Swedish Fish Cocktail Recipe
Swedish Fish Nutrition Facts
Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:22g
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 Swedish Fish Cocktail is a relatively new addition to the cocktail world. It was inspired by the popular Swedish Fish candies, which are known for their distinctive red color and fruity flavor. This cocktail is a hit among those who enjoy sweet, fruity cocktails and are looking for something unique and fun.
- Who would like it?
- If you're a fan of sweet, fruity cocktails, this one's for you.
- If you love Swedish Fish candies, you'll definitely enjoy this cocktail.
How Swedish Fish Tastes?
The Swedish Fish Cocktail is a sweet, fruity cocktail with a hint of tartness. The combination of raspberry and cranberry flavors gives it a refreshing, tangy taste, while the addition of vodka gives it a strong, boozy kick. The sweet and sour mix adds a nice balance, making it a delightful cocktail to sip on.
Interesting facts about Swedish Fish
- The Swedish Fish Cocktail is named after the popular Swedish Fish candies.
- Despite its name, the cocktail does not contain any actual Swedish Fish candies.
- The cocktail is known for its distinctive red color, which is similar to the color of the candies.
Ingredients
- Vodka: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Raspberry liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Sweet and sour mix: 1 oz(30ml)
- Grenadine: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Ice: As needed
- Swedish fish candies: For garnish
A few good options for Swedish Fish are:
- Grey Goose
- Belvedere
- Khor
- Smirnoff
Vodka
Used as the base spirit, vodka is a neutral, clear spirit that allows the flavors of the mixers to shine through. At 1.5 oz, it offers just enough kick without overpowering the sweeter elements. If you skip it, you'll miss the boozy backbone of the cocktail. A lighter alternative could be white rum, which would add a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor.
Mary Mitkina
Raspberry Liqueur
At 0.5 oz, raspberry liqueur adds a fruity depth and a touch of sweetness. It complements the vodka and ties in with the 'fish' theme by its berry flavor. Swap it with Chambord for a more luxurious feel, or if omitted altogether, the drink would lose part of its berry charm, but you could use a raspberry syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice, at 2 oz, gives the drink a tart contrast to the sweet ingredients and adds a beautiful red hue. It also lends a bit of balance to the sweetness. Without it, the cocktail could become overly sweet. Pomegranate juice could be an alternative for a similar tartness with a different twist.
Alex Green
Sweet and Sour Mix
The 1 oz of sweet and sour mix bridges the gap between the tart cranberry and the sweet grenadine and raspberry liqueur. The mix adds complexity. If left out, the drink would be less balanced. Lemon-lime soda could be a substitute for a fizzy, though sweeter, alternative.
Mary Mitkina
Grenadine
At 0.5 oz, grenadine offers a rich sweetness and intensifies the cocktail's vibrant red color, reminiscent of the Swedish Fish candy. Too much would make the drink cloying, too little, and you'd miss that signature candy-like vibe. Cherry syrup could be swapped in for a similar color and sweetness.
Mary Mitkina
Ice
Ice is essential for chilling and slightly diluting the cocktail to the perfect drinking temperature and consistency. No ice means a warm and overly strong cocktail. Crushed ice could make for a slushier drink, ideal for hot days.
Alex Green
Swedish Fish Candies
The garnish is a fun nod to the cocktail's name and adds an edible treat. Without the candies, the drink would still taste great, but you'd lose that playful element. Consider gummy bears as a substitute for a similar chewy texture.
Mary Mitkina
Recipe. How to make Swedish Fish Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, raspberry liqueur, cranberry juice, sweet and sour mix, and grenadine to the shaker.
- Shake well until the mixture is well combined.
- Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with Swedish Fish candie
Pro Tips
- Make sure to shake the cocktail well to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined.
- For a fun twist, you can add a few Swedish Fish candies to the cocktail before serving.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Cheese platters: A variety of mild cheeses like brie or mozzarella can complement the sweet and fruity notes of the cocktail without overpowering it.
- Seafood: Light seafood dishes such as shrimp cocktail or grilled calamari, will pair nicely with the acidity of the cranberry and the sweetness of the grenadine.
Desserts
- Fruit tarts: The tartness and sweetness of fruit tarts will echo the fruity flavors in the Swedish Fish cocktail.
- Vanilla or berry-flavored desserts: Simple desserts like vanilla ice cream or a mixed berry parfait will match the cocktail's sweet profile.
Drinks
- Sparkling water: To cleanse the palate between sips, sparkling water is a great option; it helps to highlight the cocktail's sweet and sour elements.
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What you could change in Swedish Fish
- You can substitute the raspberry liqueur with any other fruity liqueur of your choice.
- If you don't have sweet and sour mix, you can make your own by combining equal parts of lemon juice and simple syrup.
Explore all drinks starting with S here
And of course - twists🍹
Swedish Berries Twist
- Replace raspberry liqueur with blackcurrant liqueur.
- Add a splash of elderflower cordial.
- Use blueberry juice instead of cranberry.
Taste Change: Expect a darker, deeper berry flavor with floral notes, making for a less tart but more sophisticated cocktail.
Sweet Fish Bowl
- Double all ingredients and serve in a fishbowl glass with multiple Swedish Fish and slice of lemon.
- Add a splash of club soda for some fizz.
Taste Change: This larger portion is great for sharing, and the added carbonation provides a refreshing lift that balances the sweetness.
Frozen Swedish Fish
- Use frozen cranberries and blend all ingredients with ice to create a slushy consistency.
- Use a sugar rim for extra sweetness.
Taste Change: The frozen version is perfect for hot days, with the same great taste in a more refreshing form. The sugar rim adds a delightful crunch.
In case you forgot basics how to make Swedish Fish
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).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Swedish Fish
Who invented the Swedish Fish cocktail?
The exact origin of the Swedish Fish cocktail is unknown, as it is a newer addition to the cocktail scene. However, it is likely a creation of craft cocktail bartenders known for their inventive and playful drinks.
How is the Swedish Fish candy made?
Swedish Fish candy is typically made by mixing sugar, invert sugar, and corn syrup to create a soft, chewy texture. The candy is then flavored with artificial flavors and colored with food dye to achieve the iconic red color.
Are there variations to the Swedish Fish cocktail?
Yes, there are many variations to the Swedish Fish cocktail. Some recipes include different types of liqueur, juices, or sweeteners for a unique twist. Additionally, the garnish can be changed from Swedish Fish candy to other types of candy or fruit for a different visual effect and taste.
Can I have the Swedish Fish cocktail if I am on a diet?
With 210 calories per serving, and 22 grams of carbohydrates, the Swedish Fish cocktail may not be the best choice for those on a strict diet or trying to lose weight. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced lifestyle.
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