How to Make a Panama Red

A Panama Red mixed drink is a cocktail which uses ingredients that are similar to those used to make a margarita. In most margaritas, tequila and triple sec are mixed with juices and flavored spirits.http://www.margaritaingredients.com/margarita-recipe The same is true for the Panama Red. Its cherry flavor and deep red color is derived from the grenadine syrup that is used. Rose's grenadine is a common brand used in drink recipes. http://www.drinksmixer.com/desc385.html

When learning to make mixed drinks, it is helpful to understand a few basic bartending terms. For example, the drink you will be making in this guide is going to be served "up". This bartending term is used to describe a drink that is prepared cold and served in a martini glass without ice. A drink that is served "up" is not the same as a drink that is served "straight up". Although both refer to drinks that are mixed and served in a cocktail glass, straight up indicates the drink is to be prepared and served at room temperature. http://www.jeffreymorgenthaler.com/2008/up-neat-straight-up-or-on-the-rocks/

How to Make a Panama Red Video

JaNee, a bartender from Los Angeles, illustrates how to make a Panama Red mixed drink. Mahalo.com has produced this video and several others that can be found on the Mahalo.com YouTube channel.

Step 1: What You Will Need

To make a Panama Red, you will need four different ingredients. These are tequila, sweet and sour mix, triple sec and Rose's Grenadine. The grenadine is a syrup that has a cherry like flavor. It is also what provides the deep red color of the drink. You will also need to have ice, a glass and a cocktail shaker. Once you have gathered all of these items, you are ready to make your drink.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrXGhw1E9hE

Step 2: Mixing the Drink

First, place ice into the cocktail shaker. This will help to chill the drink as it is being blended together. Begin by adding 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, a 1/2 ounce of triple sec, 1 ounce of sweet and sour mix and just a splash of the grenadine. The grenadine is a sweet syrup, so be sure to only add enough to color the drink and provide a hint of cherry flavor. Secure the lid of the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour the drink into the martini glass and enjoy.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrXGhw1E9hE

Step 3: Serving Variations

The vibrant color of the drink can be complimented by added a lime wedge as a garnish. Cherries may also be used as a garnish to illustrate the flavor of the drink.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrXGhw1E9hE While this tutorial illustrates how to make a martini style Panama Red, you can experiment with other serving styles such as adding it to shaved ice similar to a frozen margarita.