The Paradise City Cocktail recipe
Rating
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The Paradise City is a bright, fruit-forward highball that leans into modern “party cocktail” energy, built for easy sipping and big colour. With vodka and tequila blanco sharing the base, you get a clean, neutral backbone alongside a lightly peppery agave edge, while the rest of the build pushes it firmly into tropical-and-tart territory. It’s less about old-school provenance and more about that contemporary bar style where familiar spirits meet bold juices and a touch of bitters for balance.
You’ll find cranberry juice brings a crisp, tangy snap that keeps the drink lively, while mango juice adds a round, sunny sweetness and softens the sharper edges. Grenadine deepens the fruit sweetness and gives a candy-like red-fruit lift, and the teaspoon of sugar nudges everything into a smoother, more dessert-leaning lane. Fresh lime tightens the whole profile with bright acidity, and a dash of aromatic bitters adds a subtle spiced contrast that stops the fruit from feeling one-note.
Serve this when you want something colourful and crowd-pleasing—ideal for warm evenings, house parties, or any time you’d normally reach for a vodka-and-juice but want more going on. It suits drinkers who like sweet-tart flavours with a tropical twist, and it’s especially satisfying over plenty of ice in a highball when you’re settling in for a long, relaxed sip.
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Highball glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Colin says:
Vodka and tequila blanco set a clean, punchy base under cranberry juice and mango juice, while grenadine and a teaspoon of sugar push a vivid candy-fruit sweetness that lime tightens up; a dash of aromatic bitters adds a faint spiced edge. It works because the lime’s acidity and bitters’ spice keep the sweet juices from feeling flat, making it ideal for party sipping and anyone who likes bold, colourful, fruit-forward drinks.
Method
How to make a The Paradise City
- Vodka 30ml, Tequila blanco 30ml, Cranberry juice 60ml, Grenadine 30ml, Mango juice 60ml, Aromatic bitters Dash, Lime 1, Sugar Teaspoon
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- Cut the lime into halves and place in the glass
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- Add a little ice, the bitters and a teaspoon of sugar then muddle
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- Add the tequila and vodka and stir
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- Mix the cranberry and mango juice with the grenadine to finish, and serve
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FAQ's
What type of glass should be used for serving The Paradise City cocktail?
The Paradise City cocktail should be served in a Highball glass. This choice complements the volume and the aesthetics of the drink.
Can I substitute anything for the grenadine if I don't have it?
Yes, if you don't have grenadine, you can substitute it with a mixture of pomegranate juice and sugar, raspberry syrup, or a non-alcoholic cherry syrup to maintain the sweet profile and color similar to that of grenadine.
Is it necessary to stir The Paradise City cocktail, or can it be shaken?
The Paradise City cocktail is specifically mentioned to be stirred and not shaken. Stirring gently combines the ingredients while maintaining the clarity and integrity of the drink, whereas shaking could dilute and cloud the cocktail.
How can I make The Paradise City cocktail more visually appealing?
To make The Paradise City more visually appealing, consider adding a garnish of a lime wheel or a mango slice on the rim of the glass. Additionally, a splash of soda water can add some fizz and make it more enticing.
How does the alcohol content of The Paradise City compare to a standard cocktail?
The Paradise City has an alcohol content of about 11.11%, which is slightly lower than the average cocktail range of 12-20% ABV. It makes this drink a moderately strong choice, suitable for those who prefer a lighter alcoholic beverage.
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