A Taste of The Master’s at Home
The Azalea Cocktail is the signature drink of The Master’s Tournament: simple, slightly sweet, and remarkably smooth. It’s traditionally made with chilled vodka and lemonade shaken with ice, then strained over a splash of grenadine and served on the rocks. Finish with a springy garnish—an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, or even edible flowers—to make it festive.
I haven’t attended The Master’s or watched much of the tournament, but I’m fascinated by its food traditions. The event is famous for economical snacks like pimiento cheese and egg salad sandwiches, and I recently discovered the Azalea Cocktail as part of that culinary lore. I had to try it at home—and it did not disappoint.
Below you’ll find the traditional recipe in a printable format, plus a few ideas for variations if you want to elevate the classic version. The traditional cocktail is delightful on its own, but simple tweaks can add seasonal flair.
April Showers Bring Dried, Edible Flowers
This cocktail felt perfect for an Easter or spring gathering. The classic garnish—an orange slice paired with a maraschino cherry—is charming, but I wanted something a little more whimsical. Dried, edible flowers make a lovely addition, lending color and a light, springtime aesthetic that’s especially pretty for holiday entertaining.
I chose flowers in soft pink tones to match an Easter palette; they’re lightweight, easy to store, and instantly elevate the presentation. If you plan to use edible flowers, make sure they are specifically labeled as food-safe.
Vodka Recommendations
I’m not a vodka connoisseur, but for cocktails I prefer a clean, neutral spirit that won’t overpower the lemonade and grenadine. Tito’s works well here—crisp and smooth, it blends seamlessly with the other flavors. I often keep a chilled bottle on hand for mixing.
If you’re using vodka in cooking where the spirit’s character isn’t desired, save the nicer bottles for cocktails and use an economical option in recipes like vodka sauce.
What Is Grenadine?
Grenadine often gets mistaken for cherry syrup, but it’s actually made from concentrated pomegranate juice, with added sugar and citrus notes. Its bright red color and sweet-tart profile give the Azalea Cocktail its signature rosy hue and balance. If you enjoy DIY projects, homemade grenadine is straightforward to make and worth trying for a fresher flavor.
A small batch of homemade grenadine will store in the fridge and add a nice touch to many cocktails this summer.
Some Alternatives To This Drink
While the classic Azalea is excellent as written, a few subtle additions can add complexity. Consider swapping regular lemonade for watermelon lemonade for a fruity twist. A tiny drop of almond extract can introduce a marzipan-like warmth, and a splash of orange liqueur—Triple Sec or Grand Marnier—will deepen the citrus notes without overpowering the drink.
These variations are easy to test: make a small batch, taste, and adjust until it suits your preference. The original remains a timeless favorite, so feel free to stick with it for a refreshing, uncomplicated cocktail.
Make It A Master’s Day
For a full Master’s-style spread, serve these cocktails alongside simple sandwiches like egg salad and pimiento cheese. Set up a relaxed viewing area, invite friends, and enjoy easy food and drinks—perfect for a springtime gathering or theme party.
A small menu of classic bites and a pitcher of Azalea Cocktails makes for an effortless, festive kickoff to the season.
More Boozy Fun
If you enjoy exploring cocktails, consider trying other favorites that pair well with casual entertaining. A curated selection of simple, crowd-pleasing drinks will round out any happy hour or weekend get-together.
- The Infamous Pantry Drink
- Party Punch
- Maple Cinnamon Margarita
- Super Special Lemonade
- Pink Lemonade Sangria
Azalea Cocktail Recipe
The Azalea Cocktail is the signature cocktail of The Master’s. Traditionally made with lemonade, vodka, and grenadine, the vodka and lemonade is shaken with ice and then layered over a splash of grenadine. Make it festive by adding an orange slice, maraschino cherry, or some dried, edible flowers.
Ingredients
- 2.5 ounces of chilled Vodka
- 4 ounces of Lemonade
- 2 ounces of Grenadine
- Ice
- Orange Slices
- Maraschino Cherries
- Dried, Edible Flowers (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour the grenadine over the ice.
- In a shaker, combine the vodka and lemonade. Shake well until very chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the rocks glass so it layers over the grenadine.
- Garnish with an orange slice, a maraschino cherry, and/or dried edible flowers.
*Read the post before the recipe card for variation ideas and garnish suggestions.