Grateful Dead

Highballs & Collinses July 08, 2026

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A photo of the Grateful Dead cocktail containing Ketel One Vodka, Beefeater London Dry Gin, Planteray 3 Stars White Rum, Giffard Triple Sec, MIDORI Melon Liqueur, Freshly squeezed lime juice, Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne), Club soda in a Sling.

Other Ingredients

  • 1.00 fl oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 0.50 fl oz Giffard Sugar Cane Syrup (Sirop Sucre de Canne)
  • 1.00 fl oz Club soda

Directions

  • Add ice to shaker
  • Add first 7 ingredients to shaker
  • Shake well with ice
  • Fill sling glass with ice
  • Strain mixture into ice-filled sling glass
  • Top with soda
  • Garnish with lime wedge
  • Serve with straws

Cocktail Description

This electrifying twist on the notorious Long Island Iced Tea swaps out cola for vibrant melon liqueur, creating a drink that's both dangerously smooth and surprisingly tropical.

The Grateful Dead combines vodka, gin, white rum, triple sec, and the signature addition of MIDORI melon liqueur with fresh lime juice and cane syrup, all topped with a splash of club soda. The result tastes like a tropical vacation collided with a classic boozy powerhouse—expect bright citrus notes and honeydew sweetness balanced by the botanical bite of gin and the clean punch of multiple spirits. This is a party drink through and through, perfect for late-night gatherings, poolside hangs, or any occasion where you want something fun and unapologetically strong. Making it requires nothing more than a good shake and basic bartending skills, though measuring carefully helps keep the balance in check given the spirit-forward nature of the recipe. The melon adds a playful, fruity dimension that makes this Long Island variant go down easier than it should—dangerous territory for the unsuspecting. Pair it with salty finger foods like nachos, buffalo wings, or Asian-inspired appetizers like spring rolls, where the drink's citrus and melon notes can cut through rich, savory flavors.

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