Kangaroo Kicker

The Kangaroo Kicker is a bright and invigorating cocktail that skillfully balances the neutrality of vodka with the sweet, herbal complexity of Bénédictine D.O.M. Fresh lime juice provides a sharp, sour counterpoint that cuts through the sweetness, while a small amount of pineapple juice adds a subtle tropical fruitiness and lends a silky, smooth texture to the drink. It's a sophisticated yet approachable cocktail, perfect for those seeking a well-balanced sour with a unique and memorable character.
Kangaroo Kicker

Preparation

Preparation time: 3 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Kangaroo Kicker is classified as a modern cocktail, often fitting into the "sour" family due to its prominent use of citrus juice. It's a shaken drink that is served straight up, showcasing a sophisticated blend of herbal, sweet, and tart flavors.

Serving

This cocktail is served "straight up" (without ice) in a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. It presents as a cold, moderately strong drink perfect for sophisticated sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 120-150 ml / 4-5 oz (before chilling)
Alcohol content
Estimated 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The exact origin of the Kangaroo Kicker is somewhat obscure, though it is considered a modern creation from the cocktail renaissance of the late 20th or early 21st century. It is likely a clever evolution of the "Kangaroo Cocktail" (an old name for a Vodka Martini), adding more complex layers of flavor. The "kick" in its name aptly refers to its surprising potency and vibrant, assertive taste profile.
Origin
The Kangaroo Kicker's precise origins are not well-documented, but it is believed to have been created in the United States or the United Kingdom during the late 20th or early 21st-century craft cocktail movement.

Kangaroo Kicker

The Kangaroo Kicker is the primary and most recognized name for this cocktail. It should not be confused with the much simpler "Kangaroo Cocktail," which is an early 20th-century name for what is now known as a Vodka Martini.
Original name
Kangaroo Kicker

Characteristics overview

The Kangaroo Kicker offers a delightful interplay of herbal Bénédictine and tart lime, with a smooth, silky texture from the pineapple juice. Its aroma is invitingly complex, and it leaves a clean, lingering herbal finish on the palate.
Flavor
Herbal, Sweet, Tart, Tropical, Citrusy
Aroma
Herbal, Lime zest, Subtle pineapple, Spiced honey
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet-and-sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Lingering herbal notes, Slightly sweet
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Pale yellow, Slightly cloudy, Frothy head from shaking
Texture
Smooth, Silky, Medium-bodied
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is moderately intense, presenting a beautiful equilibrium between the sweet herbal notes, bright sourness, and subtle fruitiness. It is a completely still drink with a noticeable but well-integrated alcohol backbone.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires four key ingredients: a clean vodka base, the complex herbal liqueur Bénédictine, freshly squeezed lime juice for acidity, and a splash of pineapple juice for sweetness and texture.
  • Vodka60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality, neutral vodka works best to let the other ingredients shine.
  • Bénédictine D.O.M.22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    This specific French herbal liqueur is essential for the drink's unique flavor profile.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the best taste and balance.
  • Pineapple Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Use unsweetened, good quality pineapple juice for the best texture and flavor.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger, and both Hawthorne and fine mesh strainers, to properly prepare this drink. A citrus juicer is essential for using fresh juice.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate proportions.
  • Hawthorne strainer to hold back ice.
  • Fine mesh strainer to remove small ice chips.
  • Citrus juicer for fresh lime juice.

Instructions

The method is a straightforward shake and strain: chill your glass, combine all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, shake vigorously, and double strain into the prepared glass before garnishing.
1. Place your coupe or cocktail glass in the freezer to chill.
2. Pour the vodka, Bénédictine D.O.M., fresh lime juice, and pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker three-quarters full with cubed ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted and very cold.
5. Double strain the mixture through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wheel or twist and serve immediately.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a lime wheel or an elegant lime twist complements the drink's citrus notes perfectly and adds a finishing touch.
  • Lime wheel or twist, placed on the rim or floating in the drink.

Dietary Information

This cocktail is alcoholic and caffeine-free. It is suitable for most dietary requirements, including vegan and gluten-free diets, as it contains no dairy, eggs, soy, or nut products.
✓ 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 and sugar content, primarily derived from the Bénédictine liqueur and pineapple juice. It is not a low-calorie drink but is typical for a balanced sour-style cocktail.
Calories
Averagely 200-230 kcal / 837-962 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-18 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 14-17 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This is a highly versatile cocktail suitable for a casual happy hour, a sunny afternoon gathering, or as a lively aperitif before a meal. Its refreshing qualities make it particularly delightful during warm weather.
  • Happy Hour
  • Summer Parties
  • Cocktail Hour
  • Pre-dinner Drink

Pairing suggestions

The Kangaroo Kicker's unique balance of sweet, sour, and herbal notes pairs wonderfully with spicy or savory foods. Its acidity can cut through the richness of cheese and fried appetizers, while its herbal character complements the freshness of light seafood and Asian-inspired dishes.
  • Spicy Asian appetizers like spring rolls or satay.
  • Light seafood dishes such as ceviche or grilled shrimp.
  • Cheese platters featuring semi-hard cheeses.
  • Salty snacks like Marcona almonds or olives.

The Kangaroo Kicker: A Sophisticated Leap for Vodka Lovers

The Kangaroo Kicker is a hidden gem in the world of vodka cocktails, offering a significant step up in complexity from typical vodka sours. Its signature ingredient, Bénédictine, imparts a unique honeyed and herbal character that is beautifully balanced by the tartness of fresh lime and a subtle sweetness from pineapple juice. It is a refreshing, sophisticated, and well-rounded drink that is easy to make yet tastes impressively complex, making it an excellent choice for expanding one's cocktail repertoire beyond the basics.

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