Rusa Drink Recipe

Rusa Nutrition Facts

Calories:120

Fat:0g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:30g

Alcohol %:0

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 Rusa cocktail is a popular Mexican drink, particularly in the northern states. It's a refreshing citrusy cocktail, perfect for hot summer days. It's traditionally served in a large glass, filled with ice, and garnished with a variety of fruits. The Rusa is often enjoyed at social gatherings, and is a favorite among those who enjoy a tangy, fruity cocktail.

How Rusa Tastes?

The Rusa cocktail is a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and sour flavors. The citrusy notes from the lime and grapefruit are balanced by the sweetness of the soda, while the salt rim adds a savory touch. It's a refreshing, light, and thirst-quenching drink.

Interesting facts about Rusa

  • The Rusa cocktail is named after the Russian word for 'Russian woman'.
  • It's a popular drink in northern Mexico, especially during the hot summer months.
  • The Rusa is often served in a large glass, filled with ice, and garnished with a variety of fruits.

Ingredients

  • Lime: 1
  • Grapefruit: 1
  • Salt: 1tsp
  • Soda: 12 oz(360ml)
  • Ice cubes: 1 cup

Lime

The lime adds a zesty tang that brightens the whole cocktail. Without it, your Rusa would lack its signature kick - akin to a party without music: dull and quiet. If you can't find lime, try a lemon for a different kind of tartness.

Mary Mitkina

Grapefruit

Grapefruit brings a bittersweet depth and complexity to the Rusa, without overpowering the other flavors. It's like the bass in a rock band - you may not always notice it, but you'd miss it if it were gone. A good substitute is orange for a sweeter note or pomelo for a similar but milder taste.

Alex Green

Salt

Salt on the rim lends a savory contrast to the sweet and sour notes of the fruit, making the flavors pop like fireworks. It's a reminder that a little contrast is the spice of life. Forget it, and the drink seems to lose its dimensional edge. Coarse sea salt can be a fun twist for texture.

Emma Rose

Soda

Adding soda turns the drink from a quiet still life into a bubbling fiesta, providing effervescence and hydration. It's the laughter in a room full of friends. Without it, your Rusa would feel flat. Club soda is the standard, but tonic could add some bitterness if you're feeling adventurous.

Mary Mitkina

Ice Cubes

Ice keeps the party cool, ensuring your Rusa is refreshing from the first sip to the last. No ice means a lukewarm experience. Think of it like air conditioning on a hot day - utterly essential. Crushed ice might bring a different texture, but will melt faster.

Alex Green

Recipe. How to make Rusa Drink

  1. Cut the lime and grapefruit in half.
  2. Rub the rim of the glass with the lime half and dip it in salt.
  3. Squeeze the juice from the lime and grapefruit into the glass.
  4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
  5. Pour the soda into the glass.
  6. Stir well and garnish with a slice of lime and grapefruit.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh citrus fruits for the best flavor.
  • You can adjust the amount of soda to suit your taste.
  • Serve immediately after preparing to enjoy the fizziness of the soda.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Ceviche: The acidity and freshness of the Rusa work great with seafood, especially citrus-cured dishes like ceviche.
  • Tacos al Pastor: The fruity and tangy notes of the Rusa can cut through the richness of the pork.
  • Grilled Shrimp: The light and zesty flavors complement the smokiness of grilled shrimp.

Drink Pairings

  • Pale Ale: A crisp pale ale could go nicely alongside the Rusa for its complementary citrus notes.
  • Tequila: A shot of tequila with a Rusa chaser could highlight the Mexican roots of both.
  • Agua Fresca: A non-alcoholic option that shares the refreshing and fruit-forward characteristics.

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What you could change in Rusa

  • You can substitute the soda with sparkling water for a less sweet version.
  • If you don't have grapefruit, you can use orange instead.

Explore all drinks starting with R here

And of course - twists🍹

Spicy Rusa

  • Add: A pinch of chili powder or a slice of jalapeño
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, adding the chili or jalapeño to the glass before the ice
  • Change: Introduces a fiery kick, elevating the Rusa to a bold, taste-bud-dancing experience

Herbal Rusa

  • Add: A few sprigs of mint or basil
  • Recipe: Muddle the herbs gently in the glass before adding the lime and grapefruit juice
  • Change: Offers a fragrant herbaceous note, creating a garden-fresh dimension to the drink

Tropical Rusa

  • Add: A splash of coconut water and a few pieces of pineapple
  • Recipe: Add the coconut water and pineapple chunks along with the soda
  • Change: Transforms the drink into an exotic escape, with tropical vibes that'll have you daydreaming of sunny beaches

In case you forgot basics how to make Rusa

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 stir

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Rusa

What alcohol pairs well with the Rusa cocktail?

While this version of the Rusa cocktail is non-alcoholic, it can be enjoyed with a shot of clear spirits such as vodka or tequila.

What is the origin of the Rusa cocktail?

While the Rusa cocktail enjoys immense popularity in Northern Mexico, its exact origin is unknown.

Can I use another type of citrus fruit in the Rusa recipe?

You may try other citrus fruits, however, lime and grapefruit are traditionally used in this recipe for their unique flavor balance.

How can I make Rusa cocktail for a larger gathering?

Just multiply the ingredients proportionally and make sure to adjust the taste as per your liking.

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