Illusion Shaker
Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi! Oh yes, the Australian Open is upon us again! It’s that time of year when tennis gets back into the swing of things and opens with the first of the slams. Sadly, unlike the US Open, which has a specific cocktail (the Honey Deuce), the Australian Open doesn’t have one. Well, sure, you could have beer, but where’s the fun in that? We wanted a cocktail, so through some research and discovery, we found out that the Illusion Shaker was a big deal in the 80s — meaning it’s time for a comeback!
Let me be straight: this isn’t supposed to be an uber-sophisticated, wear a fancy suit, get all posh shot. That’s not the Australian Open way and it shouldn’t be your way either. There’s a time and a place for dolling yourself up (sure, guys can doll themselves up too), like the Kentucky Derby. Then you’re drinking a Mint Julep, but that’s another post.
What you’re going to get here is a bitching neon shot (green!) with an awesome garnish (golden yellow!) that makes the Australian sport’s colors (green and gold!). It’s almost like we planned that.
Also, when you take into account all of the ingredients, Midori, lemon juice, triple sec and pineapple juice, I think you can recognize the sweet/tart nature of this shot. You should have fun making it and twice as much fun drinking it.
Bonus? As it was big in Australia in the 80s, now it has some kitsch factor. Tubular!
Let’s rock the Illusion Shaker for the Australian Open!
- ¾ oz. Midori
- ¼ oz. triple sec
- ¼ oz. vodka
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedges
- Glass type: Shot
- Add everything (I don't need to list them all out for you, do I?) to your shaker.
- Add some ice.
- Shake.
- Pour into your shot glass (or glasses -- double or triple up for that).
- Garnish with pineapple wedges.
- Celebrate the Australian Open.