If you’ve never heard of the rusa drink, that’s okay. It’s a traditional Mexican fruit soda, with a sharp and mouthwatering twist. Rusa is typically made using citrusy and nectarous fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and pineapples. Some people also add fresh coconut to the drink.
The twist comes from ingredients like chamoy sauce and chili powder. Sounds exotic, doesn’t it? Chamoy sauce is very famous in Mexican cuisine. If you’re well-acquainted with Mexican restaurants and fruit stands, then you likely know all about chamoy.
For those of you who don’t know much about it, allow us to elaborate. The chamoy is a sweet, salty, and spicy sauce with a fruit base. The base includes apricots, plums, or mangoes. In short, it’s a flavorful sauce that tastes like heaven on your taste buds. The best part is that the chamoy is a sweet and savory sauce, so you can try it with a variety of recipes.
Now that we’ve explained the basics, let’s talk about a helpful tip that you should know about before we get to the Rusa Drink Recipe.
A Handy Trick to Keep in Mind
Remember when we said that the rusa also contains chili powder?
If you’re used to the spice level of traditional Mexican dishes, then downing the rusa will be no problem. However, if you have a sensitive palate or a low tolerance for chili, then we encourage you to keep a light hand with the chili powder.
Do this especially if you suffer from acid reflux or ulcers. The chamoy sauce adds heat to rusa, too. If you’re very excited about trying on this recipe, but for whatever reason, chili powder doesn’t agree with you, then simply skip that step.
You can enjoy your tangy rusa with the comfortable heat provided by the chamoy sauce. Now, let’s get to what really matters: the ingredients and directions for your yummy treat.
Ingredients You Will Need for the Zesty Rusa Drink
Here’s what you’ll need to make a glass of the gorgeous rusa:
- 12 oz. Squirt soda
- 2 oz. club soda
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 can of pineapple (pieces)
- ½ grapefruit (peeled and cut in morsel-sized pieces)
- Mexican chili powder
- 3 Tbsp Chamoy sauce
- Ice (crushed)
- Orange slice (for decoration)
- Tamarindo stick (optional) or straw
Directions to Prepare the Drink
Step One: Start by dipping the rim of your glass in chamoy sauce and then dip the rim in chili powder. If you’re confused, just think about how you’d salt a margarita glass, only you’re using chili powder to coat the rim.
Step Two: Next, pour about two tablespoons worth of chamoy sauce at the base of the glass and add in the crushed ice.
Step Three: Pour in the lime juice, Squirt soda, and club soda. Add the pineapple and grapefruit pieces (as many as you’d like). Then add 3 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 tablespoon of chamoy sauce.
Step Four: Insert the tamarindo stick (or straw), give the contents a good stir, and you’re done! Your rusa drink is now ready to be consumed.
Rusa is easy to make, and it’s a very refreshing drink to have on hot sunny days. The drink will not only keep you hydrated, but the lime juice will also help replenish your electrolytes.
Also, always remember you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. If you feel the heat level is little too much for you, simply reduce the quantity of the Mexican chili powder or skip the ingredient altogether.
Notable Additions
If you feel like your rusa is missing something, then you can add one of the following to give it an extra kick:
– Vodka
Feel free to add organic vodka to the rusa recipe if you want an alcoholic version of the recipe provided above. You can use a grain-based vodka or even a fruit-flavored one. It’s entirely up to you.
The market is full of good brands, and you can choose a brand you like and feel comfortable with. If you’re wondering about the liquid measurement, add around 2 oz. of the vodka of your choice.
– Tequila
A high-end tequila will also make a welcome addition to the rusa recipe. Tequila is neither bitter nor too sweet, and it’ll give your rusa a margarita vibe.
You can use a brand like Casa Noble, which is known for its crisp and spicy flavor. You can add up to 1 1/2 oz. of tequila to the rusa recipe.
– Grand Marnier
If you like your drinks to have a little sweetness, reach for your bottle of Grand Marnier.
Because Grand Marnier is a cognac-based orange liqueur, it’ll go well with the rusa’s ingredients and provide the sweetness you’re looking for.
You can add 2 oz. of Grand Marnier to provide a sweet note to your rusa.
Conclusion
Rusa will make an excellent addition to your list of refreshing summertime drinks. Whether it be the alcoholic version or the non-alcoholic one, its zesty and tangy flavor will undoubtedly lift your wilting demeanor and give you a little cheer.
Apart from its great taste, the rusa is a very versatile drink. Be it a family barbeque, a party, or a quiet get-together, the rusa will make a perfect addition to all such events. Also, if you’re hosting minors who’re not allowed alcohol, then you won’t have to go through the trouble of making something special for them. Talk about being convenient!
You can even customize the rusa to the liking of your guests. It is especially easy to do because, unlike cocktails, there’s no big batch you have to prepare in advance. Instead, you simply have to gather all the ingredients and make one glass at a time.
We certainly hope we’ve convinced you to try out the Rusa Drink Recipe with its wonderful flavors, textures, and exotic appearance. Then, without wasting any more time, prepare your own glass of rusa at the earliest convenience and enjoy!