Yolanda Cocktail Recipe
Yolanda Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:2g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:15%
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 Yolanda cocktail is named after a famous dancer from the 1920s, Yolanda Vega. Known for her energetic performances and vibrant costumes, she was a regular at the most exclusive bars and clubs. This cocktail was created in her honor by a talented bartender who wanted to capture her essence in a drink. It quickly became a favorite among the elite, and its popularity spread worldwide. Today, it is enjoyed by those who appreciate a well-crafted cocktail with a touch of history.
How Yolanda Tastes?
The Yolanda cocktail is a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. The tangy citrus notes are complemented by the rich sweetness of the liqueurs, while the hint of floral undertones adds a touch of sophistication. The finish is smooth and refreshing, with a subtle kick from the alcohol.
Interesting facts about Yolanda
- The Yolanda cocktail was first created in the 1920s, during the height of the Prohibition era.
- Yolanda Vega, the dancer for whom the cocktail is named, was known for her signature move, the 'Yolanda Spin'.
- The original recipe for the Yolanda cocktail was lost for decades, but was rediscovered in the 1990s and has since regained its popularity.
Ingredients
- Rum: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Orange liqueur: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Passion fruit syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Egg white: 1
- Edible flower: 1
Rum
Rum provides the backbone and the kick with its rich and sweet flavors. At 1.5oz, we balance inebriating joy with responsible moderation—too much would overwhelm, too little would be a tease. Rumless? You'd have a mocktail with less soul. Want a twist? Try using spiced rum for an extra zing!
Mary Mitkina
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueur gives a sweet, citrusy essence that pairs well with many fruits, passion fruit here included. Half an ounce is just enough to whisper 'orange' without stealing the spotlight. Minus this liqueur, you'll miss that zesty hug. Swap it with triple sec for a similar yet slightly more robust citrus profile.
Alex Green
Passion Fruit Syrup
The exotic nectar that is passion fruit syrup adds a tropical rhythm to your sip. At 0.5oz, it dances nicely with the other ingredients without stepping on any toes. If you omit it, Yolanda loses her passion. Substitute with mango syrup for a different tropical twist that still keeps the vibe groovy.
Emma Rose
Lime Juice
Lime juice—half an ounce for that refreshing tang and to balance the sweet. Without it, the cocktail lacks its acid jazz. Lemon juice could pinch-hit, but lime's unique beat is hard to replicate.
Mary Mitkina
Egg White
Adds a smooth, silky texture and a fancy, foamy top which makes your first sip through a frothy cloud. Skip it, and you kiss goodbye to that creamy mouthfeel—and some of the fun. For the vegan amigos, aquafaba is a fab alternative sans feathers.
Alex Green
Edible Flower
Finally, the edible flower is our pièce de résistance, adding a touch of elegance and a feast for the eyes. It tells your taste buds to prepare for something special. It's like saying, 'Yolanda, you're beautiful!' but you can still enjoy your drink without it—it just won't be dressed to impress.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Yolanda Drink
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the rum, orange liqueur, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, and egg white.
- Dry shake (without ice) for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Add ice to the shaker and shake again for 15-20 seconds, until well chilled.
- Double strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with an edible flower.
Pro Tips
- Shake well: The key to a great Yolanda cocktail is to shake the ingredients well to ensure a perfect blend.
- Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh lime juice and passion fruit syrup for the best taste.
- Chill your glass: A chilled glass will keep your cocktail cooler for longer.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
- Grilled shrimp or ceviche to complement the citrus notes.
- Fresh oysters with a splash of lime juice would be nicely accentuated by the cocktail's acidity.
Salty and Crispy Snacks
- Salted nuts or potato chips would offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the drink.
Light Salads
- A green salad with a citrus vinaigrette will echo the cocktail's bright flavors.
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What you could change in Yolanda
- Rum: You can substitute the rum with vodka for a lighter taste.
- Orange liqueur: If you don't have orange liqueur, you can use Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Passion fruit syrup: If you can't find passion fruit syrup, you can use a mix of simple syrup and fresh passion fruit juice.
Explore all drinks starting with Y here
And of course - twists🍹
Spiced Yolanda
Ingredients: Use spiced rum instead of regular rum.
Recipe: Follow the original recipe but with spiced rum to lend a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the passion fruit.
Taste: Expect a playful balance between sweet, sour, and a hint of spice—like Yolanda went on a tropical holiday and came back with a tan.
Vegan Yolanda
Ingredients: Swap egg white with an equal amount of aquafaba.
Recipe: Everything stays the same; just use that chickpea juice.
Taste: Nearly identical to the original, but it's Yolanda saying 'Animals are friends!'—smooth, with a clear conscience.
Sangria Yolanda
Ingredients: Add a splash of red wine to the mix.
Recipe: Introduce an ounce of a fruity red wine before the dry shake.
Taste: A deep, rich layer under Yolanda's lively spirit, like a sultry dance under the stars.
In case you forgot basics how to make Yolanda
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 Yolanda
What type of glassware is best suited for serving the Yolanda cocktail?
Cocktails similar to the Yolanda, which feature a frothy top from the use of egg whites such as a Daiquiri or a Whiskey Sour, are traditionally served in shorter, rounded glasses like a Coupe glass.
What other drinks can be made with the same ingredients?
The ingredients in the Yolanda cocktail, especially the rum and citrus notes, can be used to make a variety of other cocktails like a Daiquiri or a Mai Tai.
Can I make the Yolanda cocktail ahead of time for a party?
While you can prepare some ingredients ahead of time, the Yolanda cocktail does need to be shaken with ice just before serving to ensure the ideal temperature and frothy egg white top.
What can I pair the Yolanda cocktail with?
Given its sweet and tangy notes, the Yolanda cocktail pairs well with a variety of light appetizers or seafood dishes.
What type of rum is best for the Yolanda cocktail?
While choice of rum can vary based on personal preference, the Yolanda cocktail might benefit from a medium-aged rum to enhance its complex taste.
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