Pink Flamingo Drink

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

Have a strong, sweet, and tart treat this evening with the Pink Flamingo cocktail.

In high school, I got way into the guitar playing of one of the original rock ‘n’ rollers from the early days of the genre, Link Wray. With his fabulous band The Wraymen, Link crafted some of the gnarliest, dirtiest, and loudest sounds to ever come out of a guitar amplifier, especially in the 1950s. His signature instrumental song “Rumble”, along with “Ace of Spades”, would feature prominently decades later in the film Pulp Fiction, introducing an entire generation of wannabe cool kids to Wray’s rebellious and rocking swagger, me included. So off to the CD store I went. Remember those?

Along with falling madly in love with Link Wray’s music, I was also delving into all manner of classic and cult films, loving both high-brow cinema and more “trashy” flicks, so to speak. You know, films on the side of lower budgets, with a cult-like reputation, many of them falling under the auspices of “exploitation movies”, which do have their charms. Some of them, anyway. One day, I was watching John Waters’ notorious classic Pink Flamingos, starring the legendary Divine. And lo and behold, the picture starts with the Link Wray tune “The Swag”, a groovy and jaunty little thumper.

So as I sit here today, sipping on tonight’s cocktail, the aptly titled Pink Flamingo, I’m brought right back to that film, starting with a favorite song that will now forever be associated with—in my mind grapes—furniture licking and… other stuff. Which is cool. The movie is funny and definitely unforgettable, but not for all audiences. I’m still surprised my mother gushed about seeing it in college when it first came out.

And as I finish my drink, I can’t help but smile, put on my old Link Wray CD and be grateful I didn’t watch Female Trouble first.

What is the best vodka to use in a Pink Flamingo Cocktail?

You can make your mixture a little more robust and flavorful if you like, by choosing a citrus-infused vodka. I usually will opt for a plain style, as the crisp, clean-tasting and clear-colored spirit will accentuate the other ingredients used in this drink. Some favorites include Chopin and Belvedere, but a Nikka Coffey vodka from Japan is one of the cleanest alcohols you will ever taste, and almost disappears amongst the other elements in the cocktail, while having a lovely bite and warmth on the finish.

What glassware and garnish are used?

Chill a martini glass or coupe in your freezer for up to 30 minutes before serving. Once your drink is poured, garnish the rim with a fresh lime wheel.

What other Pink Flamingo cocktails are out there?

There are a few different drinks out there that claim the name, and one of the closest to tonight’s recipe uses cranberry juice instead of pink lemonade, and is topped with sparkling citrus water like Topo Chico or club soda.

Other cocktails similar to the Pink Flamingo

When you’re at your home bar, and you’re trying to prepare for a relaxing evening, you might have settled on what spirit you’ll use, like vodka, and quite possibly another ingredient too, let’s say lime juice… But you haven’t yet been able to decide on what tipple you’ll mix for yourself. Allow Twist & Toast to offer up a few tasty and tantalizing suggestions.

• Vodka Gimlet – This classic is cocktail simplicity at its finest.
• Kamikaze – Add some triple sec to your vodka and lime juice to craft this favorite.
• Moscow Mule – This legend is a refreshing blend of vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.
• Cosmopolitan – Here’s another trendy libation, both sweet, tart and refreshing.