Ingredients
- 1 oz Southern Comfort
- 1 oz Vodka
- .5 oz Sloe Gin
- .5 oz Triple Sec
- .5 oz Blackberry Brandy
- 2 oz Orange Juice
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
Instructions
Mix Ingredients:
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1 oz Southern Comfort, 1 oz vodka, 0.5 oz sloe gin, 0.5 oz triple sec, 0.5 oz blackberry brandy, 2 oz orange juice, and 1 oz pineapple juice.
Shake Well:
- Shake well until the mixture is chilled and well combined.
Strain and Serve:
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy your sweet and fruity Red Death Cocktail.
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Red Death Cocktail does not boast a long, storied history. Its blend of multiple fruit liqueurs and juices points to a likely origin in the American bar scene of the late 20th century. This was an era when bartenders experimented with sweet, colorful, and potent concoctions, often with playful or dramatic names, designed for broad appeal rather than classic refinement.
This drink fits squarely into the ‘fruity highball’ category, a cousin to drinks like the Long Island Iced Tea or a Hurricane, where multiple spirits are softened by juice. What sets the Red Death apart is its specific combination of Southern Comfort’s peach notes, the tartness of sloe gin, and the deep berry of blackberry brandy, creating a distinctive and layered fruit experience.
You would typically find the Red Death served in high-volume, casual bars, or at house parties where the goal is good times and easy drinking. It is a perfect choice for themed events or anytime a colorful, sweet, and potent cocktail is on the menu, without the need for fancy garnishes or quiet contemplation.
What it tastes like
On the first sip, bright orange and pineapple flavors lead, quickly mellowed by the distinctive peach and spice notes of Southern Comfort. As the drink develops, the rich, tart berry character from the sloe gin and blackberry brandy emerges, adding depth and a pleasant tang. The finish is sweet and fruity, with a noticeable but well-integrated warmth from the multiple spirits, leaving a lingering, candied fruit impression.
Clocking in around 18% ABV, the Red Death is a deceptively potent cocktail. It carries roughly the same alcoholic kick as a strong glass of wine, or about 1.5 standard drinks. While the fruit juices temper the immediate alcohol taste, this is definitely not a session drink and should be approached with respect for its hidden strength.
The technique
Building a Red Death is straightforward: combine all ingredients in a shaker with plenty of ice. Give it a vigorous shake until the shaker is thoroughly chilled, ensuring everything is well mixed and properly diluted. Strain the vibrant liquid into a highball glass already filled with fresh ice. Serve it up immediately to maintain its chill and effervescence.
The most important technique here is a proper, hard shake. With so many different spirits and juices, a brief stir or a weak shake will not sufficiently chill or blend the ingredients. A hard shake ensures the drink is ice-cold, perfectly integrated, and slightly aerated, which contributes to a smoother, more enjoyable texture.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Southern Comfort
- Use
- Standard 70 proof Southern Comfort is the way to go. Its unique peach, orange, and spice liqueur profile is foundational to this drink.
- Skip
- Plain peach schnapps. While it offers peach flavor, it lacks the complex spice and whiskey character of Southern Comfort, making the drink one-dimensional.
- Why
- Southern Comfort provides a distinctive sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy base that bridges the gap between the fruit juices and the other spirits, giving the Red Death its signature character.
Sloe Gin
- Use
- A quality sloe gin like Plymouth Sloe Gin or Rothman & Winter. These offer a good balance of tart sloe berry flavor and sweetness.
- Skip
- Regular gin. Regular gin is juniper-forward and dry, completely missing the sweet, tart, and deep berry profile of sloe gin. It would fundamentally alter the drink’s character.
- Why
- Sloe gin is crucial for both the ‘red’ color and the tart, complex berry notes that cut through the other sweet elements, adding a necessary layer of fruit depth.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Black Death
- Darker berry, deeper flavor.
- Swap the sloe gin for an equal amount of cassis or a dark berry liqueur, intensifying the blackberry brandy’s influence for a richer, darker fruit profile.
Tropical Death
- An even more exotic fruit escape.
- Substitute the orange juice with a blend of passion fruit puree and guava nectar. This pushes the cocktail into a distinctly more tropical and vibrant direction.
Sour Death
- A tart twist on the classic.
- Add 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice to the shaker. This introduces a bright, zesty tartness that balances the inherent sweetness of the Red Death, making it a bit drier on the finish.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Combine 0.75 oz peach schnapps with 0.25 oz bourbon or blended whiskey for a similar, though not identical, profile.
Use an additional 0.5 oz of blackberry brandy or a good quality raspberry liqueur. The color and berry notes will be present, but the specific sloe gin tartness will be missed.
Cointreau or another orange liqueur works perfectly, often with a cleaner, drier orange flavor. Even a splash of fresh orange juice with a dash of simple syrup could work in a pinch.
A pint glass or even a large rocks glass will do the trick. The key is enough capacity for the liquid and plenty of ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Red Death Cocktail?
The Red Death Cocktail contains Southern Comfort, vodka, sloe gin, triple sec, blackberry brandy, orange juice, and pineapple juice.
Is the Red Death a strong drink?
Yes, with five different spirits, the Red Death is a potent cocktail, typically around 18% ABV. It is stronger than most beers and on par with a stiff glass of wine.
Why is it called the Red Death?
The name ‘Red Death’ likely comes from its vibrant reddish-orange color, combined with its potent alcoholic kick. It is a dramatic name fitting for the era of its probable creation.
What kind of glass should I use?
A highball glass is ideal for the Red Death Cocktail, allowing plenty of room for ice and the full volume of the drink.
Can I make a batch of Red Death?
Absolutely. Multiply all ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a large pitcher. Keep it chilled in the fridge and pour over ice when serving.
Is it a sweet drink?
Yes, the Red Death is definitely on the sweeter side due to the fruit liqueurs and juices. It is designed for those who enjoy a sweet, fruity cocktail.
What’s the best way to garnish it?
A simple orange slice, a cherry, or a pineapple wedge works well. Given its fruity nature, a colorful garnish complements the drink without adding complexity.
What’s the difference between sloe gin and regular gin?
Sloe gin is a liqueur made by infusing sloe berries into gin, resulting in a sweet, tart, and often lower-ABV spirit. Regular gin is a dry, juniper-forward distilled spirit without the added sweetness or berry flavor.
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Wow, the Red Death Cocktail is a killer combo of flavors! Cant wait to try it!