This Love Bug cocktail is the perfect mixed drink for any party. From holidays like Valentine's Day or Christmas to summer parties, the cranberry, pineapple, and grenadine flavors combined with a kick of vodka make this cocktail perfect for any occasion.
Cocktails always make any party better, and for our money, nothing is better than fruity drinks. That's especially true during the summer, when drinks like this mango mai tai or this moscato sangria can cool you down while livening up the party.
We also love that fruity cocktails tend to be suitable year-round. That's the case with this drink. While the name may make you think of Valentine's Day you can serve it any time. It's like that with this tequila berry cocktail and this cranberry shrub cocktail.
Our watermelon vodka cocktail is also one that can be served year-round for almost any occasion. It's great to have a variety of options
This Jack Frost cocktail and this Grinch cocktail are great to serve during the colder months. It's always a good idea to have seasonal cocktails to impress your guests with!
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You'll only need four simple ingredients to make this cocktail.
- So Easy: All you have to do is give this cocktail a good shake, and it's ready to go!
- Refreshing: The fruity flavors make this a refreshing cocktail that really hits the spot.
- Versatile: The pretty color and fruity flavors make this the perfect year-round cocktail for any occasion.
Ingredients
It only takes a super-short trip to the store and hitting two aisles to get everything you need for this recipe.
- Vodka: Always a neutral addition to drinks but feel free to add your favorite flavored vodka for another layer of flavor, if desired. Simply omit vodka for a mocktail.
- Cranberry Juice: Is wonderfully sour. However, pomegranate juice, raspberry juice or puree, strawberry juice or cherry juice will work in a pinch.
- Pineapple Juice: Has a sweet and tangy tropical flavor. Orange juice, mango juice, passion fruit juice, guava or lemonade will also taste great.
- Grenadine: Adds a sweet, tart, fruity pomegranate flavor. Raspberry or strawberry syrup will also work if needed.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
- Vodka: Use white rum for a more tropical flavor. Gin and tequila add bolder flavor.
- Slushy: For the perfect summer cocktail experience, blend the cocktail ingredients with ice and make a slushy.
- Sparkling Love Bug: Use a tall glass and add prosecco, sparkling rosé, club soda, lemon lime soda or your favorite fruit flavored soda for some bubbles.
- Creamy Love Bug: Add a splash of coconut cream or Smirnoff whipped cream vodka for a dessert-style cocktail.
HOW TO MAKE A LOVE BUG COCKTAIL
A little ice, a little shaking, and a little sipping is all there is to this one!
Step 1 Fill Shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add vodka. Then add cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
Step 2 Shake and Pour: Shake until chilled, then strain into a lowball glass filled with ice. Optionally, top with Club soda and garnish with a strawberry.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this purple rain cocktail and this bomb pop cocktail. This white linen cocktail is also one you want to check out.
Recipe Tips
- Chill: If possible, refrigerate your ingredients before needed to ensure really cold when serving.
- Adding Bubbles: If adding sparking wine, club soda or anything with bubbles do so right before serving for best results.
This cranberry shrub cocktail and this cranberry margarita are worth checking out if recipes like this appeal to you.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these cocktails alongside crispy parmesan zucchini bites with ranch, big mac quesadilla or rotisserie chicken tacos.
- The sweet, fruity flavor of this cocktail pairs well with the savory flavors of this easy garlic shrimp pasta.
Recipe FAQs
A Love Bug cocktail is a fruity, red cocktail made with vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice, and grenadine.
A low ball or old fashioned glass, martini glass, or even a tall glass or mason jar works great. Presentation is half the fun with this cocktail!
The Love Bug was invented by Sam Penton, who named the cocktail after the nickname he had for his partner at the time.
More Cocktail Recipes
Do you like serving cocktails for your guests? Then, try these other delicious options.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Love bug cocktail
Equipment
- low ball glass or old fashioned glass
Ingredients
- 2- ounce vodka
- 2- ounce cranberry juice
- 1- ounce pineapple juice
- ½-1 teaspoon grenadine
Optional Garnish
- 1 slice strawberry
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and grenadine.
- Shake until blended, chilled and strain into a lowball glass full of ice.
- Optionally, top with Club soda and garnish with a strawberry.
Notes
- Chill: If possible, refrigerate your ingredients before needed to ensure really cold when serving.
- Adding Bubbles: If adding sparking wine, club soda or anything with bubbles do it right before serving for best results.
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