Dancing Bear Cocktail Recipe

The Dancing Bear cocktail is a delightful mix of vodka, peach schnapps, and fruit juices. It's named after the famous Grateful Dead song and is a favorite among fans of the band. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a fruity, refreshing drink with a kick.

• Origin: The Dancing Bear cocktail was created in the late 20th century, during the height of the Grateful Dead's popularity.
• Popularity: It's particularly popular among fans of the band, but its delicious taste has won it fans from all walks of life.

The Dancing Bear cocktail is a sweet and fruity concoction. The peach schnapps and fruit juices give it a refreshing, tropical taste, while the vodka adds a strong, crisp undertone. It's a well-balanced cocktail that's both sweet and tangy.

• The Dancing Bear cocktail is named after a Grateful Dead song.
• It's a popular choice for summer parties and barbecues due to its refreshing taste.
• Despite its sweet and fruity flavor, it's quite strong, thanks to the vodka.

1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add vodka, peach schnapps, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice cubes.
5. Top with grenadine.
6. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.

• Use fresh fruit juices for the best taste.
• Chill your glass before serving for an extra refreshing cocktail.
• Don't overdo it with the grenadine, it's meant to add a hint of sweetness, not overpower the other flavors.

Appetizers

• Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The sweet and citrus notes of the cocktail complement the smokiness of the shrimp.
• Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders: The tropical flavors of the chicken blend well with the fruity dance of the cocktail.
• Cheese Platter with Fresh Fruits: A selection of mild cheeses and fruits will harmonize without overpowering the cocktail's flavors.

Desserts

• Tropical Fruit Salad: Echoes the cocktail's fruity sweetness while offering a refreshing finish.
• Key Lime Pie: The tartness of the pie will be balanced by the cocktail’s sweet profile.
• Orange Sorbet: It’s a cool, citrus-forward dessert that pairs perfectly with the orangelicious vibe of the drink.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

• Sparkling Water with a Splash of Citrus Juice: To cleanse the palate between sips of the cocktail.
• Iced Tea with Peach Flavor: Complements the peach schnapps in the drink.

• Peach Schnapps: You can substitute peach schnapps with peach brandy or peach liqueur.
• Orange Juice: You can use any other citrus juice like grapefruit or lemon juice.
• Pineapple Juice: You can substitute pineapple juice with apple juice or pear juice.

Berry Bear

• Swap the orange juice for mixed berry puree
• Garnish with fresh berries By switching to berry puree, you get a Berry Bear that’s ripe with summer flavors and a tad more tartness. It's a 'beary' delightful twist for those who fancy a walk on the wild berry side.

Honey Bear

• Add 0.5oz of honey syrup
• Use lemon juice instead of orange juice Sweet as a bear and smooth as honey, this version adds a golden glow to your cocktail hibernation. The lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, ensuring your taste buds aren’t overwhelmed by the bear hug of flavors.

Fiery Bear

• Include a small slice of jalapeño in the shaker
• Substitute pineapple juice with mango juice Turn up the heat and watch the bear dance! The jalapeño gives it a subtle spicy kick, and swapping in mango juice invites a different tropical twist. This cocktail is not for the faint of heart — or taste buds!