Azalea Cocktail Recipe: The Masters Signature Drink

When Masters Tournament week arrives, we love mixing up an azalea cocktail recipe to celebrate. This refreshing pink drink has become a tradition for golf fans and adds a festive touch to the event.

The cocktail gets its name from the beautiful azaleas blooming around Augusta National's 13th hole, a famous par 5 known as "Azalea." With vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine, this drink is the perfect mix of sweet and tart, making it a go-to for springtime sipping.

Every April, we gather with fellow golf fans, cocktail in hand, ready to watch the tournament. It pairs perfectly with pimento cheese sandwiches and other Southern favorites. But even if you are not into golf, this one is great for any warm, sunny day.

If you have never tried an azalea cocktail recipe before, now is the perfect time to shake one up.

What's in an Azalea Cocktail

The azalea cocktail recipe blends spirits, fruit juices, and a splash of color for a refreshing and well-balanced drink. A Masters Tournament favorite, its signature pink hue and bright flavors make it perfect for springtime.

Vodka or Gin

This cocktail works with either vodka or gin, depending on your taste. Vodka creates a smooth base that lets the fruit flavors shine. Brands like Tito’s or Ketel One are great choices. Gin adds a botanical twist, bringing herbal notes that complement the sweetness. Use two ounces of your preferred spirit to get the best balance.

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Pineapple Juice

The tropical sweetness of pineapple juice gives this cocktail its signature flavor. Fresh juice is always best, but if you are using store-bought, go for 100% juice with no added sugar. Most recipes call for two ounces per drink.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice keeps the drink bright and refreshing. The acidity balances the sweetness from the pineapple and grenadine. Always squeeze it fresh for the best flavor since bottled versions tend to taste flat. One ounce or the juice of half a lemon is just right.

Grenadine

This adds the pink color and a hint of sweetness. A small splash is enough to bring everything together. Too much can overpower the drink. Store-bought grenadine works, but if you want a richer flavor, mix equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar and simmer until it forms a syrup.

You might also like: 17 Best Grenadine Cocktails You Need to Try

How to Make an Azalea Cocktail

Making an azalea cocktail is simple and refreshing. Start by adding vodka, fresh lemon juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine to a shaker filled with ice cubes. Shaking helps chill the drink and blend the flavors smoothly. Strain it into a chilled glass over fresh ice for the perfect balance of tropical pineapple, tart lemon, and sweet grenadine.

If you want a bolder pink color, add a little more grenadine to adjust the sweetness. For a polished look, garnish with a lemon wheel or pineapple wedge. This cocktail is light, fruity, and perfect for warm days or special gatherings.

The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card below.

Variations of the Azalea Cocktail

There’s more than one way to enjoy an azalea cocktail, and we love experimenting with different flavors. Whether you prefer a classic, tropical, or botanical twist, there’s a version for everyone.

The Classic Masters Version

Stick to tradition with vodka, lemonade, and a splash of grenadine for that signature pink hue and refreshing taste.

Pineapple Twist

For a tropical spin, swap lemonade for pineapple juice and mix with vodka, fresh lemon juice, and grenadine. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for warm days.

Gin-Based Azalea

Prefer gin? Replace vodka with gin and mix with pineapple juice, lime juice, and grenadine for a more complex, botanical twist.

Other Fun Variations

• Use flavored vodkas like citrus or berry.
• Swap pineapple juice for cranberry or raspberry juice for a tangy kick.
• Add a few dashes of bitters for more depth.
• Top with prosecco for a sparkling version.

We like to adjust the grenadine to control sweetness, starting with less and adding more as needed. No matter how you mix it, the azalea cocktail is always a crowd-pleaser!

More Refreshing Cocktails to Try

If you loved our Azalea Cocktail, here are more fruity and refreshing drinks to mix up for your next gathering:

• Tequila Sunrise
• Tom Collins
• Mai Tai
• Mojito
• Greyhound (or Pink Greyhound with grenadine)
• Sea Breeze
• Classic Mint Julep
• Transfusion Cocktail
• Paloma Cocktail
• Pineapple Gin Fizz

Each one brings something unique to the table, so why not try a few and find a new favorite?

Frequently Asked Questions

How did the Azalea Cocktail get its name?

The Azalea Cocktail gets its name from Augusta National Golf Club. It honors the stunning azalea flowers that bloom during the Masters Tournament.

The cocktail is named after the 13th hole at Augusta, which is famously lined with beautiful azalea bushes. These flowers create a stunning backdrop when in full bloom during the tournament.

Many golf tournaments have signature drinks, and the Azalea cocktail has become famous as the Masters' unofficial drink. It celebrates Georgia's state flower and the tournament's beautiful setting.

Is there a specific brand of vodka or gin recommended for the Azalea Cocktail?

We find that quality spirits make a big difference in this cocktail. Premium vodkas like Grey Goose, Tito's, or Ketel One offer a clean taste.

For gin lovers, botanical options like Hendrick's, Tanqueray, or Bombay Sapphire work well. The official Masters recipe actually uses vodka, not gin as many believe.

Mid-range options work fine too, as the fruit flavors will shine through. Just avoid very cheap spirits that might leave a harsh aftertaste.

How does the taste differ when using gin instead of vodka?

Vodka creates a cleaner base that lets the pineapple and citrus flavors take center stage. It makes a smoother, more fruit-forward cocktail.

Gin adds herbal and botanical notes that create depth and complexity. These botanical flavors mix with the fruit for a more layered taste experience.

We find gin makes a slightly drier, more aromatic version of the Azalea. Choose based on your preference for either a smooth, fruity drink or one with more herbal character.

Can I make the Azalea Cocktail ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this cocktail in advance for parties. Mix all liquid ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate.

Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. We recommend enjoying it within 24 hours for the best flavor.

Wait to add ice and garnishes until serving time. This prevents dilution and keeps the cocktail looking fresh and vibrant.

What's the best substitute for grenadine?

Pomegranate syrup makes the best grenadine substitute. It has the same sweet-tart flavor profile the cocktail needs.

You can make homemade grenadine by reducing pomegranate juice with sugar. Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.

Other options include raspberry syrup, cherry juice, or cranberry concentrate with sugar. Each will change the flavor slightly but still create a delicious Azalea cocktail.

What food pairs well with an Azalea Cocktail?

Pimento cheese sandwiches pair perfectly with this drink. They're a Masters Tournament classic that complements the cocktail's sweetness.

Egg salad sandwiches, another Augusta favorite, offer a creamy contrast to the bright cocktail. The mild flavors won't overpower the drink.

Light appetizers like shrimp cocktail, deviled eggs, or cheese plates also work well. The cocktail's sweetness and acidity cut through rich foods, making it versatile for many elegant occasions.

Azalea Cocktail Recipe

The azalea cocktail is a refreshing drink with a bright pink hue and a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s a Masters Tournament favorite, but we love making it for any spring gathering or golf-watching party.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Measuring jigger or shot glass
• Highball or rocks glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz Vodka or Gin
• 2 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Ice cubes
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill your shaker with ice to chill the drink properly.
• Add the vodka or gin, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine.
• Shake well for about 15 seconds to blend everything smoothly.
• Strain into a chilled highball or rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lemon wedge and enjoy.

Notes

• Vodka vs. Gin: The traditional Masters recipe calls for vodka, but gin adds a nice botanical twist. Try both to see which you prefer.
• Juice Options: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch. Some versions use lemonade for a sweeter, less tart drink.
• Grenadine Alternatives: No grenadine? Try cranberry juice or raspberry syrup for color and a touch of sweetness.
• Pineapple Juice: Fresh is always best, but canned pineapple juice has a consistent flavor and works well too.

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