Scarlett O'Hara Cocktail Recipe

Scarlett O'Hara Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:15g

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

History

The Scarlett O'Hara cocktail was created in the 1930s to celebrate the release of the iconic movie, 'Gone with the Wind'. The cocktail was named after the film's fiery heroine, Scarlett O'Hara. This cocktail is a perfect choice for those who love a fruity, refreshing drink with a hint of Southern charm.

How Scarlett O'Hara Tastes?

The Scarlett O'Hara cocktail is a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The cranberry juice adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the Southern Comfort, while the lime juice provides a refreshing citrus twist.

Interesting facts about Scarlett O'Hara

  • The Scarlett O'Hara cocktail was named after the famous character from the novel and film 'Gone with the Wind'.
  • The cocktail was created in the 1930s, around the same time the film was released.
  • Southern Comfort, a key ingredient in the cocktail, was first produced in New Orleans in 1874.

Ingredients

Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort is a sweet, peach-flavored liqueur that's the soul of our Scarlett O'Hara. It brings a southern charm and warmth to the cocktail. Going without it is like Gone with the Wind without Scarlett—it just doesn't make sense. 2 oz is enough to not overpower the drink, any more and you might find yourself in a love triangle of strong flavors.

Mary Mitkina

Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice adds a tart contrast to Southern Comfort's sweetness, giving our cocktail its signature flavor. Cranberry is key—without it, our cocktail would lose its refreshing edge. If cranberries aren't your jam, try pomegranate juice for a similar tartness with a deeper flavor.

Alex Green

Lime Juice

The lime juice is here to add a zesty, citrus kick; balancing the sweetness and tartness beautifully. Half an ounce is the perfect whisper of sharpness. Without lime, the drink could become cloyingly sweet, so don't skip it! If you're in a squeeze and out of limes, a dash of lemon juice might just save the day, though the flavor will change slightly.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Scarlett O'Hara Drink

  1. Fill a shaker with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz of Southern Comfort, 2 oz of cranberry juice, and 0.5 oz of lime juice.
  3. Shake well until chilled.
  4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
  • Shake the cocktail shaker until it feels cold to get the perfect chill.
  • If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a splash of simple syrup.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Spicy Shrimp Cocktail: The sweetness of the Southern Comfort can balance the heat, while the acidity of lime complements seafood.
  • Cheese Platter: Particularly with sharp cheeses, the rich fruitiness of the cocktail cuts through the fat.

Main Courses

  • Grilled Chicken: With a cranberry glaze to mirror the cranberry in the drink.
  • Pork Chops: The sweetness of Southern Comfort pairs well with the savory flavors of pork.

Desserts

  • Lemon Tart: The tartness of the dessert will be balanced by the cocktail's sweetness and tartness.
  • Dark Chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can highlight the cocktail's fruity and citrus notes.

🍹 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 Scarlett O'Hara

  • Southern Comfort: You can substitute with bourbon or whiskey if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice: You can substitute with pomegranate juice for a different fruity flavor.
  • Lime Juice: You can substitute with lemon juice if you prefer a less tart taste.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

Scarlett's Whisper

Swap out Southern Comfort for Bourbon for a bolder, oakier drink; swap cranberry juice for blackberry puree for a deeper fruitiness. Stick with lime juice, but add a dash of simple syrup to balance the tartness. The result? A mysterious, brooding cousin of the classic Scarlett O'Hara.

Georgia Sunset

Infuse the cranberry juice with mint leaves before mixing. Replace lime juice with grapefruit juice for a tangier profile. The addition of mint will give a refreshing twist to this Southern romance, and grapefruit brings a sophisticated bitterness to the sunset.

Belle of the Ball

Mix in a teaspoon of rose water with the other ingredients for a floral note. Top with a splash of sparkling water after pouring into the glass for a bubbly effect. Delicate and effervescent, this twist turns every sip into a dance across the grand ballroom of flavors.

In case you forgot basics how to make Scarlett O'Hara

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 Scarlett O'Hara

What type of glass is ideal for serving the Scarlett O'Hara cocktail?

The Scarlett O'Hara cocktail is best served in a rocks glass, but it can also be served in a highball glass.

What is the ideal occasion to serve this cocktail?

Given its vibrant color and fruity/floral profile, the Scarlett O' Hara cocktail is perfect for celebrations, outdoor gatherings, or any time when a refreshing and sweet cocktail is preferred.

Can Scarlett O'Hara cocktail be batched for parties?

Yes, you can premix all the ingredients, except the garnish, in a large pitcher or punch bowl and chill before your guests arrive. Serve over ice with the lime wheel garnish.

What food pairs well with this cocktail?

The fruity and citrusy flavors of the Scarlett O'Hara make it perfect for pairing with spicy dishes, grilled seafood, or tangy cheeses.

Is there a non-alcoholic variant of the Scarlett O'Hara cocktail?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, one might replace the Southern Comfort with a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative or simply with more cranberry and lime juice.

More similar recipes to Scarlett O'Hara!

Explore new cocktails you'd love!

Please rate this recipe