Pixie Stick Cocktail Recipe
Pixie Stick Nutrition Facts
Calories:200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:20g
Alcohol %:20
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 Pixie Stick cocktail is a fun and fruity concoction that takes its name from the popular candy. It's a relatively modern cocktail, having been created in the late 20th century. It's a favorite among those who enjoy sweet and playful drinks, and is often served at parties or gatherings where a light-hearted atmosphere is desired.
- It's believed to have been created in the United States, although the exact origin is unknown.
- The cocktail is named after the Pixie Stix candy, which is a powdered candy packaged in a wrapper that resembles a drinking straw.
How Pixie Stick Tastes?
The Pixie Stick cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart drink. It has a vibrant, candy-like flavor that is reminiscent of the Pixie Stix candy. The combination of the raspberry vodka and the sour mix gives it a tangy kick, while the cranberry juice adds a hint of tartness. The grenadine adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Interesting facts about Pixie Stick
- The Pixie Stick cocktail is often served in a highball glass, which allows for plenty of ice to keep the drink chilled.
- Despite its sweet flavor, the Pixie Stick cocktail is relatively strong, with a high alcohol content due to the vodka.
- The cocktail's vibrant pink color makes it a visually appealing drink, often garnished with a cherry or a slice of lime for an extra pop of color.
Ingredients
- Raspberry vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Sour mix: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cranberry juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Cherry: 1 for garnish
- Lime slice: 1 for garnish
A few good options for Pixie Stick are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Raspberry Vodka
The raspberry vodka adds a fruity punch and is the core spirit of the Pixie Stick. At 1.5 oz, it ensures the drink is neither too weak nor overpowering. Without it, you lose the rasberry zing. If you use plain vodka, the drink will be less fruity, and if too much is used, it could make the drink too boozy.
Alex Green
Sour Mix
Sour mix balances the sweet ingredients with a tangy flare, at 1 oz it compliments without making your face pucker like you just kissed a lemon. Missing it would leave the cocktail overly sweet. A homemade mix of lemon and lime juice with sugar could substitute, tweaking the tartness.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
Adding 1 oz of cranberry juice provides a tart contrast and helps blend the flavors while giving a beautiful color. Without it, you'd miss the depth and the cocktail could become a monochromatic flavor note. Pomegranate juice is a possible alternative, offering a similar tartness.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
0.5 oz of grenadine offers a pop of sweet cherry flavor and a vibrant red hue that truly makes it pixie-like. Leave it out, and you lose both the sweetness and the magic. A small amount of simple syrup with a dash of cherry juice could be a makeshift alternative.
Alex Green
Ice
You add as needed to chill and slightly dilute, making it refreshing and sippable. No ice makes for a warm and potentially overpowering drink. Crushed ice could make it even more refreshing, but it’d dilute faster.
Mary Mitkina
Cherry
The cherry garnish not only looks adorable but when eaten, also adds a sweet note that echoes the grenadine. Skipping it won't ruin the drink but you lose a touch of whimsy.
Emma Rose
Lime Slice
The slice of lime adds a fresh zest and aesthetic appeal to the presentation, inviting you to dive into the cocktail. It’s not essential for the taste but offers a hint of freshness on the nose.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Pixie Stick Drink
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Pour in the raspberry vodka, sour mix, cranberry juice, and grenadine.
- Stir well to combine.
- Garnish with a cherry and a slice of lime.
- Serve and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice in your sour mix for the best flavor.
- Chill your glass before serving for a colder drink.
- Adjust the amount of grenadine to taste.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, and fruit can complement the fruity and tangy notes of the Pixie Stick cocktail.
Spicy Prawns: The sweet and sour flavors of the cocktail balance nicely with the heat from spicy seafood dishes.
Fried Finger Foods: Snacks like fried calamari or onion rings offer a savory contrast to the Pixie Stick's sweetness.
Desserts
Lemon Tart: The sharpness of the citrus in a lemon tart would play well with the sour mix and lime in the cocktail.
Berry Sorbet: Accentuates the raspberry vodka with a refreshing and light finish.
Drinks
Sparkling Water: Helpful for cleansing the palate between sips of this sweet cocktail.
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What you could change in Pixie Stick
- Raspberry Vodka: Can be substituted with any other flavored vodka.
- Sour Mix: Can be substituted with a mix of lemon juice and simple syrup.
- Cranberry Juice: Can be substituted with any other fruit juice.
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Berry Blue Pixie
- Blue Raspberry Vodka: 1.5 oz
- Lemonade: 1 oz
- Blue Curacao: 0.5 oz
- Ice
- Blueberries for garnish
Instead of a highball, shake it up in a mixer with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. This twist turns the drink a magical blue hue and gives it a sharper edge with the lemonade and curacao, perfect for those who want to walk on the wild berry side.
Spicy Pixie
- Raspberry Vodka: 1.5 oz
- Spicy Mango Syrup: 0.5 oz
- Pineapple Juice: 1 oz
- Dash of hot sauce
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Shake the raspberry vodka, spicy mango syrup, pineapple juice, and hot sauce over ice. Pour into a glass and garnish with pineapple. This twist adds a tropical kick with the heat sneaking up on you - a fiery surprise in every sip!
Candy Cane Pixie
- Peppermint Vodka: 1.5 oz
- White Cranberry Juice: 1 oz
- Peppermint Schnapps: 0.5 oz
- Splash of Sour Mix
- Ice
- Candy Cane for garnish
Mix the peppermint vodka, white cranberry juice, peppermint schnapps, and splash of sour mix in a shaker with ice. Serve in a chilled highball glass garnished with a candy cane. This festive twist is a winter wonderland in a glass, blending minty freshness with the sweet tartness of white cranberry.
In case you forgot basics how to make Pixie Stick
Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing 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 Pixie Stick
What type of occasions is the Pixie Stick cocktail suitable for?
The Pixie Stick is a fun and playful cocktail, perfect for parties, gatherings, or any occasion where a light-hearted atmosphere is desired. It's also great for those who prefer sweet and fruity cocktails.
What other garnishes could be used with a Pixie Stick cocktail?
While a cherry and a slice of lime are commonly used, you can experiment with other fruits depending on your taste. Other citrus fruits, berries, or even a sprig of mint could be used.
Can a Pixie Stick cocktail be made in larger batches for parties?
Yes, the Pixie Stick can be easily scaled up to create a punch-style version of the cocktail for parties or large gatherings. Just make sure to keep the ratios of the ingredients consistent.
Is there a non-alcoholic version of the Pixie Stick cocktail?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version, or mocktail, can be made by skipping the vodka and using a non-alcoholic substitute. You can use more juice, soda, or use a non-alcoholic flavored syrup.
How do I store leftover cocktail?
Cocktails are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftover, store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It's best to consume it within a day or two to enjoy the vibrant flavors.
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