Cocktails

Polynesian Cocktail

Polynesian Cocktail is an alcoholic cocktail built on Vodka. It leans citrus. Served in a Cocktail Glass.

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic5 ingredients

Nutrition information is not yet available for this drink.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires rimmed glass, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

2.0 ozLime wedgeGarnish
4.0 ozsuperfine sugarOther
4.0 ozVodkaBase Spirit
to tastecherry-flavored brandyBase Spirit
to tasteFresh Lime JuiceJuice

How to Make It

Rim chilled cocktail glass with lime and sugar.Rim
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into glass.Shaken

How to Serve

Glass: Cocktail Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Ice
Method: Shaken

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Supporting notes

Tart Sweet Fruit Oak Vanilla

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

Bright and citrusy

What do these dimensions mean?

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegan Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Lime Wedge2.0 oz

Lime WheelGood swap

How much to use: Use one wheel for one wedge; use extra juice only if the wedge was meant to be squeezed.
What changes: A lime wheel can replace a lime wedge when the garnish is mostly visual or aromatic.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Superfine Sugar4.0 oz

Powdered SugarWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use carefully; powdered sugar can affect texture.
What changes: Powdered sugar can replace superfine sugar if it dissolves fully.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Simple SyrupWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use about 1/4 oz simple syrup per teaspoon of sugar as a starting point.
What changes: Simple syrup can replace sugar, but it also adds water and dissolves more easily.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Vodka4.0 oz

GinWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same volume; expect more juniper and herbal aroma.
What changes: Gin can replace vodka when a more botanical result is acceptable.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Fresh Lime Juiceto taste

Lemon JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes: Lemon juice can usually replace lime juice, but the drink becomes less tropical and more lemon-forward.

Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Related searches

Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it simplerTry drinks with three ingredients or fewer.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a Polynesian Cocktail?: The Polynesian Cocktail is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It is a non-alcoholic drink.
What does a Polynesian Cocktail taste like?: Polynesian Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Tart, Sweet. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is a Polynesian Cocktail?: The strength of Polynesian Cocktail depends on the exact measures and spirits used. Check the individual ingredient quantities in the recipe above for a precise estimate.
What drinks are similar to a Polynesian Cocktail?: If you enjoy Polynesian Cocktail, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make a Polynesian Cocktail at home?: Yes. The Polynesian Cocktail uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Polynesian Cocktail with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.