Iguana Cocktail Recipe
Iguana Nutrition Facts
Calories:250
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:30g
Alcohol:15%
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 Iguana cocktail is a tropical delight that was first created in the 1960s at a beachside bar in Mexico. It quickly gained popularity among tourists and locals alike for its refreshing taste and vibrant color. The Iguana cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy fruity, exotic flavors and is often served at beach parties, poolside gatherings, and summer events.
How Iguana Tastes?
The Iguana cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The combination of pineapple, lime, and orange juices creates a tangy and refreshing taste, while the addition of melon liqueur adds a subtle sweetness. The overall flavor is light, crisp, and tropical.
Interesting facts about Iguana
- The Iguana cocktail is named after the green iguana, a large lizard native to Central and South America, due to its vibrant green color.
- The original recipe for the Iguana cocktail called for tequila, but it has since been adapted to include vodka as an alternative.
- The Iguana cocktail is sometimes served with a small plastic iguana as a garnish, adding a fun and playful touch to the drink.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Melon liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Orange juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Garnish: 1 Pineapple Wedge
A few good options for Iguana are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The clear canvas, vodka adds kick without overshadowing the tropical symphony. With 1.5 oz, it's just enough to say 'hello I'm here' without crashing the party.—Too much, and you're in spirit town, too little and the drink lacks backbone.
Emma Rose
Melon Liqueur
For that hint of melodic sweetness and vibrant color, melon liqueur at 1 oz pulls weight without overpowering. Missing it is like a summer song without a chorus—it just doesn't vibe right.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice (2 oz)—the tropical anchor, lending both tartness and sweetness. No pineapple? It's like a beach with no ocean. A substitute like mango could wave a similar flag, but it’s not quite the same sunshine.
Mary Mitkina
Orange Juice
At 1 oz, orange juice adds a citrusy backdrop. Forget it, and you drop a beat in our tropical tune. Nectarine juice might step in, but don't expect the same sunrise dance on your palate.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
And then, 0.5 oz of lime juice—the zesty zing to complete our masterpiece. Omitting it? The curtain falls on flavor town. A touch of lemon might save the day, yet it's a different sour note in our cocktail concert.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice chills it all to perfection. No ice? Prepare for a lukewarm reception. No one wants to sip on that.
Mary Mitkina
Garnish
The pineapple wedge, a sunny smile garnishing our tropical tableau. It's like adding the final brushstroke to a painting—skipping it won't ruin the art, but why miss the chance to dazzle?
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Iguana Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add vodka, melon liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, and lime juice
- Shake well until chilled and combined
- Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with fresh ice
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge
Pro Tips
- Shake the cocktail well to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Use fresh fruit juices for a more vibrant and refreshing taste.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cool for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Ceviche: The citrus notes in the cocktail will complement the acidity from the lime juice in the ceviche.
- Grilled Shrimp: The sweetness of the pineapple and the smoky flavor from the grill will pair nicely.
- Cheese platter: Opt for milder cheeses that won't overpower the delicate melon flavors.
Main Courses
- Teriyaki Chicken: The sweetness of the teriyaki sauce will echo the tropical flavors of the cocktail.
- Sushi Rolls: Especially those with avocado or tropical fruit ingredients.
Desserts
- Key Lime Pie: The lime in the cocktail and the dessert will create a harmonious balance.
- Coconut-based desserts: Such as coconut cream pie to stay within the tropical theme.
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What you could change in Iguana
- Vodka can be substituted with tequila for a more traditional taste.
- If you don't have melon liqueur, you can use Midori or any other melon-flavored liqueur.
- Pineapple juice can be replaced with mango juice for a different tropical flavor.
Explore all drinks starting with I here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Iguana
- Ingredients: Add a small slice of jalapeño to the shaker.
- Recipe: Muddle the jalapeño, then follow the original recipe.
- Flavor: A fiery surprise awaits, with a spicy kick that'll make your taste buds tango!
Berry Iguana
- Ingredients: Substitute melon liqueur with raspberry liqueur.
- Recipe: Replace melon liqueur with raspberry liqueur and proceed as usual.
- Flavor: It'll be less tropical, more temperate, and berry merry indeed—a fresh twist on the typical fruit punch rhythm.
Green Iguana
- Ingredients: Add a splash of green chartreuse.
- Recipe: Pour a 0.5 oz of green chartreuse into the mix, and shake it like a tree in the wind.
- Flavor: Expect a herbal hug with this exotic guest—your Iguana just got a passport stamp from the heart of France!
In case you forgot basics how to make Iguana
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 shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Iguana
Can I use a different type of glass to serve the Iguana cocktail?
Yes, you can. However, it is traditionally served in a tall, clear glass that showcases the vibrant colors of the cocktail.
Is the Iguana cocktail considered a high-alcohol content drink?
The Iguana cocktail has a moderate alcohol content of around 15%, which is lower compared to spirits like whiskey or rum but higher than wines and beers.
Can I add a different garnish to the Iguana cocktail?
Yes, you can switch up the garnish. A cocktail umbrella or tropical fruit like a lychee or mango could also work well.
What are other popular cocktails with the primary alcohol being vodka?
Other popular vodka-based cocktails include the Vodka Martini, Bloody Mary, Moscow Mule, White Russian, and Cosmopolitan.
What other cocktails have a fruity and tropical taste similar to the Iguana?
Cocktails such as the Piña Colada, Mojito, and Margarita also carry a fruity and tropical taste.
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