Purple Rain Cocktail Recipe
Purple Rain Nutrition Facts
Calories:220
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:24g
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 Purple Rain cocktail is believed to have been inspired by the late musician Prince and his 1984 album and film of the same name. This vibrant and refreshing drink has become popular in bars and clubs around the world, especially among fans of the iconic artist. The cocktail's striking purple hue and fruity flavors make it a visually appealing and enjoyable drink for a variety of occasions.
- Origin: Inspired by Prince's 1984 album and film, Purple Rain
- Popularity: Popular in bars and clubs worldwide
- Appeal: Visually striking and fruity flavors
How Purple Rain Tastes?
The Purple Rain cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet and sour flavors, with a fruity and refreshing taste. The combination of citrus and berry notes creates a well-balanced and invigorating drink that is perfect for a night out or a special celebration.
Interesting facts about Purple Rain
- The cocktail's name and color are inspired by Prince's 1984 album and film, Purple Rain.
- The Purple Rain cocktail is often served in a tall glass, allowing the vibrant color to be showcased.
- This drink is popular for its visually striking appearance and fruity, refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Blue curacao: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice: 1 cup
- Lemon wheel: 1
- Garnish: Cherry:1
A few good options for Purple Rain are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
The neutral spirit, vodka adds a kick without overpowering the fruity flavors. 1.5 oz is just the right amount to let you know it's there without making you see double. Too little, you're just sipping juice; too much, and you're on the express train to Hangover City.
Alex Green
Blue Curacao
0.5 oz of Blue Curacao brings in a subtle orange flavor and a vibrant blue color that, when mixed, will give us the signature purple hue. Omit this, and you're missing the 'blue' in Purple Rain, plus the orangey twist. Substitute with Triple Sec and blue food coloring if you must, but don't expect the same tropical pizzazz.
Emma Rose
Grenadine
This sweet red syrup (0.5 oz) adds a touch of rich, fruity sweetness and helps achieve the royal purple color. Less means a loss of depth, more, and it's a kiddie cocktail. If it's not on hand, raspberry syrup could work, albeit with a slightly different flavor profile.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
A dose of 2 oz delivers a tart edge, balancing the sweetness and contributing to the color palette. Dial the cranberry juice down, and the drink becomes cloying; up, and it might overshadow the other flavors. No cranberry juice? Try pomegranate juice for a similar tart contrast.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
2 oz injects a tropical vibe and a touch of sweetness. If it goes missing, so does the cocktail’s sunny personality. Swap with orange juice for a different kind of citrus kick, but know that it'll be a different dance in the rain.
Emma Rose
Ice
A full cup chills the soul of your cocktail. Without it, you're drinking a room-temperature mess. Ice makes everything nice, especially in shakers and glasses.
Mary Mitkina
Lemon Wheel & Cherry Garnish
Like the sparkle on a pop star's microphone, garnishes are your cocktail's bling. They're eye candy with a zesty nibble and a little more sweetness from the cherry. Skip them, and your Purple Rain won't sing quite as sweetly.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Purple Rain Drink
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, blue curacao, grenadine, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled and combined.
- Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lemon wheel and a cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh fruit juices for the best flavor and color.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to ensure proper mixing and chilling of the ingredients.
- For a layered effect, pour the grenadine slowly down the side of the glass after adding the other ingredients.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platters: The fruity tones of the cocktail complement both hard and soft cheeses.
- Seafood: especially items like shrimp or calamari with a citrusy edge to echo the tartness of the cocktail.
- Chicken skewers: Their savory flavor provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the drink.
Desserts
- Fruit tarts: The acidity from the fruits would go hand-in-hand with the tropical vibe of the Purple Rain.
- Lemon cheesecake: Its creamy texture and citrus notes would match the cocktail’s profile.
Non-alcoholic Pairings
- Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips without overshadowing the drink's flavors.
- Iced tea: Preferably something with a slight sweetness or citrus aspect.
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What you could change in Purple Rain
- Vodka: You can replace vodka with gin or white rum for a different flavor profile.
- Blue Curacao: If blue curacao is not available, you can use orange curacao or triple sec with a drop of blue food coloring.
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Berry Rain
Switch the base spirit to black raspberry liqueur, such as Chambord, in place of the vodka, and swap out grenadine for raspberry syrup. The drink will have a deeper berry flavor and a slightly sweeter profile, perfect for those who want to indulge their berry cravings under a purple sky.
Tropical Thunder
Add a splash of coconut rum instead of vodka and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to perk things up. The result? A thunderous burst of tropical flavors that'll make your palate dance the hula.
Sour Shower
Insert a sour element by using lime juice and a bit of simple syrup instead of pineapple juice. The cocktail becomes a tart, zesty affair that will intrigue those who prefer a punch of pucker-power in their glass.
In case you forgot basics how to make Purple Rain
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).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
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Frequently Asked Questions on Purple Rain
What are the main notes to the taste of Purple Rain cocktail?
The main flavours you will find in a Purple Rain cocktail are citrus and berry, resulting in a sweet and sour combination.
What effects does the alcohol in Purple Rain have?
The alcohol in Purple Rain, which includes vodka and blue curacao, contributes to the intoxicating effects of the cocktail. It's advised to drink responsibly.
What other cocktails may I like if I enjoy Purple Rain?
If you like Purple Rain, you may also enjoy other sweet and fruity cocktails like Sex on the Beach, Cosmopolitan, and Bay Breeze.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Purple Rain?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic or 'mocktail' version of Purple Rain by substituting the vodka and blue curacao with non-alcoholic alternatives.
What glassware is typically used to serve Purple Rain?
Purple Rain is typically served in a tall glass, or 'highball' glass, to showcase its vibrant color.
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