The AWOL is a quick, fruity drink that tastes like summer – without any complicated techniques. Melon liqueur provides the sweet base, lime brings freshness, and the combination of white rum and vodka ensures a clear, but not too dominant, alcohol note. Perfect for moments when things need to happen fast, yet still taste special. The recipe also works as a batch for larger groups if you simply scale up the quantities.
And here’s what you need for the AWOL
2 cl melon liqueur
1 cl lime juice
1 cl vodka
1 cl white rum
Ice cubes
Here’s what matters
The trick is in stirring: Not too long, otherwise the drink becomes watery, but also not too short – the ideal temperature is around -2°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, check with your finger: the outside of the stirring glass should feel ice-cold but not yet fog up. The melon liqueur is sweet enough, so a short stir is sufficient. For an even fresher touch, you can add a thin slice of cucumber or a mint garnish to the glass before straining – it enhances the melon note without overpowering it.
Variations
- AWOL Spritz — Top the stirred drink with 6 cl chilled Prosecco or sparkling wine and refresh with a splash of soda water. Serve in a wine glass with ice.
- AWOL Batch — For 8 servings: Mix 16 cl melon liqueur, 8 cl lime juice, 8 cl vodka, and 8 cl white rum in a pitcher. Before serving, stir and strain 4 cl of the mixture with ice per glass. Keeps in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- AWOL Tropical — Replace the white rum with 1 cl dark rum and add 0.5 cl pineapple juice. Stir as in the original recipe, but garnish with a pineapple slice.
Frequently asked questions
Can I replace the melon liqueur with something else?
Yes, but the taste changes significantly. Alternatives include, for example, peach liqueur (a little less sweet) or passion fruit syrup (more fruity but more acidic). In both cases, adjust the lime quantity to maintain balance.
Why is the drink stirred and not shaken?
Shaking would introduce too much air into the drink and make the texture cloudy. Since all ingredients are clear and contain no fruit pieces, stirring is sufficient to blend the flavors without affecting the appearance.
Can I make the AWOL alcohol-free?
Replace vodka and rum with 1 cl each of alcohol-free gin substitute (e.g., based on juniper) and add 0.5 cl simple syrup to balance the sweetness. The melon liqueur usually contains alcohol, but alcohol-free versions are also available.
