Barbie Cocktail

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Pink, silky smooth, and strong, this Barbie Cocktail can knock any Ken off their feet.

A few years ago, in those dreamy days of 2023, the whole world was unsuspectingly swept up in a moviegoing phenomenon that became the fashionable thing to do that summer. I speak of course of “Barbenheimer”, the nickname given to the simultaneous and coincidental release of the Oscar-winning films Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day. Here in Los Angeles, as in other cities across the globe, audiences were doing back-to-back viewings of both films that couldn’t be more opposite from each other, especially on the surface. But as Wonder Woman legend Lynda Carter pointed out, Barbie was born in the world Oppenheimer created. Even if you never thought that deeply about it, the double feature worked like gangbusters, and it reinvigorated the box office.

As with all pop culture lightning strikes, just about everyone and everything seemed to jump on the Barbenheimer bandwagon that July. And of the more popular trends was the emergence of a number of cocktails that called themselves The Barbie. And tonight, we’ll be looking at one of these iterations.

While there’s no “official” Barbie cocktail, the iconic toy and hit movie that came from it definitely inspired more than a few libations that have taken on the blonde doll’s name. Even though there are more than a few mixed drinks that have jumped onto the scene since the Margot Robbie movie became an instant classic, they all seem to have the same thing in common, along with Barbie herself too… They’re all pink.

And our recipe is no different. Mixing vodka, raspberry liqueur, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice to craft a smooth, sweet and fashionable sipper, the Barbie is a tipple worthy of that must-have Malibu Dream House.

What is the best alcohol to use in a Barbie Cocktail?

Chambord is one of the most reliable and quality brands of raspberry liqueur available. Not only is it easy to find (I purchased a bottle at my local Target department store), but it’s also quite tasty. For a balanced mixture, it is recommended to go with an unflavored and plain vodka, either potato or grain distilled. This alcohol will allow the other ingredients to shine without being overpowered or overwhelmed. For some extra subtle sweetness, a corn-produced variety, like Tito’s, can be used, but if you’re looking for a richer sip, a raspberry-infused vodka can also be procured.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a cocktail coupe or martini glass in the freezer for around 15 minutes before serving. Line the rim with pink sugar, then pour your shaken mixture in and enjoy.

What are the best options for the other ingredients used?

The non-alcoholic ingredients can all be purchased at your local grocery store. For the cranberry juice, it is best to find an unsweetened and 100 percent organic variety, and for the pineapple, go with something cold-pressed that’s not from concentrate. Coco López is what I’ve been swearing by for the cream of coconut, as it is also many a bartender’s best friend.

Similar drinks to the Barbie Cocktail

You don’t have to jump behind the wheel of your coral-colored convertible to go searching for more pink concoctions. Twist & Toast has a gorgeous selection of blushing elixirs that you can shake or stir up at home the next time your taste buds begin to crave a sharp and thirst-quelling mélange.

• Pink Lady – Make a head-turning entrance with this radiant and apple-flavored beauty.
• Pink Margarita – The summertime classic gets a makeover in this rosy-hued tipple.
• Pink Squirrel – Here’s another creamy-looking and tasting concoction.
• Pink Gin – A robust experience, this gin and bitters dram was a favorite of author Ian Fleming.