Tomahawk Cocktail Recipe
Tomahawk Nutrition Facts
Calories:~200
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~25g
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 Tomahawk cocktail is a vibrant blend of tequila and tropical flavors, often enjoyed by those who appreciate a balance of sweet and tart notes in their drinks. It's a relatively modern concoction that has gained popularity for its refreshing taste and visual appeal.
- Origins: While the exact origins are unclear, the Tomahawk is part of a larger family of tequila-based cocktails that celebrate the spirit's versatility beyond the classic margarita.
- Popularity: This cocktail is particularly favored in summer months or at beachside bars, where the tropical notes complement the relaxed atmosphere.
- Audience: It's a hit among tequila enthusiasts and those who enjoy fruity cocktails with a punch.
How Tomahawk Tastes?
The Tomahawk cocktail offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavors. The tequila provides a robust foundation, while the white curaçao adds a subtle bitter orange complexity. The cranberry juice introduces a tartness that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the pineapple juice, resulting in a refreshing and invigorating drink.
Interesting facts about Tomahawk
- The name 'Tomahawk' may be inspired by the American Indian axe, symbolizing the cocktail's bold and striking impact.
- Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, Mexico.
- The combination of cranberry and pineapple juices not only provides a great taste but also offers a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 1 oz(30ml)
- White curaçao: 1 oz(30ml)
- Cranberry juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pineapple juice: 2 oz(60ml)
- Ice cubes: As needed
- Pineapple wedge: For garnish
Tequila
Tequila brings the fire to the party in our Tomahawk cocktail. At 1 oz, it's just enough to let you know it's there without hijacking the entire flavor profile. Too much tequila and you'll be overshadowed by the agave, too little and you'll miss the kick. No tequila? Consider a milder Mezcal for a smokier twist.
Emma Rose
White Curaçao
White Curaçao, derived from bitter orange peels, adds complexity and a touch of sweetness. If our Tomahawk lost its white curaçao, it would lack that subtle orange hint that binds with the citrus juices. As an alternative, Triple Sec could jump in, but expect a slightly sweeter note.
Mary Mitkina
Cranberry Juice
This juice is essential for a tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness of other ingredients. It's our cocktail's lifeline to balance. Play around with the amounts and you'll tip the scales from 'refreshingly tart' to 'face-puckering'. No cranberry? Pomegranate juice could pinch hit, bringing a similar tartness with added depth.
Alex Green
Pineapple Juice
2 oz of this tropical liquid gold gives the cocktail its sweet, fruity backbone. It's a vacation in a glass! Mess with this quantity and you might as well be serving a different drink. No pineapple means no tropical vibe. Mango juice could sub in, but the resulting cocktail would be markedly more exotic.
Emma Rose
Ice Cubes
Ice is the unsung hero here. It chills, it dilutes, it melds flavors. Forget the ice, and you're left with a room-temp rollercoaster of flavors that would rather crash than blend.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Wedge
Finally, the pineapple wedge isn't just a pretty face; it gives a hint of the tropics before the drink even hits the lips. Skip it, and the presentation loses its pizzazz. You could swap it for an orange slice for a more citrus-forward garnish.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Tomahawk Drink
- Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
- Add 1 oz of tequila and 1 oz of white curaçao.
- Pour in 2 oz of cranberry juice and 2 oz of pineapple juice.
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Optionally, garnish with a pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass.
Pro Tips
- For an extra cold cocktail, chill the glass before pouring the drink into it.
- Use fresh juices if possible, as they will give a brighter and fresher flavor to the cocktail.
- When shaking, do so vigorously for about 15-20 seconds to ensure proper mixing and chilling.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled Shrimp: The sweetness of the pineapple and tang of the cranberry in the Tomahawk cocktail will complement seafood, especially with a citrus or tropical marinade.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as mild cheddar or creamy brie, can cut through the cocktail's acidity and enhance its fruity flavors.
Main Courses
- Jerk Chicken: The spicy and robust flavors of this Jamaican dish would create a great contrast with the refreshing and sweet cocktail.
- Fish Tacos: The light and refreshing taste of fish tacos will match the breezy tropical vibe of the Tomahawk.
Desserts
- Fruit Sorbet: A light dessert like a lemon or mango sorbet would be a nice follow-up to the cocktail's fruity notes.
- Pound Cake: The dense cake would be a good counterpart to the Tomahawk's juicy elements.
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What you could change in Tomahawk
- Tequila: If you don't have a standard tequila, you can use a reposado for a deeper flavor.
- White Curaçao: Triple sec or any other orange-flavored liqueur can be a substitute.
- Cranberry Juice: Pomegranate juice can be used for a similar tartness.
- Pineapple Juice: Mango juice could be an interesting tropical alternative.
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And of course - twists🍹
Smoky Tomahawk
- Substitute tequila with mezcal for a smoky variant
- Add a pinch of smoked salt Take the original recipe and replace the tequila with mezcal, which will lend a smoky nuance to the drink. The smoked salt will accentuate this twist further, offering an intriguing edge to the cocktail's fruity profile.
Spicy Tomahawk
- Add a small slice of jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the shaker
- Optional: a spicy salt rim By introducing a bit of heat with jalapeño or hot sauce, the Spicy Tomahawk becomes a fiery take on the original. It's a tropical heatwave that dances with the fruity flavors, offering a daring but delicious combination.
Herbal Tomahawk
- Muddle some basil leaves before adding the other ingredients to the shaker
- Garnish with a sprig of basil For an herbaceous twist, the addition of basil will infuse the Tomahawk with a fresh, green aroma that elevates the cocktail to a more sophisticated level. It marries well with the citrus and tropical notes, creating a garden-fresh experience.
In case you forgot basics how to make Tomahawk
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 Tomahawk
Can the Tomahawk cocktail be prepared as a non-alcoholic variant?
Yes, a non-alcoholic version of the Tomahawk can be made by substituting the tequila and white curaçao with non-alcoholic spirit alternatives or by simply increasing the proportions of juices and adding a dash of orange extract for flavor.
What type of glass is best suited for serving the Tomahawk cocktail?
A highball glass is ideal for serving the Tomahawk, as it allows plenty of room for ice and the colorful layers of juice, providing both an aesthetic and a practical way to enjoy the drink.
Is the Tomahawk cocktail suitable for batch preparation for parties?
Absolutely, you can prepare the Tomahawk in large quantities for events. Just multiply the ingredient amounts by the number of servings you need, mix in a large pitcher or punch bowl, and serve over ice.
How can I ensure the best presentation of the Tomahawk cocktail?
To visually enhance the Tomahawk cocktail, serve it with a clear ice block and add a sprig of mint or a skewered assortment of tropical fruits as garnish to heighten the visual appeal.
What food would pair well with the Tomahawk aside from the recommendations provided?
In addition to the pairings mentioned, spicy Asian dishes like Thai or Vietnamese cuisine, which are both fragrant and flavorful, could complement the Tomahawk's sweet and tart taste profile.
Can I use flavored tequila in the Tomahawk cocktail?
Flavored tequilas, such as those infused with citrus or other fruits, can add an extra dimension to your Tomahawk cocktail. Just be mindful of the balance of flavors so that the tequila doesn't overpower the other ingredients.
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