June Bug Cocktail Recipe
June Bug Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:28g
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
Contents
History
The June Bug cocktail is a tropical, sweet concoction that's perfect for summer parties or any time you're in the mood for a fruity drink. It's a popular choice among those who enjoy sweet, fruity cocktails. The June Bug cocktail got its name from the bright, summery color that resembles a June Bug. It's a relatively modern cocktail, with no definitive origin story, but it's a favorite in beach bars and tropical resorts.
How June Bug Tastes?
The June Bug cocktail is a sweet, fruity delight. It has a tropical taste with a delightful mix of coconut, banana, and pineapple flavors. The sweetness is balanced by the tartness of the lime, creating a refreshing and vibrant taste.
Interesting facts about June Bug
- The June Bug cocktail is named after the bright green beetles of the same name.
- It's a popular choice for summer parties due to its sweet, tropical flavor.
- Despite its sweet taste, it's a strong cocktail with a high alcohol content.
Ingredients
- Midori: 1 oz(30ml)
- Malibu rum: 1 oz(30ml)
- Banana liqueur: 1 oz(30ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lemon juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cherry: 1 for garnish
Midori
Midori is a vibrant green, melon-flavored liqueur that brings a unique sweetness and an exotic pop of color to the June Bug cocktail. Using 1 oz gives the drink a balanced melon taste without overpowering the other flavors. Without Midori, you'd lose the signature look and taste – but you could substitute it with another melon liqueur, although the final color might differ.
Emma Rose
Malibu Rum
Malibu Rum adds a coconut flair which pairs perfectly with the tropical vibe of this beverage. The 1 oz measurement keeps it sweet without turning the drink into a sugar bomb. If Malibu isn't handy, any coconut liqueur will do the trick, though it might slightly alter the drink's character.
Alex Green
Banana Liqueur
Banana Liqueur brings a rich, fruity depth and rounds out the tropical flavor profile. The 1 oz ensures its presence is felt without dominating the cocktail. Skipping it would make the drink less complex, but a swap with banana-flavored syrup could save the day for those with a less stocked bar.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Juice brings a tart, fruity acidity that balances the sweetness of the liqueurs. 2 oz is the right amount to introduce a fruity brightness without watering down the flavors. A lack of pineapple juice could result in a cloyingly sweet cocktail; mango juice could be an alternative, presenting a different but equally tropical taste.
Emma Rose
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice is crucial for adding a zingy freshness that cuts through the sweetness, balancing the cocktail perfectly. 1 oz is just enough to provide this balance. Leaving out the lemon juice would make the drink overly sweet; lime juice could be used instead for a similar tart profile.
Alex Green
Cherry
A cherry is used for garnish, and its deep red hue provides a lovely visual contrast to the green drink. The cherry sweet finish also complements the tropical flavors. Without it, the presentation wouldn't be as eye-catching, but a slice of lime or a pineapple wedge could also work nicely as garnish.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make June Bug Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the Midori, Malibu Rum, Banana Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, and Lemon Juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure all the flavors are well combined.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
- Chill your glass before serving for a more refreshing drink.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Spring Rolls: The fresh, zesty flavors of the June Bug cocktail pair wonderfully with the light and crisp nature of spring rolls, especially if they contain tropical fruits or seafood.
- Grilled Shrimp: The sweet and fruity flavors of the cocktail complement the natural sweetness of shrimp, and the acidity from the lemon juice can cut through the richness.
Main Courses
- Teriyaki Chicken: This sweet and savory dish matches the sweetness of the June Bug while the acidity of the drink balances the teriyaki sauce.
- Hawaiian Pizza: The pineapple in the cocktail will echo the topping on the pizza, and the sweetness can help offset the saltiness of the ham.
Desserts
- Fruit Tarts: A buttery, flaky crust with a creamy filling topped with fruit can be a delightful follow-up to the tropical flavors of the cocktail.
- Coconut-based desserts: The Malibu Rum has coconut notes that would pair nicely with coconut-flavored desserts like panna cotta or coconut cream pie.
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What you could change in June Bug
- You can substitute the Midori with any other melon liqueur.
- If you don't have Banana Liqueur, you can use a banana flavored rum or vodka.
- You can replace the Malibu Rum with any other coconut rum.
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Spicy June Bug
- Substitute Banana Liqueur with 1 oz of Jalapeño-infused Simple Syrup. Enter the spicy sibling of our breezy cocktail! The jalapeño will add a zesty kick, cutting through the sweetness and adding an unexpected heat that adventurous palates will enjoy.
June Bug's Winter Cousin
- Add 0.5 oz of Cinnamon Schnapps. Let's bring some warmth to this tropical breeze with a dash of Cinnamon Schnapps. The spicy warmth will complement the tropical flavors, giving the drink a cozy twist suitable for a chilly evening.
Berry Bug
- Replace Pineapple Juice with 2 oz of Mixed Berry Puree. Barry the June Bug likes berries too! This version uses a berry puree for a punch of tartness and a deep hue that will make it stand out in the garden of cocktails.
In case you forgot basics how to make June Bug
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 June Bug
What is the best time to serve the June Bug cocktail?
The June Bug cocktail is best served during summer parties. Yet its tropical taste is refreshing any time of the year.
Can I use fresh fruits instead of liqueurs?
Yes, you can use fresh fruits. However, the cocktail may not have the same alcoholic content or taste as expected.
What is the origin of the name 'June Bug' for the cocktail?
The cocktail is named after the bright green beetles that appear in the month of June. The green hue of the drink comes from the Midori liqueur.
Is it necessary to use a hurricane glass when serving a June Bug cocktail?
While the traditional choice is a hurricane glass due to its shape and size, you can use any glass. Just make sure it's big enough to hold the drink and plenty of ice.
Can non-alcoholic substitutes be used to make June Bug?
Yes, non-alcoholic substitutes like non-alcoholic spirits or fruit juices can be used to create a 'mocktail' version of June Bug.
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