Introduction

The Ruby Red Cocktail has become an iconic drink in recent years, adored for its gorgeous red hue and sweet, refreshing taste. This cocktail contains ingredients like cranberry juice, lime juice, and orange liqueur, shaken together to create a pretty pink beverage garnished with a lime wedge.

While the Ruby Red Cocktail may seem simple, its history and composition are quite fascinating. Keep reading to uncover 15 astounding facts you never knew about this beloved blushing drink!

1. Origins from a Swiss Hotel

The Ruby Red Cocktail was created in the early 2000s by a bartender named Jörg Meyer at the Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland. Meyer wanted to design a signature house cocktail for the luxury hotel that used the property’s signature color – ruby red.

2. Inspired by Classic Cosmopolitan

The cosmopolitan cocktail served as an inspiration for Jörg Meyer’s creation of the Ruby Red. Meyer enjoyed the sweet tartness of the cosmo but wanted to create something even fruitier using cranberry juice as the star ingredient.

3. Meaningful Name

The name “Ruby Red” refers to the jewel-toned hue of the cocktail, achieved by mixing red cranberry juice with citrusy orange liqueur. Red is the color of passion, vibrancy, and courage – all sentiments meant to be evoked when sipping this drink.

4. Official IBA Cocktail

In 2018, the Ruby Red Cocktail was officially added to the International Bartenders Association list of recognized cocktails. This demonstrated its staying power on cocktail menus around the world.

5. Global Popularity

Today you can find the Ruby Red Cocktail served at bars and restaurants in major cities like New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo. Its gorgeous color and sweet/tart taste profile appeal to imbibers worldwide.

6. Ideal Serving Glassware

The Ruby Red is optimally served in a classic cocktail glass – also called a martini glass or coupe. This helps showcase the beautiful pink hue and bubbly topping of the drink.

7. Year-Round Appeal

Despite its red color evoking the holiday season, the Ruby Red is actually delicious all year long. As a refreshing cocktail with citrus juices, it’s ideal for enjoying during spring and summer. The cranberry juice gives it enough substance for winter and fall too.

8. Tantalizing Flavor Profile

Food and cocktail writers often describe the Ruby Red’s taste as:

• Sweet yet tart
• Zesty from lime and orange
• Slightly bitter from cranberry
• Smooth and rounded from orange liqueur

This makes for a highly craveable flavor profile!

9. Uplifting Bubbles

What sets the Ruby Red apart from a basic cranberry juice cocktail is its effervescence. The drink is shaken with ice then strained into a glass, leaving a frothy topping. This adds a festive, celebratory air.

10. Instagram Fame

Cocktail enthusiasts and influencers on Instagram have particularly latched onto the Ruby Red over the past few years. They can’t resist snapping pics of the drink’s gorgeous pink color against backdrops like sunsets or city skylines.

11. Easy to Recreate at Home

You’ll need:

• 2 oz cranberry juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1⁄2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
• Ice
• Lime wedge for garnish

Shake all the ingredients except lime wedge with ice, then strain into glass. Garnish!

12. Creative Riffs and Variations

Bartenders have begun putting their spins on the Ruby Red by:

• Swapping grapefruit juice for lime
• Adding a splash of sparkling wine
• Muddling fresh raspberries into the shaker
• Using vodka instead of Cointreau
• Garnishing with rosemary

Feel free to get creative!

13. Pairs Well with Food

The Ruby Red makes for a pleasing partner to a wide variety of foods, including:

• Charcuterie and cheeses
• Seafood appetizers like shrimp cocktail or oysters
• Salads with vinaigrettes
• Cheesecake or fruit desserts

The cocktail holds up well against acidic, creamy, and salty dishes.

14. Caffeine-Free

While vividly hued cocktails often get their color from energy drink additions, the Ruby Red derives its gorgeous red solely from antioxidant-rich cranberry juice – no caffeine needed! This makes it endlessly drinkable.

15. Celebrates the Color Red

Lastly, the Ruby Red Cocktail gives us yet another reason to celebrate the vibrant color red. Whether honoring a special occasion, a romantic date, or just life’s joy, raise a Ruby Red Cocktail high and drink in the red!

Conclusion

The Ruby Red Cocktail has clearly captivated drink enthusiasts with its enticing red color and sweet/tart flavor balance. This modern classic has secured its place alongside traditional cocktails like the Negroni and Old Fashioned. With its photogenic aesthetic and smooth drinkability, we foresee the passion for Ruby Reds only growing.

So next time you see this glittering red drink on a menu, go ahead and order it! Allow the flavors to transport your senses and the rich color to infuse your spirit with vibrancy and warmth. Cheers to the Ruby Red!