The Johnny Vegas is traditionally served as a shot. This concoction of Reposado Tequila, watermelon liqueur, and energy drink is a staple at Vegas clubs, bachelor(-ette) parties, and college gatherings. Yet, you can easily turn it into a cocktail.
In our recipe, we do just that. Be careful, though. This potent cocktail sneaks up on you.
Ingredients in a Johnny Vegas Cocktail
Our easy-to-make recipe consists of only three ingredients in equal proportions. So what exactly do you need to make it?
- Tequila Reposado - This slightly aged type of Tequila is more mellow and soft compared to unaged Blanco Tequila. Make sure you choose a bottle made with 100% Agave, do not opt for a mixto.
- Watermelon pucker/liqueur - You can either use Watermelon pucker, schnapps, or liqueur. Basically, they're all pretty much the same and synonyms a sweet, watermelon-flavored low-ABV liquor.
- Energy drink - The shot version typically comes with Red Bull. While I'm not particularly into these sugary, artificially-tasting energizing beverages, I guess it's fair to say that RB is also the best option in a drink-sized version.
How to make it
The Johnny Vegas shot is often mixed in the glass, but, in our case, we're using a slightly different approach. Also, make sure all your ingredients are chilled before you make this cocktail
Step 1: Combine Tequila and Watermelon liqueur in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until well-chilled.
Step 2:Â Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass over ice and top with chilled Red Bull. I tend to garnish the cocktail with a citrus wedge and occasionally with a Maraschino cherry, but that's optional and up to you.
Variations
Instead of using Reposado Tequila, you could also opt for a Tequila Blanco to get a fresher and more crisp cocktail. I simply prefer the Reposado for its overall sweeter taste, which pairs better with the more mellow flavor profile, but both work.
To get a less potent version of this drink, you can replace watermelon pucker or liqueur with fresh watermelon juice or puree. Not only does it reduce the ABV of the cocktail, but it results in a more natural and fresh taste.
If the recipe is too sweet for your tastebuds, you can balance the sweetness with 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice. In this case, I would opt for a Blanco (Silver) Tequila to make the recipe.
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Tequila Reposado
- 1.5 oz Watermelon liqueur
- 1.5 oz Energy drink
Instructions
- Add Tequila and watermelon liqueur into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake for 15-18 seconds or until well-chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled Old Fashioned glass.
- Top-up with energy drink (e.g., Red Bull).