Scorpion Cocktail Recipe – If you’re a fan of bold, boozy tiki drinks with a citrusy punch, then the Scorpion Cocktail Recipe deserves a place in your home bar lineup. A legendary creation in the world of exotic cocktails, the Scorpion is known for its tropical flavor, strong liquor content, and punch-bowl party appeal. It’s a drink that takes you straight to the Polynesian pop era of the 1940s and ‘50s when tiki bars were booming, and tropical escapism was all the rage.
The Scorpion cocktail was originally developed at the Trader Vic’s restaurant in California, and like many tiki concoctions, its origins are as mysterious and layered as the drink itself. While some versions come as personal-sized drinks, others scale up for large punch bowls meant to be shared among friends. Either way, it packs a flavorful wallop—sweet, tart, nutty, and spirit-forward.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Cuisines: Tiki, Polynesian, American
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Course: Beverage, Cocktail / Drink
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Servings: 1 cocktail (can be scaled for punch bowl)
Equipment
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Cocktail shaker or blender
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Hawthorne strainer (if shaking)
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Rocks glass, tiki mug, or punch bowl
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Bar spoon (optional)
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Ice cubes
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Knife (for garnishing)
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Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
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1 oz light rum
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1 oz brandy
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1 oz fresh orange juice
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¾ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
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½ oz simple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: orange wheel, cherry, mint sprig
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Sugars | 17 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
| Alcohol by Volume (ABV) | ~16–18% |
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Shaker or Blender
Fill a cocktail shaker (or blender for a smoother texture) with ice. Add light rum, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, orgeat syrup, and simple syrup (if using).
Step 2: Shake or Blend
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Shaking Option: Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
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Blending Option: Blend for 10–15 seconds if you want a frozen-style drink.
Step 3: Strain or Pour
Strain into a chilled rocks glass or tiki mug filled with fresh ice. If using a blender, pour directly into the glass.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, and a sprig of mint. Optionally, you can dust a little grated nutmeg on top for an extra aromatic finish.
Flavor Profile
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Sweet & Tart: From orange and lemon juice
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Nutty & Rich: Orgeat adds a creamy almond undertone
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Spirit-Forward: A good punch from the rum and brandy combo
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Balanced & Tropical: A true tiki experience in every sip
Tips for Making the Perfect Scorpion Cocktail
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Use fresh citrus juices for maximum brightness and flavor. Bottled juices will dull the drink’s vibrancy.
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Don’t skip the orgeat syrup – it’s essential to the signature flavor of the Scorpion.
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Adjust sweetness with or without simple syrup, depending on your taste and the juice’s tartness.
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Chill your glassware ahead of time to keep the drink cool longer.
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Make a Scorpion Bowl: Multiply the recipe by 4–6 and serve in a large tiki-style bowl with straws and elaborate garnishes for a party centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Scorpion Cocktail Recipe
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Tiki bar vibes at home – exotic, tropical, and impressive
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Rich yet refreshing – a perfect balance of strong spirits and fresh juice
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Scalable – ideal for both single servings and party-size punch bowls
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Visually stunning – garnishes and colors make this cocktail pop
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Classic heritage – a beloved piece of tiki history you can enjoy any time
Final Thoughts
The Scorpion Cocktail Recipe stands as a testament to the creative and colorful world of tiki mixology. With its layered flavors and tropical appeal, it’s more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Whether you’re serving one up for yourself or making a bowl to share, the Scorpion is sure to sting—in the best way possible!
