Ingredients
- 1 oz Almond Liqueur
- 1 oz Peach Liqueur
- Orange Juice
- Apple Juice
- 1 Splash(s) Grenadine Syrup
Instructions
Combine the Liqueurs:
- Pour 1 oz almond liqueur and 1 oz peach liqueur into a shaker filled with ice.
Add the Juices:
- Top with equal parts orange juice and apple juice.
Add Grenadine:
- Finish with a splash of grenadine syrup for that sweet, colourful touch.
Shake and Serve:
- Shake well and strain into a shot glass. Serve immediately.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This isn't a drink that showed up in any fancy cocktail books. Its exact origin is hazy, likely born behind a bar sometime in the late 20th century when colorful, sweet shots were having their moment. No one's quite sure who named it or where it first landed.
It's a member of the 'fruity liqueur shot' family. Think along the lines of a Woo Woo or a Peach Bellini shot, but with a nuttier base. It keeps things simple with a couple of fruit liqueurs and juice, designed for quick consumption.
You'll find this one in a dive bar on a Friday night, a college party, or anywhere people want something sweet and easy without a lot of fuss. It's a party starter, not a sophisticated sipper for a quiet lounge.
What it tastes like
Your tongue gets hit with a sweet wave of peach and almond right away, smoothed out by the orange and apple juice. The grenadine adds another layer of fruit sweetness and a nice pink glow. It's a sugary, fruit-forward experience, designed to go down easy.
With 1 oz of 21% ABV almond liqueur and 1 oz of 21% ABV peach liqueur (common strengths), you're looking at about 0.42 oz pure alcohol in a shot. That's roughly equivalent to a standard 12 oz light beer, maybe a little more, depending on your pour. It's a quick hit, but not a knockout.
The technique
Building a Pink Floyd is pretty straightforward. You're layering liqueurs, juice, and a splash of grenadine into a shaker with ice. Give it a proper shake to chill and combine everything, then strain it into a shot glass. Timing is quick, serve it cold and fast.
Don't just give it a few lazy shakes. Really go for it, get that shaker frosty. You want it ice cold and well mixed, otherwise, you're just drinking warm juice with some sweet stuff floating around.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Almond Liqueur
- Use
- Amaretto is the standard here. Go for a mid-range bottle, nothing too cheap or too fancy. Disaronno or Lazzaroni work well.
- Skip
- Any almond extract or syrup. You need the boozy kick and depth of a true liqueur.
- Why
- It provides the nutty base and a good portion of the alcohol. Without it, you just have a generic peach juice mix.
Peach Liqueur
- Use
- A good quality peach schnapps or a peach-flavored liqueur. Bols Peach or a similar brand will do the trick.
- Skip
- Peach syrup or muddled fresh peaches. You need the distinct, sweet, and alcoholic peach flavor of the liqueur.
- Why
- This brings the dominant fruit flavor and sweetness, balancing the almond and blending with the juices.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Dark Side
- A deeper, boozier take.
- Swap the apple juice for cranberry and add a half ounce of vodka to give it more of a punch.
The Wall
- A more tropical vibe.
- Replace the orange juice with pineapple juice and add a dash of coconut cream for a richer texture.
Comfortably Numb
- A minty, refreshing twist.
- Muddle a few mint leaves in the shaker before adding ingredients and use lime juice instead of apple for a brighter finish.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Use a hazelnut liqueur like Frangelico for a similar nutty profile, though it will taste different.
Apricot liqueur or even a good quality peach syrup (though you lose the alcohol) can stand in.
A splash of cranberry juice or even a tiny bit of raspberry syrup will add color and sweetness.
Any small glass will work, even a small juice glass. It's about getting it down, not the vessel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Pink Floyd?
A Pink Floyd contains almond liqueur, peach liqueur, orange juice, apple juice, and a splash of grenadine syrup.
Is the Pink Floyd a strong drink?
It's a shot, so it's meant to be a quick hit. With two ounces of liqueur, it has a decent kick, roughly like a light beer.
Why is it called Pink Floyd?
The name likely comes from its vibrant pink color, reminiscent of the band's iconic album art or psychedelic imagery.
Can I make a larger batch of Pink Floyd?
Absolutely. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally and mix in a pitcher before chilling and serving.
What kind of juice should I use?
Any standard orange and apple juice will work fine. Freshly squeezed is always a bit better, but not strictly necessary for this kind of drink.
Is this a sweet drink?
Yes, it's definitely on the sweeter side, packed with fruit liqueurs and juices. It's a dessert shot or a party starter.
Can I serve it over ice?
While traditionally a shot, you could pour it over ice in a small rocks glass for a longer, more diluted drink if you prefer.
What's the best way to get the pink color?
The grenadine is key for the color. Add it last and make sure it disperses well during shaking.
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