Fish Bone

Ingredients

• 30 ml (1 oz)blue curaçao
• 30 ml (1 oz)coconut rum
• 30 ml (1 oz)melon schnapps
• 60 ml (2 oz)sweet and sour mix
• 60 ml (2 oz)orange juice
• 30 ml (1 oz)Sweet

Instructions

1. 1

   Fill the glass

   Fill a glass with ice.

2. 2

   Add the alcohol

   Pour in the blue curaçao, coconut rum and melon schnapps.

3. 3

   Add the mixers

   Add the sweet and sour mix, orange juice and Sweet to taste.

4. 4

   Stir and serve

   Stir the drink and enjoy.

What is a Fish Bone?

Fish Bone is a mixed drink built from three flavoured spirits and a combination of sweet-and-sour mix and orange juice. The recipe gives no origin story for its name, so it is best understood as the name of this particular cocktail rather than a claim about its history.

This version relies on the contrast between citrus and fruit liqueurs, with ice keeping the drink cold as you stir it. The final ingredient, listed simply as “Sweet”, is not specified further in the recipe.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 390 calories, 0g protein, 52g carbs, 0g fat.

The liqueurs and the unspecified “Sweet” are likely to contribute most of the drink’s energy, while orange juice and sweet-and-sour mix add carbohydrates. It provides little protein or fat; serve it alongside a meal or a protein-rich appetiser if you want a more balanced occasion.

The spirit combination

Blue curaçao: it brings a citrus liqueur flavour and gives the drink its vivid colour. Pour it with the other spirits so it is distributed throughout.

Coconut rum and melon schnapps: these add the cocktail’s other fruit flavours. Measure each separately to keep the balance close to the recipe.

Balancing the mixers

Sweet and sour mix: this supplies a tart counterpoint to the liqueurs. The method says to add the mixers to taste, so start with the listed amount and adjust cautiously.

Orange juice: its rounded citrus flavour softens the sharper sweet-and-sour notes. Use juice that is well mixed before measuring.

Stirring over ice

Ice first: fill the glass before adding the liquids, as the method directs. A full glass chills the drink while you stir.

Stir gently: mix until the different liquids look evenly combined. The recipe does not specify a stirring time, so use appearance and chill as your cues.

Serving the drink

Serve it straight after stirring, while the ice is still firm and the drink is cold. Since the recipe is for one serving, prepare each glass separately if making more.

The combination is sweet and fruit-forward, so it can sit alongside salty snacks or a simple appetiser. Keep additional sweeteners separate until you have tasted the drink.

Recipe notes & tips

• Measure the three spirits rather than free-pouring them.
• Fill the glass with ice before adding the liquids.
• Add the mixers gradually if you prefer a more pronounced spirit flavour.
• Stir until the colour looks even throughout the glass.
• Taste before adding any extra “Sweet”, since its exact form is not specified.

Variations

• More citrus: add a little extra orange juice and taste before serving.
• Less sweet: reduce the “Sweet” ingredient and adjust the mixers to taste.
• Extra chill: use a glass filled generously with ice before pouring.
• Batch carefully: multiply each ingredient by the number of servings and stir in a larger jug with ice.
• Citrus garnish: add a slice of orange for a simple finishing touch.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding all the mixers at once: pour them in gradually so you can adjust the taste.
• Guessing the spirit measures: use a measure for each 30 ml pour to keep the proportions consistent.
• Stirring too little: mix until the liqueurs and juices are evenly combined.
• Using too little ice: fill the glass first so the drink chills as you stir.
• Assuming what “Sweet” means: check the ingredient you have in mind, as the recipe does not identify it more precisely.

How to store

This cocktail is best made and served immediately. If needed, keep it covered in the refrigerator briefly without ice, then stir again and pour over fresh ice; it is not suitable for reheating.

Frequently asked questions