Maverick Cocktail Recipe

Maverick Nutrition Facts

Calories:200

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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

History

The Maverick cocktail is a relatively modern creation, born out of the cocktail renaissance of the early 21st century. It's a delightful blend of vodka, triple sec, amaretto, pineapple juice, and galliano herbal liqueur. It's a cocktail for those who appreciate complex flavors and a bit of a kick. It's a favorite among adventurous drinkers who aren't afraid to try something new.

How Maverick Tastes?

The Maverick cocktail is a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The vodka provides a strong, clear base, while the triple sec and amaretto add a sweet, citrusy and nutty twist. The pineapple juice adds a tropical tang, and the galliano herbal liqueur gives it a unique herbal undertone.

Interesting facts about Maverick

  • The Maverick cocktail is named after the term 'maverick', which refers to someone who is independent-minded and unorthodox.
  • Despite its complex flavor profile, the Maverick is surprisingly easy to make.
  • The Maverick is a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed before dinner as an aperitif, or after dinner as a digestif.

Ingredients

A few good options for Maverick are:

  • Grey Goose
  • Belvedere
  • Khor
  • Smirnoff

Learn everything on which Vodka to choose

Vodka

The backbone of many cocktails, the vodka here serves as a clean, neutral base that allows the other flavors to shine. At 1.5 oz, it's the dominant spirit without overwhelming the palate. Vodka is like the canvas for our masterpiece—take it away, and you're left with a jumble of flavors. If you go rogue and swap it out, you might try a light rum for a sweeter, slightly more complex base.

Emma Rose

Triple Sec

Triple sec, a clear orange liqueur, is the zesty kick at 0.5 oz. It's just enough to infuse the drink with a citrusy edge, without turning it into a Screwdriver's cousin. Leave it out, and you'll lose that bright pop. You could get frisky and sub in Cointreau for a fuller-bodied orange kick.

Alex Green

Amaretto Almond Liqueur

At a roguish 0.5 oz, the Amaretto whispers almond intrigues into the mix. It's essential for its nutty warmth and depth. No Amaretto? The Maverick loses its badge (and its almond charm). But if you have to cheat, a dash of almond extract might save the day—though it's not the same as the real McCoy.

Mary Mitkina

Pineapple Juice

1 oz of pineapple juice brings a tropical flair and sweetness, acting as the copilot to the stronger spirits. Cut out the pineapple, and the Maverick performs a crash landing on Flavor Island. If you're out of pineapple, mango juice could offer a twist, but remember—it's an alternate route, not the destination.

Emma Rose

Galliano Herbal Liqueur

These 2 tsp are like the secret handshake of the cocktail world. Galliano injects a complex herbal note. Its absence would turn our Maverick into a lone ranger—a cocktail flying without its wingman. No Galliano? Vanilla extract plus a touch of anise might mimic its essence, not perfectly, but it passes muster.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Maverick Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add all ingredients.
  3. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  4. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your cocktail glass beforehand to keep your drink cool for longer.
  • Don't overdo it with the galliano - it's a strong flavor that can easily overpower the other ingredients.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Cheese platters with mild to medium cheeses to complement the nuttiness of Amaretto.
  • Fruit Skewers or Tropical Fruit Salads with pineapple to echo the cocktail's pineapple juice.
  • Fried Calamari for a savory contrast to the sweet and herbal notes of the cocktail.

Main Courses

  • Chicken Alfredo or creamy pasta dishes that balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Glazed Ham which would pair nicely with the sweet and fruity flavors of the Maverick.

Desserts

  • Almond Biscotti to complement the almond flavor from the Amaretto.
  • Lemon Tarts or Citrus-based Desserts for a refreshing contrast.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

  • Sparkling Water with a squeeze of lemon to cleanse the palate between sips.

🍹 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 Maverick

  • Triple Sec can be replaced with any other orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
  • Amaretto can be replaced with any other almond liqueur.
  • Galliano can be replaced with any other herbal liqueur, such as Jägermeister or Chartreuse.

Explore all drinks starting with M here

And of course - twists🍹

Classic Martini Twist

  • Replace Vodka with Gin (1.5 oz)
  • Skip Galliano
  • Add Dry Vermouth (0.5 oz)
  • Garnish with an Olive

Shake the gin, triple sec, amaretto, and pineapple juice with ice, then strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with an olive. The result is a fusion between a Maverick and a classic martini, adding an herbal complexity that might just leave James Bond shaking his head in delight.

Tiki Maverick

  • Add Coconut Cream (1 oz)
  • Use Dark Rum instead of Vodka (1.5 oz)
  • Top with a splash of Grenadine

Shake all ingredients including the rum replacement and coconut cream, and strain over crushed ice in a decorative tiki mug. Add a splash of grenadine for color. It'll taste like Maverick went on a tropical holiday, with a richer body and sunset vibes.

Berry Maverick

  • Add Mixed Berry Puree (1 oz)
  • Replace Pineapple Juice with Lemon Juice (1 oz)
  • Add a dash of Simple Syrup (if needed)

Incorporate the berry puree and lemon juice instead of pineapple juice, and shake all ingredients. You might need a dash of simple syrup to balance the tartness. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with fresh berries. This version flies through a berry patch with a tart twist, ideal for sipping on a warm spring day.

In case you forgot basics how to make Maverick

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

Find 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 Maverick

What is the origin of the name 'Bourbon' in bourbon whiskey?

The name 'Bourbon' originates from the Bourbon dynasty in France. When French royalty was restored after the French revolution, the French King was gifted several barrels of bourbon whiskey. This incident inspired the distillers to name their product 'bourbon whiskey'.

What's a good time to drink a Maverick cocktail?

The Maverick cocktail can be enjoyed at any time. However, due to its strong and rich flavor, it's particularly suitable as an after-dinner drink.

Can I make a Maverick cocktail if I don't have Angostura bitters?

While Angostura bitters are a part of the original recipe, you could use other types of bitters available to you. However, it may alter the taste of the cocktail.

How long does it typically take to prepare a Maverick cocktail?

With all the ingredients readily available, it generally takes less than 5 minutes to prepare a Maverick cocktail.

Can I serve the Maverick cocktail to guests in my home party?

Absolutely! The Maverick cocktail is elegant and has a broad appeal due to its rich taste. Serving it at home can add a touch of sophistication to your gathering.

More similar recipes to Maverick!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe