When the summer heat hits (and my goodness, it does) hit), I crave super-fresh, fruity drinks that will quench my thirst. Beyond lemons and limes, I spend much of the rest of the year ignoring the juice aisle. Since I'm not a parent, I don't stock my fridge with juice cartons and pouches, and after my childhood ended, I didn't get into the habit of drinking juice.
So why did I choose a bottle of Trader Joe's To The Power of Seven Red Orange Juice (that's quite a mouthful)? First, the size and shape of the bottle were irresistible. Second, the color, a bright, hazy red. And finally, the number. Seven, you say? Go for it!
I also had a hunch that it would pair really well with tequila for a fruitier take on a margarita, and that it would pair perfectly with vodka and maybe rum. Turns out I was right, and now I'm making this two-ingredient, one-minute cocktail for the rest of the summer.
Choosing your alcohol
The first ingredient is simple: the red juice mix mentioned above. I've made this cocktail with a few different spirits, and they all worked. My favorite was a good quality blanco tequila. Trader Joe's house tequila isn't bad and works well here (plus it's only $19.99!).
I also enjoyed this cocktail with a smooth mezcal and a squeeze of lime. If you're not a fan of tequila or mezcal, try it with vodka for a nice neutral flavor that lets the juice shine, or mix it with white rum.
Simple Recipes / Laurel Randolph
How to Make My Trader Joe's 2-Ingredient Cocktail
- 1 1/2 to 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 5 ounces Trader Joe's To The Power of Seven Orange Red Fruit Juice
- Optional garnishes: chopped berries, lemon wedge
Fill a glass two-thirds full with ice. Add the tequila: 40 ml for a lighter drink or 60 ml for a slightly more alcoholic drink. Add the juice and stir the drink quickly. Decorate as desired and serve immediately.
Increase it
This is an incredibly easy drink to make for a large crowd. For a simple, drinkable ratio, add one part liquor to three parts juice. You'll want to plan on having one to two ounces of tequila per person, depending on how many drinks you want to make. For six to eight drinks, I suggest 1 1/2 cups of tequila and 4 1/2 cups of juice.
Simple Recipes / Laurel Randolph
