Looking for a refreshing cocktail that brings together sweet and tart flavors? The Courage Cooler is a light and tasty drink that mixes vodka with fresh fruits and a splash of soda.
This simple cocktail recipe needs just 5 ingredients and takes less than 5 minutes to make from start to finish. The bright orange and cranberry juices blend perfectly with the smooth vodka base.
The Courage Cooler works great for summer parties, backyard gatherings, or anytime you want a cool drink. Its pretty orange color and fruit garnish make it look as good as it tastes.
Courage Cooler Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Collins glass
- Ice
- Citrus juicer
- Strainer
- Bar spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 3 oz cranberry juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel for garnish
- Fresh mint sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Fill the cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Pour vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Top with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Courage Cooler offers a bright and fresh taste with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. A gentle fizz from the ginger beer adds a pleasant tingle to each sip.
The first taste brings forward sweet notes of peach and orange, followed by a subtle hint of vanilla from the bourbon. The drink has a smooth, medium-bodied texture.
Ginger beer adds a mild spicy kick that complements the fruit flavors without overwhelming them. The drink finishes clean with a light warmth from the bourbon.
Temperature affects the taste profile:
- Cold (32-40°F): Crisp, refreshing, pronounced ginger
- Cool (40-50°F): Mellower, fruit-forward, bourbon more noticeable
- Room temp: Not recommended, becomes too sweet
The garnish of fresh mint adds an aromatic element that enhances the drink’s complexity. Its light green color and floating fruit pieces make it visually appealing.
Substitute
The Courage Cooler can be made with different ingredients when the original items aren’t available.
A good swap for gin is vodka. Vodka keeps the clean taste while making the drink less herbal.
Replace elderflower liqueur with simple syrup mixed with a splash of white grape juice. This gives similar sweetness and floral notes.
Fresh lime juice can be swapped with lemon juice in equal amounts. Both citrus fruits add the needed tartness to balance the drink.
Non-alcoholic version:
- Use juniper berry tea instead of gin
- Mix elderflower syrup with soda water
- Keep the lime juice
- Add extra mint leaves for garnish
Prosecco alternatives include other sparkling wines or champagne.
For a non-bubbly option, white wine works too. Club soda with a splash of white grape juice makes a good alcohol-free substitute.
The mint garnish can be replaced with basil leaves or a thin slice of cucumber. These give a fresh taste that matches well with the other flavors.
