Zima Cocktail Recipe

Zima Cocktail Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0g

Carbohydrates:5g

Alcohol:4.7%

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 Zima cocktail is a refreshing, citrusy drink that was popular in the 1990s. It was originally produced by the Coors Brewing Company and was marketed as a 'beer alternative'. The drink was discontinued in 2008, but has since made a comeback due to its nostalgic appeal. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a light, fruity beverage with a hint of carbonation.

How Zima Cocktail Tastes?

The Zima cocktail has a light, crisp taste with a hint of citrus. It is not overly sweet, making it a refreshing choice for a hot summer day. The carbonation adds a pleasant fizziness to the drink.

Interesting facts about Zima Cocktail

  • The Zima cocktail was originally marketed as a 'beer alternative'.
  • The drink was discontinued in 2008, but has since made a comeback.
  • The name 'Zima' means 'winter' in Slavic languages.

Ingredients

  • Zima: 1 bottle
  • Lime: 1 piece

Zima

Zima is the star of our show—a clear malt beverage with a spritzy, lemon-lime taste that serves as our cocktail base. Its light and refreshing nature is what makes this beverage perfect for sunny days and casual get-togethers. If you sub in another malt beverage or a light beer with similar sweetness, you'll maintain the spirit but the flavor profile will shift according to the new drink's particular taste.

Alex Green

Lime

The trusty lime plays a vital sidekick role, delivering a zesty burst of acidity that cuts through Zima's sweetness. Zesty and fresh, it adds a layer of complexity and prevents the cocktail from being one-note. Leave it out, and you'll miss the tang that invites sip after sip. If limes are out of reach, a lemon will do in a pinch, but expect a sharper, slightly more bitter taste.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Zima Cocktail Drink

  1. Chill a bottle of Zima in the refrigerator.
  2. Cut a lime into wedges.
  3. Pour the chilled Zima into a glass.
  4. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass and drop it in.
  5. Stir gently and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to chill the Zima before serving to enhance its refreshing taste.
  • Don't skip the lime! It adds a nice citrusy kick to the drink.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

  • Grilled Seafood: Zima's light and citrusy characteristics complement the delicate flavors of grilled shrimp or fish nicely.
  • Sushi Rolls: The sweet and slightly tangy taste of Zima goes hand in hand with the fresh and vinegary flavors of sushi.
  • Chicken Tacos: The lime in the cocktail can echo the lime often squeezed onto tacos, enhancing the harmony between the drink and the food.

Drink Pairings

  • Sparkling Water: For those looking for a non-alcoholic complement, a glass of chilled sparkling water with a twist of lime can cleanse the palate between sips of Zima.
  • Light Beers: If in a group setting, Zima can be part of a selection including light beers to accommodate various preferences while maintaining a consistent light and crisp theme.

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What you could change in Zima Cocktail

If you can't find Zima, you can substitute it with any clear, citrus-flavored malt beverage. A lime can be replaced with a lemon for a slightly different taste.

Explore all drinks starting with Z here

And of course - twists🍹

Frozen Zima Margarita

Add a frozen twist to the Zima cocktail by blending the Zima with ice, a splash of tequila, and a touch of triple sec. The tequila will give it a kick, and the triple sec will deepen the citrus flavor profile.

Zima Mojito Mix

Combine Zima with muddled mint leaves and a splash of simple syrup. The mint will make it even more refreshing, while the simple syrup softens the acidity for a smoother ride.

Zima Sangria Surprise

Mix Zima with chopped fruits like apples, oranges, and strawberries, and let it sit for a bit. The fruits will infuse the Zima with a natural sweetness and create a fun, fizzy Sangria-like experience.

In case you forgot basics how to make Zima Cocktail

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

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Frequently Asked Questions on Zima Cocktail

What is the origin of Zima?

Zima was first launched in 1993 by the Coors Brewing Company. It came about during the 'clear craze' of the 90s where products like Crystal Pepsi were also launched.

Can I use other fruits besides lime for the Zima cocktail?

Yes, while lime is traditional, you could also try with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or orange for a different flavor profile.

What is the alcohol content of Zima?

Zima contains 4.7% alcohol by volume, making it comparable to most light beers.

Why was Zima discontinued?

After its initial popularity, sales of Zima declined and it was discontinued in 2008. However, it has since been brought back due to its nostalgic appeal.

What does Zima taste like?

Zima has a light, crisp, citrus flavor. It's not overly sweet and has a refreshing carbonation.

Can I make a Zima cocktail without alcohol?

Yes, you could substitute the Zima with a clear, citrus-flavored soda for a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail.

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