The Best Azalea Drink Recipe to Brighten Any Day

Azalea drink recipe is the name you’ll reach for when you’re looking to bring a splash of elegance, sunshine, and Southern flair to your day. It’s more than just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of spring, golf season, and garden parties. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch, lounging on the porch, or recreating the magic of Augusta at home, this vibrant drink is your ticket to a refreshing and cheerful experience.

Infused with citrus brightness and a dash of sweet cherry flavor, the Azalea is as beautiful as it is tasty. The name is inspired by the bright blooms at Augusta National Golf Club, home to the Masters Tournament, where this drink has become legendary. But you don’t need to be at a golf course to enjoy one.

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Why You’ll Love This Azalea Cocktail

There’s something uniquely captivating about this drink:

  • Its stunning pink hue makes it visually striking and festive
  • It’s incredibly simple to make with a few pantry staples
  • It balances citrusy tang with sweet notes—light and perfect for warm weather
  • It fits any occasion, from brunches and bridal showers to backyard barbecues
  • It offers both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variations

Ingredients Table: What’s in an Azalea Drink

IngredientPurpose
VodkaServes as the crisp spirit base
Pineapple juiceOffers natural sweetness and tropical flavor
Lemon juiceAdds tartness to balance the sweetness
GrenadineProvides the vibrant pink color and cherry hint
Ice & lemon garnishKeeps it cool and adds visual flair

How to Make an Azalea Drink

1. Combine the Ingredients

You’ll start by adding vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and a small splash of grenadine into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. This blend is what gives the Azalea its classic floral hue and refreshing taste.

2. Shake and Chill

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure everything blends evenly and gets nice and cold. If you’re prepping a batch ahead of time, go ahead and chill for 10 minutes to set before serving.

3. Strain and Serve

Strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass or pour it over ice in a rocks glass. The presentation is part of the charm, so use clear glassware to let that pink color shine.

4. Garnish and Enjoy

Finish your Azalea with a lemon slice or a lemon twist on the rim. The citrus aroma heightens the flavor and adds an elegant touch.

Tips for the Perfect Azalea Drink

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most natural flavor
  • Adjust the grenadine to customize color and sweetness
  • For a botanical edge, swap vodka with a floral gin
  • Hosting a party? Batch mix it in advance and chill well
  • Make it a mocktail by replacing vodka with lemon soda or sparkling water

Variations on the Classic Azalea

Here’s how you can switch up the classic formula while keeping the spirit of the drink intact:

  • Frozen Azalea: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a refreshing slushy drink
  • Champagne Azalea: Add a splash of sparkling wine for an effervescent twist
  • Citrus Azalea: Use citrus-flavored vodka or add a bit of orange juice
  • Mocktail Azalea: Omit the alcohol entirely and combine pineapple juice, lemon juice, grenadine, and soda water for a family-friendly version

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This cocktail pairs well with light and flavorful dishes that match its refreshing personality:

  • Fresh fruit platters, especially citrus and berries
  • Cheese boards with soft and creamy varieties like brie or goat cheese
  • Light seafood appetizers such as shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon
  • Tea sandwiches or cucumber bites for garden parties and showers

Whether you’re sipping under the sun or raising a glass with friends, the Azalea fits perfectly.

FAQs About Azalea Drink Recipe

What is in an Azalea drink?

An Azalea cocktail typically includes vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine. The result is a light, pink-hued drink with citrus and fruit notes.

How do you make azaleas?

To make the drink, shake vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine over ice, then strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon slice.

What is the classic azaleas drink at the Masters?

The classic Azalea at the Masters is the same citrusy pink drink made with vodka, pineapple, lemon, and grenadine—often served over ice in a plastic cup during the tournament.

What is the famous drink at the Masters?

While several drinks are enjoyed at Augusta, the Azalea is one of the most recognized, named after the iconic flowers lining the course.

The Azalea drink recipe is your ticket to a Southern-inspired refreshment that’s both timeless and easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it at a spring celebration or just want a light and elegant cocktail, this drink never disappoints.

From its vibrant color to its crisp and sweet flavor, the Azalea is more than just a drink—it’s a moment of charm in a glass. Try it once, and you may find it becoming a new go-to.

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The Best Azalea Drink Recipe to Brighten Any Day

Refreshing Azalea drink garnished with a lemon slice in a decorative glass, surrounded by golf balls and bright pink flowers.

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The Azalea drink recipe combines vodka, citrus juice, and grenadine for a refreshing, bright pink cocktail inspired by Southern charm and the Masters Tournament.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Drinks
  • Method: Shaken
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • Vodka – the crisp, clean spirit base
  • Pineapple juice – adds sweetness and tropical flavor
  • Lemon juice – brings brightness and citrus tang
  • Grenadine – gives the cocktail its signature pink color and a hint of cherry
  • Ice & lemon garnish – keeps it chilled and adds visual flair

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and grenadine.
  2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to blend and chill.
  3. Strain into a chilled glass or pour over ice in a rocks glass.
  4. Chill for 10 minutes to set if preparing ahead.
  5. Garnish with a lemon slice or twist and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
  • Adjust grenadine to customize sweetness and color intensity.
  • For a mocktail, substitute vodka with lemon soda or sparkling water.
  • To batch prep, multiply ingredients and store chilled before serving.
  • Try a floral gin in place of vodka for a botanical variation.

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