Scorpion Cocktail

The Scorpion Cocktail is a quintessential tiki drink that balances the strength of rum and brandy with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and orange juice. The addition of orgeat syrup lends a subtle, nutty sweetness and a creamy texture that ties the drink together. It's a refreshing, complex, and deceptively strong cocktail that transports you to a tropical paradise with every sip. This drink is a perfect introduction to the world of classic tiki mixology.
Scorpion Cocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 4 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Scorpion is a classic Tiki cocktail, a category known for its use of rum, exotic fruit juices, and complex flavor profiles. It stands as a quintessential example of the tropical escapism that defines the Tiki genre.

Serving

Served cold and 'up' (without ice) in a chilled coupe or sour glass, this is a moderately sized, spirit-forward but balanced tiki cocktail. Its alcohol content is significant but well-integrated with the fruit juices.
Serving size
Approximately 180 ml / 6 oz (before ice)
Alcohol content
Approximately 20-25% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled

Backstory

The Scorpion was created by Victor "Trader Vic" Bergeron in the late 1930s. He first served it at his Oakland restaurant, Hinky Dinks, which later became the famous Trader Vic's. Originally conceived as a large-format punch for sharing in a decorative bowl, it quickly became one of the most popular drinks on his menu, solidifying its place in the tiki cocktail canon.
Origin
United States (Oakland, California), late 1930s.

Scorpion Cocktail

Originally known simply as the Scorpion, this cocktail is famously served in a large, communal 'Scorpion Bowl' format for sharing. The single-serving version is often referred to as the Scorpion Cocktail to differentiate it. The name evokes the potent 'sting' of the drink's high alcohol content.
Original name
Scorpion
Alternative name
Scorpion Bowl

Characteristics overview

The Scorpion has a delightful aroma of citrus and almond, leading to a fruity, sweet-and-sour flavor profile. It has a smooth, silky texture and a clean finish, making it a perfectly refreshing summer cocktail.
Flavor
Fruity, Citrusy, Nutty, Boozy, Sweet, Tart
Aroma
Orange, Lemon, Almond, Rum
Taste balance
Sweet, Sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Lingering Sweetness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Golden yellow, Hazy, Light orange
Texture
Smooth, Silky
Seasonality
Refreshing, Summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

This is a fruit-forward and strong cocktail, with a prominent balance between sweetness from the orgeat and sourness from the citrus. The alcohol is present but well-integrated, and it has no carbonation or bitterness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This cocktail requires light rum and brandy as its spirit base. For mixers, you'll need fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat syrup for a nutty sweetness.
  • Light Rum60 ml / 2 oz
    A good quality Puerto Rican or Cuban style rum works well.
  • Brandy30 ml / 1 oz
    Cognac or another grape brandy is traditional.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice22.5 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed is essential for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Orange Juice45 ml / 1.5 oz
    Use fresh, not from concentrate.
  • Orgeat Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    A quality almond syrup, often containing orange flower water.

Ice type

  • Cubed ice for shaking, served neat (without ice in the glass).

Mixing equipments

You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker, jigger for measuring, and both Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers to prepare this drink.
  • Cocktail shaker for mixing and chilling.
  • Jigger or measuring cup for accurate measurements.
  • Strainer (Hawthorne and fine-mesh) for a smooth pour.

Instructions

The preparation involves shaking all ingredients with ice until cold, then double straining the mixture into a pre-chilled coupe or sour glass. Finish by garnishing with an orange slice and mint.
1. Chill your serving glass (a coupe or sour glass) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer.
2. Add all ingredients—light rum, brandy, lemon juice, orange juice, and orgeat—to a cocktail shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with cubed ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Empty the ice from your chilled glass.
6. Double strain the contents of the shaker into the chilled glass to remove any ice chips or fruit pulp.
7. Garnish with an orange slice and a sprig of fresh mint.

Garnishing

A simple garnish of a fresh orange slice and a sprig of mint adds a lovely visual and aromatic touch to the finished cocktail.
  • Orange slice and a fresh mint sprig.

Dietary Information

This drink is typically vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, but it is not nut-free due to the presence of orgeat (almond syrup). It contains alcohol and is caffeine-free.
✓ 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 spirits and sugar. It is relatively high in sugar due to the fruit juices and orgeat syrup.
Calories
Approximately 250-290 kcal / 1046-1213 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-24 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 18-22 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This cocktail is perfect for summer parties, tropical-themed events, or any social gathering where a fun and festive drink is desired. Its refreshing nature makes it ideal for poolside sipping or enjoying on a warm evening.
  • Summer Party
  • Poolside Lounging
  • Tiki Night
  • Social Gathering

Pairing suggestions

The Scorpion pairs wonderfully with classic tiki-style appetizers like crab rangoon or egg rolls, often found on a Pu Pu platter. Its fruity and tangy profile also complements the flavors of spicy Asian cuisine and grilled meats. For dessert, consider pairing it with something light and tropical, like a coconut cream pie.
  • Pu Pu Platter (assorted appetizers)
  • Spicy Asian dishes
  • Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
  • Coconut-based desserts

The Scorpion Cocktail: A Classic Tiki Sting

The Scorpion Cocktail is a legendary tiki creation from Trader Vic that beautifully marries the warmth of rum and brandy with the vibrant zest of fresh citrus. Its secret weapon, orgeat syrup, adds a layer of nutty sweetness and silky texture, making the drink dangerously smooth and refreshing. While famous in its large-format 'bowl' version, the single serving cocktail is a perfectly balanced and potent tropical escape. It is an essential classic for any aspiring tiki enthusiast or anyone looking for a delicious, fruit-forward cocktail.

Variations

Scorpion Bowl

This is the original large-format version. The recipe is multiplied, served in a large bowl with long straws for each person, and often topped with a float of high-proof rum for a flaming garnish.

Similar Cocktails

Mai Tai

Shares a tiki heritage, rum base, and orgeat syrup, but the Mai Tai uses lime juice and orange curaçao for a distinctly different, less juicy flavor profile.

Fog Cutter

Another Trader Vic classic that combines rum, brandy, and gin with citrus and orgeat, but adds a float of sherry for extra complexity.

Japanese Cocktail

A much older cocktail that also pairs brandy with orgeat, but it uses bitters and lemon juice for a simpler, more spirit-forward experience without the rum or orange juice.

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