The "nutcracker" (from the English "nutcracker") is a cocktail known both for its high alcohol content and for its fluorescent and bright color. The drink is said to have been invented in a New York bar about a decade ago. Nowadays, it is mainly sold on the streets or on the beaches in clear plastic bottles or styrofoam cups by people who want to supplement their salary. Each vendor claims to have their own secret recipe, but generally the cocktail is rum-based mixed with other spirits and a variety of fruit juices to create a perfect summer aperitif. The biggest advantage of the nutcracker is that it gives you the freedom to experiment, using different combinations and amounts of spirits and juices each time to find the perfect recipe for your taste.
Ingrediants
Classic Nutcracker
- 265 ml of Hawaiian punch
- 30 ml of Devil's Springs vodka
- 30 ml of Bacardi 151
- 30 ml of water
New York Style Nutcracker
- About 3 liters of cold pineapple juice
- 1 bottle of Bacardi 151
- 350 ml of grenadine
- Amaretto di Saronno (to taste)
- Triple sec (to taste)
- Lime juice (to taste)
Fruit Nutcracker
- 30ml Gray Goose vodka
- 60 ml of Bacardi Grand Melon
- 15ml Moonshine (whiskey)
- 15ml Peach Schnapps (peach liqueur)
- 1 splash of Sour Apple Pucker (green apple liqueur)
- Cranberry juice (to taste)
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Classic Nutcracker
Step 1. Purchase the ingredients for the cocktail
The classic Nutcracker requires nothing but spirits and fruit juice. This recipe involves using Hawaiian Punch, vodka, and rum. However, you can substitute for both fruit juice and spirits if you prefer.
Step 2. Blend the ingredients
Combine the vodka, water and rum in a single-serving clear plastic bottle. Add Hawaiian Punch to refill the bottle.
- For a stronger drink, increase the amount of vodka, water and rum while respecting the proportions indicated.
- Hawaiian Punch is a lightly fizzy non-alcoholic fruit drink. You can replace it with a fruit juice, such as apple, peach or a flavored drink of your choice.
Step 3. Shake and serve the drink
Put the cap back on the bottle and shake it to mix the cocktail ingredients. Chill the drink and serve it directly into the bottle.
Method 2 of 3: New York Style Nutcracker
Step 1. Purchase the ingredients for the cocktail
The New York-style Nutcracker recipe calls for the drink to be prepared in a large pitcher to serve to many people.
- Use a 750ml bottle of rum if you can't find the 1 liter bottle.
- You can replace half of the light rum with a golden or dark rum. Also, you can add Southern Comfort for a different version.
- You can substitute part or all of the pineapple juice with a different fruit juice, such as peach, mango or cranberry juice.
Step 2. Blend the ingredients
Pour the entire bottle of rum into a large jug. Add the Amaretto di Saronno, the triple sec and the lime juice in equal parts, finally add the grenadine and the pineapple juice.
For the Amaretto di Saronno, triple sec and lime juice, start with 30ml and adjust the amounts to taste if you feel you need to add more
Step 3. Serve the cocktail
The Nutcracker should be served cold as it is considered a refreshing summer drink. You can chill it in the refrigerator, put crushed ice in glasses, or leave it in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
Method 3 of 3: Fruit Nutcracker
Step 1. Retrieve the ingredients
This recipe is intended for one person only, but consider that as per tradition it has a very high alcohol content.
Step 2. Blend the ingredients
Measure them out and pour them into a small carafe or large glass. Serve the cocktail in a small plastic or clear glass bottle.
Step 3. Prepare a "Nemo"
Another option for this drink is to serve it in a frozen version, as if it were a margarita. The frozen version of the Nutcracker is called "Nemo", a name inspired by the movie "Finding Nemo". Instead of mixing the ingredients in a jug, blend them with the same amount of ice until the cocktail has a thick and homogeneous consistency, similar to that of granita. Serve it as usual, in a glass or bottle.
Advice
Experiment with different spirits, juices and liqueurs to find the perfect recipe for you. Tradition dictates to use cheap ingredients and to achieve a high alcohol content, but there is no right way to prepare the Nutcracker
Warnings
- Drink in moderation. The abuse of alcoholic beverages can cause serious physical and psychological damage.
- You must be of legal age to be able to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
- Do not drive any vehicles (including bicycles) and do not use heavy machinery after drinking.
