes of the California Cooler.
Seafood
Grilled or baked fish, shrimp cocktail, and calamari are great seafood options that would pair nicely with the crispness of the white wine and the effervescence of the soda water.
Cheese
A cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or feta will balance well with the fruity and tangy flavors in the cocktail.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in California Cooler
- You can substitute the white wine with sparkling wine for a more festive version.
- If you don't have soda water, you can use club soda or tonic water.
- You can also add a splash of grenadine for a sweeter taste and a pop of color.
Explore all drinks starting with C here
And of course - twists🍹
Sparkling Wine Cooler
Replace the white wine with 4 oz of sparkling wine for an extra fizzy experience. The zesty citrus will highlight the effervescence, making for a party in your mouth.
Recipe
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour 4 oz of sparkling wine instead of still white wine.
- Add the lemon, lime, and orange juices as normal.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
This twist turns the chill factor up a notch, perfect for celebratory toasts!
Tropical Cooler
Throw in the flavors of the tropics by using coconut water instead of soda and adding 1/2 oz of pineapple juice.
Recipe
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice.
- Add 1/2 oz of pineapple juice.
- Top with the same amount of coconut water instead of soda water.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Sip this and be instantly transported to a beach with white sand under your toes.
Berry Delicious Cooler
Infuse the cocktail with berry flavors by adding 1 oz of mixed berry puree and switching the soda water to lemon-lime soda.
Recipe
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Mix in 1 oz of mixed berry puree.
- Pour in the white wine, lemon juice, lime juice, and orange juice.
- Swap out soda water for an equal part of lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with a few fresh berries and an orange slice.
It's a berry blast that will have you dreaming of summer picnics and berry picking adventures.
In case you forgot basics how to make California Cooler
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 garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on California Cooler
What is the best type of white wine to use for a California Cooler?
The California Cooler cocktail can be made with any white wine you prefer. However, a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would complement the citrus flavors.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute the wine with a non-alcoholic white grape juice to create a mocktail version of California Cooler.
Is drinking a California Cooler good for people trying to maintain their weight?
The California Cooler is a light cocktail and contains around 150 calories, so it could fit into a balanced diet. However, it's essential to consume alcohol responsibly and remember that it also contains sugars.
Why does the California Cooler use both lemon and lime juice?
Both lemon and lime juice are used to create a balance of flavors. While they are both citrus fruits, they have distinct flavors. Lemon juice is more sour, and lime juice is slightly sweet, which complements the tanginess of the orange juice and the dryness of the wine.
More similar recipes to California Cooler!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
Kir
The Kir cocktail has a balanced, fruity, and refreshing taste. It's slightly sweet, tangy, and aromatic, with a subtle hint of blackcurrant.
Wine Cooler
The Wine Cooler cocktail has a fruity, refreshing, and slightly sweet taste. It is light and easy to drink, with a subtle hint of wine and a pleasant mix of fruit flavors.
Wine Spritzer
The Wine Spritzer is a light, crisp, and refreshing cocktail. It has a subtle sweetness from the wine, balanced by the tartness of the soda water. The drink is effervescent and has a slightly fruity flavor.
Bellini
The Bellini is a light, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the peach puree. The bubbles from the Prosecco add a pleasant effervescence, making it a perfect drink for warm weather and celebrations.
Cucumber Martini
The Cucumber Martini is crisp, clean, and refreshing with a subtle hint of botanicals. It has a light, slightly sweet taste with a smooth, velvety texture. The cucumber adds a cool, fresh flavor that balances the sharpness of the gin and the tanginess of the lemon.
Swimming Pool
The Swimming Pool cocktail has a sweet, fruity, and slightly creamy taste. It is not too strong, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer lighter cocktails. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and citrus flavors creates a refreshing and tropical experience.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Pina Colada
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Tom Collins
The Tom Collins has a refreshing, slightly sour, and mildly sweet taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a smooth and light texture, making it easy to drink and enjoy.
Americano
The Americano has a complex and bittersweet taste, with herbal and citrus notes. It is refreshing, slightly bitter, and mildly sweet, making it a perfect balance of flavors.
John Collins
The John Collins is a refreshing, slightly sweet, and sour cocktail with a hint of bitterness. It has a light, effervescent texture and a balanced flavor profile.
Bramble
The Bramble cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The gin provides a strong, herbal base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tartness. The blackberry liqueur and simple syrup bring a sweet, fruity balance to the drink.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Screwdriver
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
Kamikaze
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
Lemon Drop Martini
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep has a refreshing, sweet, and slightly minty taste. It is a well-balanced cocktail with a strong bourbon backbone and a cooling, herbal finish.
Moscow Mule
The Moscow Mule is a refreshing, slightly spicy, and tangy cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The combination of vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice creates a well-balanced and invigorating flavor profile.