Scorpion Cocktail Recipe – Rum, Brandy & Tropical Citrus Mix

A true tiki bar legend, the Scorpion is a cocktail that perfectly captures the spirit of tropical escapism. First created in the 1930s and made famous by Trader Vic’s, this vibrant drink blends light rum, brandy, orange juice, lime juice, and orgeat syrup for a deliciously balanced mix of fruit, citrus, and almond sweetness. Served over crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit and mint, the Scorpion is a drink that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. In this post, we’ll walk you through the authentic single-serve recipe, share the secrets to creating a party-sized Scorpion Bowl, and give tips for balancing sweetness and strength like a true tiki bartender.

10/4/20251 min read

📖 Ingredients (1 serving):

1½ oz light rum
½ oz brandy
½ oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
1 oz orange juice
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Crushed ice

🍊 Garnish:

Orange wheel
Mint sprig
Pineapple leaf or cherry (optional)

🛠️ Equipment Needed:

Cocktail shaker
Jigger or measuring tool
Hurricane glass or tiki mug
Bar spoon

🍹 Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice:
- 1½ oz light rum
- ½ oz brandy
- ½ oz orgeat syrup
- 1 oz orange juice
- ¾ oz lime juice
- Optional: ½ oz simple syrup for more sweetness
Shake well for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
Pour into a tiki glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with an orange wheel, mint sprig, and pineapple leaf for that classic tropical presentation.

✨ Tips for the Perfect Scorpion:

Use fresh citrus juices for brightness and balance.
Orgeat syrup gives the drink its signature almond-nutty sweetness—don’t skip it.
You can make a Scorpion Bowl by scaling up the ingredients and serving it in a shared tiki bowl with straws.
Adding a dash of dark rum on top enhances aroma and depth.

✅ Flavor Profile:

Fruity, tangy, and slightly nutty with a smooth rum-brandy blend and tropical citrus balance. The orgeat adds a unique creamy sweetness that ties it all together.