Acapulco Cocktail
The Acapulco Cocktail is a delightful throwback to the golden age of resort drinks, offering a simple yet satisfying taste of the tropics. It combines a base of light or gold rum with the orange liqueur essence of triple sec and the sharp, zesty kick of fresh lime juice. A touch of sugar syrup rounds out the flavors, creating a harmonious blend that is both invigorating and easy to drink. It's a less-known cousin to the Daiquiri, perfect for those who enjoy a clean and citrus-forward rum drink.
Preparation
Preparation time: 3 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Acapulco is classified as a classic cocktail, belonging to the sour family of drinks. Its use of rum and citrus also places it within the broad category of tropical or tiki-style cocktails, though it is much simpler in construction than many complex tiki recipes. It's a straightforward and refreshing mixed drink.
Serving
Serve this cocktail ice-cold in a chilled coupe or standard cocktail glass for an elegant presentation. It's a spirit-forward drink with a noticeable but not overpowering alcohol strength, designed to be sipped and savored.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 25-30% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The exact origins of the Acapulco Cocktail are somewhat hazy, as is common with many classic drinks. It is widely believed to have been created in or named for the glamorous resort city of Acapulco, Mexico, during its heyday in the 1950s. The cocktail's simple, refreshing profile made it a perfect fit for sipping by the pool or on the beach, capturing the carefree spirit of a seaside getaway.
Origin
Named after Acapulco, Mexico, the cocktail likely emerged during the mid-20th century, around the 1950s. It reflects the popular style of simple, rum-based tropical drinks that were fashionable during that era, particularly in American and Mexican tourist destinations.
Acapulco Cocktail
The drink is most commonly known as the Acapulco Cocktail, sometimes shortened simply to Acapulco. It is named after the famous resort city in Mexico, evoking a sense of sun-drenched vacations and tropical leisure. There are no other significant alternative names for this specific recipe.
Original name
Acapulco Cocktail
Alternative name
Acapulco
Characteristics overview
The Acapulco presents a beautifully balanced sweet and sour profile, with prominent flavors of lime and orange over a smooth rum base. Its appearance is a pale, hazy yellow, and it feels light and crisp on the palate, making it exceptionally refreshing for summer sipping.
Flavor
Citrusy, Tropical, Sweet, Rum
Aroma
Lime, Orange, Sugarcane
Taste balance
Sour, Sweet
Aftertaste
Clean, Crisp, Short
Fizziness
Still, None
Color appearance
Pale Yellow, Hazy, Translucent
Texture
Smooth, Light-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery
Flavor intensity & Experience
This cocktail has a pronounced sourness and fruitiness from the lime and triple sec, balanced by a moderate sweetness. The alcohol strength is present but well-integrated, and there is no carbonation, resulting in a smooth sip.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need a rum base, triple sec for orange sweetness, freshly squeezed lime juice for tartness, and a touch of simple syrup for balance. An optional egg white can be added for a richer texture.
- Light or Gold Rum45 ml / 1.5 ozA good quality Puerto Rican or Cuban style rum works best to let the citrus shine.
- Triple Sec15 ml / 0.5 ozCointreau or another high-quality orange liqueur can be substituted.
- Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 ozFreshly squeezed lime juice is essential for the best flavor.
- Simple Syrup7.5 ml / 0.25 ozAdjust quantity to taste, depending on the sweetness of the triple sec and sourness of the lime.
- Egg White15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)Adding egg white creates a silky texture and a rich foam head. If using, dry shake first (shake without ice).
Ice type
- Cubed ice
Mixing equipments
This is a shaken cocktail, so the essential equipment includes a cocktail shaker and a strainer. A jigger is recommended for measuring ingredients to maintain the drink's balance.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and combine ingredients
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Strainer (Hawthorne and fine mesh) to pour without ice shards
Instructions
The preparation is simple: chill your glass, combine all liquid ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, and shake until very cold. Double strain into the glass and add your garnish to serve.
1. Chill your coupe or cocktail glass by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the rum, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice until it's about two-thirds full.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
5. Discard the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove any small ice chips or lime pulp.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel, wedge, or twist.
Garnishing
A simple citrus garnish complements the drink's flavors perfectly. A thin wheel or wedge of lime on the rim is classic, or a lime twist can be used to add aromatic oils to the surface.
- Lime wheel or wedge, placed on the rim of the glass
- Lime twist, expressed over the drink and dropped in
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, gluten, nuts, and soy. As it contains no animal products, it is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This cocktail has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The carbohydrate and sugar content comes from the triple sec and simple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 190 kcal / 795 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 12g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 11g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfectly suited for warm weather and relaxed settings. Its refreshing nature makes it an excellent choice for summer parties, barbecues, or any casual outdoor gathering. It's the quintessential vacation drink for enjoying by the pool or on a sunny beach.
- Summer Parties
- Poolside Lounging
- Happy Hour
- Beach Vacations
Pairing suggestions
The bright, citrusy profile of the Acapulco Cocktail pairs wonderfully with light and fresh Mexican or Latin American cuisine. It cuts through the richness of avocado in guacamole and complements the clean flavors of seafood dishes like ceviche or fish tacos. It's also an excellent companion to simple, salty snacks.
- Chips and Guacamole
- Ceviche
- Fish Tacos
- Lightly Salted Snacks
Acapulco Cocktail: A Taste of Tropical Simplicity
The Acapulco Cocktail is an underrated classic that delivers a perfect taste of the tropics with minimal fuss. Its simple combination of rum, triple sec, and lime creates a refreshing and balanced sour-style drink that is incredibly easy to make and enjoy. While it may not have the complexity of other tiki drinks, its charm lies in its straightforward, clean profile. It's an ideal choice for any warm day, offering a quick and delicious escape to a sunnier state of mind.
Similar Cocktails
You May Also Like
Sherry Negroni
A sophisticated and nutty twist on the classic Negroni, replacing gin with sherry for a lower-ABV, complex aperitivo.
Bobby Burns
A rich and sophisticated Scotch-based cocktail with sweet vermouth and a honeyed, herbal kiss of Bénédictine liqueur.
Americano
A refreshing and bittersweet Italian aperitif made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water.
Japanese Highball
A hyper-carbonated, crisp, and clean cocktail that elevates Japanese whisky with premium soda water and precise technique.
Have You Tried These Yet?
Frisco Cocktail
A bold and simple classic cocktail featuring spicy rye whiskey and sweet, herbal Bénédictine.
Carcass Reviver
A bold and bracing cocktail featuring rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and a powerful duo of Fernet-Branca and Bénédictine.
Closing Argument
A smoky, herbaceous, and complex riff on the classic Last Word, using mezcal instead of gin.
Montreal Cocktail
A sophisticated and spicy rye whiskey cocktail balanced with dry vermouth and the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine.