Ah, dear friends, prepare to be head over heels in love with your new summer beau. The Lone Ranger cocktail! It’s sunshine in a glass, with simplicity and sophistication blended together with a free-spirited, adventurous vibe. It’s not just a cocktail, but an entire vibe, perfect for sipping with friends or a night alone on the patio. With its friendly nature and tequila-flavored bravado, it should come as no surprise that this cocktail is stealing glasses and hearts right and left. Let’s move closer to discovering what makes this rainbow-colored sipper the highlight of your upcoming happy hour!
- Bubbly Bliss: The bubbles of the Lone Ranger give each drink a celebratory feel.
- Tequila Twist: Blanco tequila provides a peppery, crisp kick that breaks from the status quo in cocktails.
- Summer Staple: Its light, refreshing vibe is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or solo sipping.
I’m a total sucker for anything that sparkles, and the Lone Ranger delivers that fizzy magic in spades. It’s a love note to summer, with a spicy citrus zing, a hint of sweetness, and bubbles that tango on your tongue. This drink strikes the sweet spot neither too tart, nor too sweet, but pure freshness that tastes like a gentle breeze. It’s the kind of drink that makes you take off your shoes and crank up the tunes. Backyard BBQ or night in, this is your new BFF.
The Lone Ranger isn’t a pretty face; it’s an undercover persona that’s pure genius. It’s French 75 in a ten-gallon hat, replacing gin with splashy blanco tequila and champagne with brut rosé. And the result is a celebratory, rose-pink-colored cocktail that’s as sassy as a rodeo queen and as cooling as a refreshing brook. It will take you by surprise and enchant you with every gulp, and you’ll question why you hadn’t included it in your repertoire sooner. After you’ve tasted it, you’ll be hooked on its fizzy magic!
The Legend of the Lone Ranger
This is not a fad this is art crafted by the mastermind of Jeffrey Morgenthaler, the legendary bartender. Morgenthaler, the Pacific Standard and The Sunset Room sorcerer in Portland, Oregon, revamped the classic French 75 with a tequila twist. Created while he was working at Clyde Common, this cocktail was intended as a light, refreshing brunch drink that works well at any hour. It’s a demonstration of how an adjustment detail can make an old-school cocktail something fresh and contemporary. Lone Ranger illustrates the way heart and imagination create something very special.
- Morgenthaler’s Magic: His creative spirit proxy makes it the best cocktail in the bar game.
- Social Media Sensation: Its popularity on TikTok and media buzz make it a summer staple.
- Universal Appeal: Perfect for brunch, happy hour, or whenever a celebratory cocktail is needed.
Morgenthaler dreamed up a cocktail that is “lower proof, bubbly, pink, and delicious,” and he nailed it! The Lone Ranger shares the effervescence of a French 75 but adds a menacing agave kick to separate it. It’s like taking a well-known song and adding a new, new rhythm that has everybody dancing on the dance floor. You don’t need a million ingredients to be able to do something great you just need a little bit of imagination. Mixologists and bartenders everywhere are talking about it for one very excellent reason.
The Lone Ranger’s popularity is no accident it’s been selected as the “2024 Drink of Summer” by Better Homes and Gardens. Since late March, it’s been making the rounds on TikTok, delighting consumers with its bright beauty. Darrick Bourgeois, the lead bartender at Nashville’s Pelato and Luogo, says it’s a “timeless classic” that bursts in any setting. John deBary, a New York City drinks expert, describes it as a mash-up of Ranch Water, a spritz, and a French 75. It pays homage to its roots while blazing a bold new trail, and I’m all here for it!
The Lone Ranger
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker Boston or Cobbler style
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement
- 1 Strainer Hawthorne or Fine Mesh
- 1 Coupe or Flute Glass Chilled
- 1 Channel Knife or Peeler For lemon twist garnish
Ingredients
Main
- * 1and 1/2 oz silver tequila
- * 1 oz lemon juice
- * 1/2 oz rich simple syrup 2 part sugar, 1 part water
- * 2 oz brut roé sparkling wine
- * lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- If needed, prepare rich simple syrup (2:1 sugar:water) and allow to cool completely.
- Chill your serving glass (coupe or flute) in the freezer or with ice water.
- Combine silver tequila, fresh lemon juice, and rich simple syrup in a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until the outside is frosty.
- Discard the ice from the chilled glass.
- Double strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass.
- Gently top the glass with chilled brut rosé sparkling wine.
- Prepare a lemon twist using a channel knife or peeler.
- Express the oils from the lemon twist over the drink’s surface before garnishing.
Notes
The Fab Four: Ingredients That Make It Shine
The Lone Ranger’s secret is its simplicity only four ingredients that mingle like a delightful quartet. Blanco tequila adds a peppery, snappy zip, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a snappy bite. Simple syrup rounds out the rough edges with just the right amount of sweetness. Brut rosé sparkling wine adds fizz and a beautiful pink hue that make each drink a party. These are more than ingredients these are the spirit and the essence of this unforgettable cocktail.
- Blanco Tequila: Its refreshing, herbaceous crispness is the foundation of the drink’s rejuvenated personality.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeezed fresh only will do to provide that refreshing, energetic citrus zing.
- Brut Rosé: Dry bubbly wine provides festive bubbles and a lovely pink color.
Blanco tequila is front and center, and it’s not because it’s trying to for the Lone Ranger’s light, summery disposition. Old tequilas overpower, but blanco’s peppery, clean flavors allow the other tastes to stand out. John deBary says it “makes perfect sense in this drink” and complements the citrus and fizz wonderfully. Use a quality blanco a silky, lively one with a punch of agave. It’s the stabilizer that gives this cocktail its crispness and sippability.
Cold buttermilk is the creamy anchor that keeps the drink steady, and carton buttermilk is not a good enough substitute. Pungent, zesty citrus is the perfect counterpoint to the potency of the tequila and sweetness of the buttermilk, and buttemilk-harmonious buttemilk flavor. Store-bought or homemade simple syrup is a silky finish, and brut rosé sparkling wine is a dry, but bubbly note. All four ingredients combined create a drink that’s both refreshing and memorable. It’s a simple recipe that yields sophisticated, crowd-pleasing results.
Italian Paloma Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker For mixing and chilling the ingredients.
- 1 Jigger For accurate measurement of spirits and juices.
- 1 Citrus Juicer To extract fresh grapefruit, lime, and lemon juices.
- 2 Highball Glasses For serving the finished cocktail.
- 1 Bar Spoon For gentle stirring and combining ingredients.
Ingredients
Main
- 3 oz tequila
- 1.5 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz pink grapefruit juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6 oz chilled Italian orange soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring citrus fruits are ready for juicing.
- Juice the fresh pink grapefruit, lime, and lemon to yield the specified amounts for the cocktail.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the pinch of salt.
- Fill the shaker generously with ice cubes to ensure proper chilling and dilution.
- Securely close the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Fill two highball glasses or your preferred cocktail glasses with fresh ice.
- Strain the well-chilled cocktail mixture from the shaker into the prepared ice-filled glasses.
- Carefully top each glass with 3 oz (half of the total 6 oz) of chilled Italian orange soda.
- Gently stir once or twice with a bar spoon to combine the soda without losing too much effervescence.
- Optionally, garnish each cocktail with a fresh grapefruit slice or twist before serving immediately.
Notes
Building Your Lone Ranger: Shake, Strain, and Sparkle
Having met our handsome four ingredients, it’s now time to shake things up and make some cocktail magic! Producing a Lone Ranger is nearly as much fun as drinking one, and it starts with suitable preparation. Make yourself a cold Collins glass or wine glass and let the pungency of a great flavor tantalize you. Squeeze your fresh lemon juice and cut out a round or two for garnishes your trial will be worth to the fullest. The editor’s secret tip gets it exactly right: “Squeeze your lemon juice fresh, but don’t forget to cut a round for garnishes.
- Glass Selection: Collins glass or stemless wine glass draws attention to the lively bubbles in the drink.
- Fresh Preparation: Fresh garnishes and lemon juice turn the drink from good to spectacular.
- Chill Danger: Ice plays a crucial role in ensuring your cocktail remains crisp and fresh.
With your glass iced, it’s time to shake things up literally! Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice, then add the blanco tequila, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. Cap it tightly and shake enthusiastically until the shaker feels frosty on the outside about 15 to 20 seconds. The editor’s tip warns, “Don’t shake longer, or you’ll dilute the drink.” That frosty shaker is your sign that the cocktail is perfectly chilled and ready to shine.
Strain cold mixture over your iced glass through a fine mesh strainer to achieve silky smooth texture. Top it lightly with brut rosé sparkling wine so that those beautiful bubbles can swirl and rise. Don’t mix let the bubbles do their thing, as the instructions remind you: “After you pour in the wine, don’t stir just let the bubbles shine.” Finish it off with a lemon wheel rim for a touch of elegance and scent. Take a step back and view your creation for a moment before indulging in that first divine sip.
Authentic Sicilian Granita al Limone
Equipment
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Citrus Juicer for Meyer lemons
- 1 Freezer-Safe Container with tight-fitting lid
- 1 Fork for scraping crystals
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
- 5 lemon wheels Optional
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
Instructions
- Heat water and sugar in a saucepan over medium, stirring until sugar melts; do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat when sugar has completely dissolved and water is no longer cloudy. Add lemon juice; stir until combined. Refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.
- Pour into a freezer-safe dish that has a tight-fitting lid; cover. Freeze until just begins to freeze around edges, but still slushy in the center, about 45 minutes.
- Lightly stir crystals, using a fork, from edge of granita mixture into the center and mix thoroughly. Cover and freeze until granita is nearly frozen, 30 to 40 minutes more.
- Lightly stir, using a fork, scraping crystals loose. Repeat freezing and stirring with a fork 3 to 4 times until crystals are separate and granita is light, dry, and fluffy.
- Garnish portions with 1/2 lemon wheels and fresh lemon zest on top.
Notes
Get Creative: Variations to Make It Your Own
The Lone Ranger is a classic, but it’s also a playground for your creativity. If you’re craving a bolder flavor, swap the blanco tequila for mezcal to add a smoky, earthy depth that’s utterly captivating. Wayne Gravesande suggests mezcal for those who love a hint of smokiness, and it transforms the drink into something mysterious. It’s a simple change that takes the cocktail to a new frontier. To try this variation is to add a new chapter to Lone Ranger legend.
- Mezcal Magic: Replace blanco tequila with mezcal for a rich, smoky variation.
- Cider Swap: Replace rosé cider with a sweeter, lower-ABV variation with crisp fruity undertones.
- Bitters Boost: Add a splash of Angostura bitters for depth and a touch of spice.
To make a lighter fruitier rendition, replace the fizzy wine with rosé cider. Eris Blush Cider, mentioned in the scenario, is an excellent choice for a bit sweeter, refreshing spin. It has the celebratory fizz with new added flavors perfect for relaxation afternoons. This rendition is an excellent way to continue the bubbles without added alcohol levels. It’s all about the beverage being your vibe.
Lemon-phobic? No need to worry. Replace lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a zesty, margarita-like spin, or grapefruit juice for a citrusy bite. Either of these citrus alternatives turns a Mexican 75 into a snappy new cocktail that’s all your own. The Lone Ranger’s adaptability invites you to play around with various combinations to your taste. Whatever you mix together, you’re in for a fizzy, thirst-quenching treat.
Crockpot Blackberry Brandy
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker Essential for gentle, long infusion.
- 1 Fine-mesh Sieve Or colander lined with cheesecloth for straining.
- 1 Large Heatproof Bowl To collect the strained liquid.
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.
- 4 Sterilized Bottles or Jars For storing the finished brandy (approx. 750ml-1L capacity total).
Ingredients
Main
- 2 bags 16 Ounce Bags Frozen Blackberries, Partially Thawed
- ¾ cups White Sugar
- ½ cups Dark Brown Sugar
- 1 whole Lemon Washed Well
- 1 Tablespoon Crushed Bay Leaves
- 3 cups Water
- 2 cups Brandy
Instructions
- Add the partially thawed frozen blackberries, white sugar, dark brown sugar, the whole washed lemon, crushed bay leaves, and water to the slow cooker.
- Stir the ingredients gently to ensure the sugars begin to dissolve and everything is well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on the ‘low’ setting for a duration of 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, carefully remove the cooked lemon from the slow cooker and discard it.
- Set a large fine-mesh sieve or a colander lined with several layers of cheesecloth over a large, heatproof bowl.
- Carefully pour the entire blackberry mixture from the slow cooker through the prepared sieve or colander.
- Gently press on the solids with the back of a spoon or ladle to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the strained berry solids.
- Allow the strained blackberry liquid to cool completely to room temperature before proceeding to the next step.
- Once the liquid is fully cooled, stir in the brandy thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the finished blackberry brandy into sterilized bottles or jars, seal tightly, and store in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development.
Notes
Serving and Storing: A Party Pleaser
Presentation counts, and Lone Ranger must take center stage in fine glassware. Stemless wine glass, large, is a good choice to showcase those unmistakably hypnotic bubbles and gleaming pink hue. For a more elegant presentation, tall champagne flute is a nod to the drink’s French 75 heritage and is stunning. As the setting threatens, “There is no wrong answer” when it comes to glassware just pick something that lets the drink sparkle. Your choice brings on a sipper to recall.
- Glassware Options: Stemless wine glasses or flutes are perfect for showcasing the beauty of the drink.
- Batch Preparation: Make the base ahead of time to experience carefree, stress-free entertaining.
- Bubble Timing: Serve right away after adding rosé to keep bubbles at their best.
For parties, the Lone Ranger is a batch-friendly fantasy! In a pitcher, mix the tequila, lemon juice, and simple syrup and chill for up to 24 hours. When guests arrive, fill ice glasses with the base and top with sparkling rosé for bubbly, refreshing cocktails. This trick allows you to entertain with friends instead of bartender all night. It’s a crowd-pleasing, stress-free entertaining game-changer.
When combined with sparkling rosé, the Lone Ranger must experiment within a matter of minutes; superfluous bubbles dissipate after about 30 minutes. The pre-mixed base-tequila, lemon, simple syrup-is strong enough and can be refrigerated airtight for 24 hours. For best texture, use a high-density simple syrup (2:1 sugar-to-water) for super sweet, dense super finish. This small detail, as the Test Kitchen suggests, elevates the drink’s mouthfeel without diluting its core flavors. With these tips, you’re ready to serve up Lone Rangers that dazzle every time.
