Ruby Relaxer: Your Tropical Escape in a Glass

The summer I turned 21 was a blur of sunshine, questionable decisions, and endless laughter with friends. One memory stands out vividly: the first time I tasted a Ruby Relaxer at Ruby Tuesday. Its vibrant colors swirling in the glass, the icy chill against my sun-kissed skin, and that first sip – a burst of tropical sweetness that felt like pure, unadulterated joy. It wasn’t just a drink; it was the taste of freedom, of endless possibilities stretching out before me. Now, years later, I still crave that nostalgic taste, and thankfully, recreating it at home is surprisingly easy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 2 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Yield: 1 drink
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• ½ ounce coconut rum (like Malibu)
• 1 ounce peach schnapps (like Dekuyper)
• 1 ounce vodka (like Skyy)
• 2 ounces pineapple juice
• 2 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 dash grenadine
• Ice
• 1 orange wedge (optional, for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Margarita glass or highball glass

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour in the coconut rum, peach schnapps, and vodka.
3. Add the pineapple juice and cranberry juice to the shaker.
4. Add a dash of grenadine. This will give the drink that lovely red hue.
5. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
6. Strain the mixture into a margarita glass or highball glass filled with ice (if desired).
7. Squeeze a little juice from the orange wedge into the glass.
8. Garnish with the orange wedge, if desired.
9. Take a moment to admire your creation, and then relax and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Adjusting the Sweetness: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of pineapple juice or add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness. Conversely, add a little more grenadine for a sweeter kick.
• Chilling for Success: Make sure all your ingredients are well-chilled before you begin. This will ensure your Ruby Relaxer is refreshingly cold. You can even chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes for an extra frosty experience.
• The Right Ice Matters: Use good quality ice cubes made from filtered water. The ice shouldn’t melt too quickly, diluting the drink before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it.
• Presentation is Key: A pretty drink tastes even better! Don’t skimp on the garnish. A colorful cocktail umbrella, a slice of pineapple, or a few fresh cranberries can elevate the drink and make it feel extra special.
• Batching it Up: Planning a party? This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up. Simply multiply the ingredients to make a pitcher of Ruby Relaxer. Mix everything except the ice ahead of time, and then add the ice just before serving to prevent dilution.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This drink is best served immediately after mixing to preserve its vibrant flavors and icy chill. It’s perfect as a poolside refreshment, a pre-dinner cocktail, or a festive drink for a celebration.

Unfortunately, the Ruby Relaxer doesn’t store well once it’s been mixed. The ice will melt, diluting the flavors and changing the texture. It’s best to make only what you’ll consume immediately. However, you can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (without the ice) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply shake the mixture with ice and strain into a glass.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	248.5 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	3.2 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	15.7 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	13 g	N/A
Protein	0.2 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Virgin Ruby Relaxer: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum, schnapps, and vodka. Substitute with coconut syrup or coconut extract for the coconut rum flavor, and peach nectar for the peach schnapps.
• Spicy Ruby Relaxer: Add a thin slice of jalapeno to the shaker for a surprising kick. The heat complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Berry Blast: Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries to the shaker for an extra burst of fruity flavor.
• Tropical Twist: Substitute mango juice for the pineapple juice for a different tropical flavor profile.
• Lower Calorie Option: Use diet cranberry juice and sugar-free peach schnapps to reduce the calorie count.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of rum or vodka?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different brands and flavors of rum and vodka to find your perfect combination. A flavored vodka (like citrus or raspberry) can add an extra layer of complexity to the drink.

Q: I don’t have peach schnapps. What can I substitute?
A: If you don’t have peach schnapps, you can try using peach puree or a peach-flavored syrup. However, these substitutes may alter the sweetness and consistency of the drink slightly.

Q: Can I make this drink ahead of time for a party?
A: You can pre-mix the liquid ingredients (without the ice) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the ice just before serving to prevent dilution.

Q: My Ruby Relaxer is too sweet. How can I fix it?
A: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice to balance the sweetness. You can also add a splash of club soda or sparkling water to dilute the sweetness and add a little fizz.

Q: What are some good appetizers to serve with a Ruby Relaxer?
A: Light and refreshing appetizers like fruit skewers, coconut shrimp, or mini crab cakes pair perfectly with the tropical flavors of the Ruby Relaxer.

Final Thoughts

The Ruby Relaxer is more than just a cocktail; it’s a mini-vacation in a glass. It’s a reminder of carefree days, warm sunshine, and good times with friends. So, gather your ingredients, shake up a Ruby Relaxer, and let the tropical flavors transport you to your own little paradise. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to create your own signature version. Cheers to good drinks, good company, and good times! I encourage you to share your feedback and any delicious twists you discover – I’d love to hear about your Ruby Relaxer experiences.