Red Relikt

Ingredients

• 40 mlLicor 43
• 120 mltonic water
• 10 mllime juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Build the drink

   Fill a balloon glass with ice. Pour in the Licor 43, top up with tonic water and squeeze in the lime juice.

What is Red Relikt?

Red Relikt is a simple mixed drink combining Licor 43, tonic water and lime. It was submitted as a cocktail competition entry, so this version keeps the ingredient list short and lets the liqueur lead.

There is no preparation beyond building the drink in the glass, making it a straightforward choice when you want a cocktail without shaking or cooking.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 160 calories, 0g protein, 24g carbs, 0g fat.

Most of the carbohydrates and calories come from the Licor 43 and tonic water; the lime juice contributes very little. There is almost no protein or fat, so pair the drink with a meal or a protein-rich snack if you want a more balanced occasion.

The liqueur and tonic

Licor 43: pour it over the ice first so the tonic can mix through it as you top up the glass.

Tonic water: add it gently to preserve as much fizz as possible. Its bitterness helps offset the liqueur’s sweetness.

Getting the lime right

Lime juice: the recipe lists 10 ml, which brings a sharp citrus note to the sweeter ingredients. Squeeze it into the glass and give the drink a gentle stir if needed to distribute it.

Ice and serving

Use a balloon glass filled with ice, as specified in the method. Plenty of ice helps keep the drink cold while you pour in the ingredients.

Serve as soon as it is assembled, while the tonic is still lively and fizzy.

What to serve alongside

A small bowl of salted nuts or savoury crisps makes an easy accompaniment to the sweet, citrusy drink. Keep the snacks simple so they do not overwhelm the lime and tonic.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chill the tonic water before mixing so the ice melts more slowly.
• Pour the tonic gently to retain its carbonation.
• Use fresh lime juice for a brighter citrus flavour.
• Fill the glass with ice before adding the liquids.
• Taste before adding any extra lime, as the listed amount already adds acidity.

Variations

• More lime: add a little extra lime juice for a sharper finish.
• Light tonic: use light tonic water for a less sweet version.
• Citrus garnish: add a lime wedge to the rim or glass.
• Herbal note: add a sprig of fresh mint for a fragrant variation.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Warm tonic: chill it first so the drink stays refreshing without excess dilution.
• Flat tonic: pour slowly and serve straight away to keep the fizz.
• Too little ice: fill the balloon glass well so the drink stays cold.
• Over-stirring: stir only briefly if needed, as vigorous mixing can lose carbonation.
• Skipping the lime: include the listed lime juice to balance the liqueur’s sweetness.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately; it does not keep well once the tonic has been added. Keep the ingredients chilled separately until you are ready to mix the drink.

Frequently asked questions