A Thirsty Zebra

As Trader Sam would say, “What do you get when you cross a thirsty zebra with a bottle of rum? Yule find out!” Sam has several special concoctions that he whips up during the holidays at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, but today we’re trying our own hand at one of specials, the Red-Nosed Zebra. Let’s go ahead and give you the recipe so that you can follow along.

RED-NOSED ZEBRA

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Bacardi 8 Rum

1 Ounce Agave Nectar

1 Ounce Strawberry Puree

1/2 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1/2 Ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Crushed ice (for Garnish)

3 cranberries (for Garnish)

2 mint sprigs (for Garnish)’

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a shaker, except garnish ingredients, fill half full with ice, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds.

Strain into a margarita glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a mound of crushed ice, cranberries, and mint sprigs (mint will be two green antlers and the cranberries are for the eyes and nose).

This is a simple and straightforward drink to prepare, speaking just in the terms of the cocktail itself. The garnish can be trying to put together correctly, especially if you don’t have easy access to crushed ice, and can result in losing some of the tasty beverage! If you’d like my advice, the drink does not necessarily need the red nosed creature on top, and your guests will not notice that it is missing if you they aren’t aware of Trader Sam’s version.

Now, everything tastes better when it comes from Trader Sam’s, as I’m sure we’ll all agree, but the Red-Nosed Zebra is an excellent and easy cocktail to make at home. None of the ingredients are difficult to find and the fresh fruit juices and puree work really well with the rum. The agave cuts some of the citrus fruits’ acidity, but only just enough to take the twinge out and leave the tropical flavors intact. If you’re making up a batch for your next Christmas party, I’ll happily await my invitation!

You know, the Red-Nosed Zebra reminds me of another joke; what’s black, white, and red all over? A sunburned Zebra! Yep, definitely sticking to the day job...