Azelea Cocktail

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What Is the Azalea Cocktail?

The Azalea is the official cocktail of the Masters, and it’s one of those drinks that’s instantly recognizable. It’s been a staple on the Masters menu for years, known for its bright pink color, clean citrus flavor, and easy drinkability. When people think of drinks at the Masters, this is usually the one that comes to mind first.

It’s built with just vodka, lemonade, and grenadine, but the simplicity is exactly what makes it work. The lemonade gives it that crisp, refreshing base, the grenadine adds a subtle sweetness and signature color, and the vodka keeps everything smooth without getting in the way.

It’s also the kind of drink you can have more than one of without it feeling heavy, which is exactly why it fits the setting. Whether you’re sitting outside watching golf, hanging by the pool, on the porch, or even out on the course, this is one of those cocktails that always works. It’s light, refreshing, and made for warm weather.

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How It Became a Masters Staple

The Azalea gets its name from the iconic flowers around Augusta National, and the drink reflects that same spring feel—bright, clean, and easygoing. Over time, it’s become part of the identity of the Masters itself.

What makes it stick is how simple it is to serve. It doesn’t require any complicated prep, no shaker, no specialty ingredients—just build it in the glass and you’re good to go. That’s why it’s such a go-to not just at the Masters, but for anyone hosting a watch party at home.

Presentation plays a role too. A clean garnish and something like a golf cocktail pick immediately ties it back to the theme and makes it feel like more than just a basic mixed drink.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Vodka
Keeps the drink smooth and neutral so the citrus can carry.

Lemonade
The main flavor of the drink. Fresh lemonade is great, but store-bought works perfectly and keeps things quick.

Grenadine
Adds the signature pink color and just enough sweetness to balance everything out.

Orange Slice & Cherry
Classic garnish that brings a clean, finished look.

Golf Cocktail Pick
A small detail that makes the drink feel intentional and on theme.

Round Ice
Gives a subtle golf ball look and instantly upgrades the presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Azalea Cocktail

This is one of those recipes that looks a lot more impressive than it actually is. You’re working with just three ingredients and a simple garnish, but it comes out looking clean, intentional, and put together.

It takes less than a minute to make, there’s no shaker involved, and it’s almost impossible to mess up. That makes it perfect whether you’re making one drink for yourself or a round for a group.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it at a Masters watch party, bring it out poolside, or just make one on a random warm day. It fits all of those situations without needing to change anything.

And when you add in the circle ice and a golf cocktail pick, it gives it that finished look that makes it feel like a proper cocktail—not just something you threw together.

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Pre-Batching This Cocktail

If you’re hosting, heading to a party, a pool day, or even bringing drinks out to the golf course, this is one of the best cocktails to pre-batch so it’s ready to go. For a 1-liter batch, combine 7 oz vodka, 2½ oz grenadine, and 23–24 oz lemonade, then use a funnel to pour everything into a bottle, give it a quick shake, and keep it chilled. When you’re ready to serve, just fill a glass with ice and pour—no measuring, no slowing things down. You can also prep your golf cocktail picks ahead of time with an orange slice and cherry so everything’s ready to go and still looks dialed in.