Love Bug Cocktail

This Love Bug Cocktail is fruity, bright and lightly sweet with a gorgeous pink-red hue. The mix of cranberry juice, pineapple juice, vodka and a touch of grenadine gives it a smooth, crisp finish that tastes like a fun little celebration in a glass.

It's the perfect Valentine's Day cocktail, girls' night drink or date-night sipper when you want something pretty, simple and refreshing. Serve it anytime you're craving a playful, fruity cocktail with zero fuss.

If you are looking for pink drinks for a themed party, try our Sweet Tart Shot or Madras Cocktail.

Ingredients

Here's all the ingredients you need to bring this fun cocktail to life.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Vodka: Gives the drink its clean, crisp finish.
• Cranberry Juice: Adds refreshing acidity and helps create that signature color.
• Pineapple Juice: Softens the tartness and brings a bright tropical note.
• Grenadine: Brings additional sweetness and the perfect pink-red tint.
• Club Soda (optional): A splash on top adds fizz and makes it extra refreshing.

For this pink cocktail all you need is a cocktail shaker and jigger and a measuring spoon.

Variations

• Mocktail Option: Replace vodka with extra cranberry juice and a little simple syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
• Sparkling Version: Add a splash of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale for a sweeter fizz.
• Citrus Twist: A squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice brightens the drink instantly.
• White Cranberry Version: Swap cranberry juice for white cranberry juice for a lighter, softer flavor.

How to Make a Love Bug Cocktail

This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps using simple ingredients.

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add vodka, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and grenadine. 

Shake until chilled and strain into a lowball glass full of ice.

Optionally, top with Club soda and garnish with a strawberry.

Hint: Strain over fresh ice to keep flavors bright and not watered down.

Recipe Tips

• Shaken/Stirred: A good shake with ice helps blend the juices and chills the cocktail perfectly.
• Glass: For a classic cocktail vibe use a low ball glass.
• Garnishes: A strawberry, citrus twist or even pink sugar rim makes it extra festive.
• Use Normal Cranberry Juice: Not cranberry cocktail for the cleanest flavor and best color.

If you are looking for a pink cocktail that is more tart, you have to make our Cranberry Shrub Cocktail.

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Serving Suggestions

• Cocktail Party Snacks: Whipped Goat Cheese, Cranberry Brie Bites or Mini Cheese Balls.
• Sweet Treats: Rolo Brownies, Mini Pecan Pies, Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownie Bars, Easter Sugar Cookie Cups and Lemon Blueberry Cookies.

Bug Cocktail Recipe FAQs

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