The Simply Red is a modern classic among Red Bull drinks: sweet and sour fruit notes from blood orange and passion fruit meet the clean sharpness of Vodka and the invigorating energy kick. Perfect for long nights or as a quick pick-me-up. The recipe thrives on the balance between fruitiness and freshness – and on adding the Red Bull at the very end so the carbonation doesn’t fizzle out.
And this is what you need for the Simply Red
4 cl Vodka
2 cl Blood Orange Liqueur
6 cl Orange juice (freshly squeezed, not from concentrate)
6 cl Passion fruit nectar (thick, but not too sweet)
1 can Red Bull (250 ml, chilled)
This is what matters
The trick is in the timing: add Red Bull only at the very last moment, otherwise the drink loses its fizz. And: use *no* crushed ice – it melts too quickly and makes the drink watery. For an even fruitier taste, you can replace the orange juice with freshly squeezed blood orange juice. The liqueur already provides color, but the juice enhances the aromas. It’s also important that all ingredients – especially the Red Bull – are ice-cold so the drink doesn’t dilute too quickly.
Variations
- Simply Red Tropical — Replace the passion fruit nectar with 6 cl pineapple juice and add 2 cl coconut syrup. The drink becomes creamier and takes on an exotic note. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
- Simply Red Spicy — Add 2–3 slices of fresh chili (without seeds) and let them steep in the orange juice mix for 10 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients. Remove the chili before serving. Pairs well with spicy snacks.
- Simply Red Zero — Use sugar-free Blood Orange Liqueur and Red Bull Zero. The flavor remains intense, but the drink becomes lower in calories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the Red Bull with another energy drink?
Theoretically yes, but the taste changes. Red Bull has a balanced sweetness and acidity that pairs perfectly with the fruit notes. Other brands can taste too sweet, too tart, or too artificial. If you experiment, try a small amount first, adjusting the ratio to the other ingredients.
Why does the drink sometimes taste flat?
This is usually due to the carbonation. If the Red Bull is too warm or has been open too long, it loses its fizz. Always use a freshly opened, ice-cold can and add it only at the very end. Stirring too vigorously after adding the Red Bull can also destroy the carbonation.
Can I replace the passion fruit nectar with passion fruit juice?
Yes, but the juice is thinner and less sweet. Replace it 1:1, but reduce the orange juice by 1–2 cl to maintain balance. If the juice is too tart, add 0.5 cl simple syrup.
How long does the drink keep in the fridge?
Best to drink immediately. If you need to prepare it in advance, mix all ingredients *without* Red Bull and chill. Add the Red Bull only shortly before serving. The mixture without Red Bull keeps in the fridge for up to 4 hours – after that, the fruit juices lose their freshness.
