The Baltimore Zoo is a drink that has a lot to offer with every sip.
Ah, Baltimore. I have some fond memories of that city, specifically the harbor. My family spent the weekend with my aunt and uncle in the Grand Hyatt’s presidential suite once, and leisurely took in the sights, sounds and even smells of Charm City. We saw an IMAX movie about Everest at the Science Center, marveled at the exhibits, and had some of the best pub food in my life. My mom even ordered me a beer or two, as I was still not quite 21 yet.
One place we didn’t go was the Baltimore Zoo, and to this day, I still haven’t been. It’s actually called The Maryland Zoo. And you know what else hasn’t been there? Tonight’s cocktail.
The Baltimore Zoo is a libation that is sort of reminiscent of a Long Island Iced Tea and other similar beverages. Despite not knowing the name of the person who invented this concoction in the 1990s at Purdue University in Indiana, one can only assume they shouted WOOOOOO at the top of their lungs when they entered the frat party holding the very first one. And like other “kitchen sink” cocktails, this one caught on and still remains fairly popular.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Baltimore Zoo Drink?
This red-colored and VERY potent mixture features a bevy of booze. Gin, white rum, vodka, triple sec, peach liqueur, amaretto, all sloshing together with sweet-and-sour mix, grenadine and topped with a splash of beer… Whew, that’s truly a mouthful. With so much going on, it’s probably best that you choose more cost-effective bottles of spirits instead of the pricier top-shelf brands.
Ingredients
- 1/2 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce white rum
- 1/2 ounce gin
- 1/2 ounce triple sec
- 1/2 ounce amaretto liqueur
- 1/2 ounce peach liqueur or peach schnapps
- 1 ounce sweet-and-sour mix
- Splash of grenadine
- 2 ounces light beer to top
- Lemon wheel or a cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the vodka, white rum, gin, triple sec, amaretto, and peach liqueur. Add the sweet-and-sour mix and a splash of grenadine into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled highball glass.
- Slowly top the mixed drink with beer. Give it a gentle stir and serve immediately, garnished with a lemon wheel or a cherry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a pint glass or other tall receptacle with ice, and once your drink is poured in, garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim.
Why is this drink called the Baltimore Zoo?
Nobody knows why this drink from Indiana is named for a popular tourist attraction on the East Coast. My theory? Good old-fashioned college drunkenness.
Similar drinks to the Baltimore Zoo
Some folks enjoy a balanced tipple, with an elegant blend of ingredients. Others want to imbibe deeply and get wherever they’d like to go faster, if you catch my drift. Cocktails like the Baltimore Zoo and these other mixtures below are some of the strongest you can sip on.
- Adios, Motherf***er – The name says it all. Too many of these and your night is over.
- LA Water – Green and powerful, this murky mixed drink is another recipe full of spirits.
- Tokyo Tea – Midori joins this fizzy, booze-filled treat.
- Blue Motorcycle – With a little bit of everything, this beverage will soothe and satisfy.
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