The drink “Out of the Park” first appeared on the TV show Bar Rescue, hosted by Jon Taffer. On the show, Taffer and his team of experts visit failing bars and try to turn them around. One of the ways they do this is by creating new and innovative cocktails for the bar’s menu. The “Out of the Park” drink was created by mixologist Phil Wills for Mac’s Sports Bar & Grill in Los Angeles, which was featured in the first season of Bar Rescue. This fruity vodka cocktail quickly became a fan favorite after its appearance on the show.
What is in the Out of the Park drink?
The Out of the Park is a blue-colored frozen cocktail made with the following ingredients:
- Vodka – The base spirit
- Blue curacao – An orange-flavored liqueur that gives the drink its blue color
- Melon liqueur – For additional fruit flavor
- Splash of sweet and sour mix
- Splash of lemon-lime soda – To top off the drink
The exact measurements of the ingredients are unknown, as mixes were made in large batches on the show. But it is likely made with approximately 2 parts vodka to 1 part each of blue curacao, melon liqueur, sweet and sour mix, and lemon-lime soda. The ingredients are combined in a blender with ice to create the frozen slushy texture.
Why is it called Out of the Park?
The name Out of the Park is a baseball reference, chosen because Mac’s Sports Bar had a sports theme. The drink is meant to symbolize hitting a home run out of the ballpark. The blue color also evokes the blue used in many baseball team uniforms and logos.
Appearance of the Drink
The defining visual characteristic of the Out of the Park drink is its striking blue color. When poured into a glass, it has a bright electric blue appearance from the blue curacao. It maintains a frozen, slushy texture from being blended with ice. White foamy soda bubbles can be seen rising to the top of the drink. The blue color contrasts with the white froth for great visual appeal.
A wedge or wheel of lemon or lime is often used as a garnish perched on the rim of the glass. A maraschino cherry on a cocktail skewer can also make a nice garnish.
Taste Profile
The Out of the Park has a sweet and tart taste profile with tropical fruit flavors. The tastes combine as follows:
- Sweetness from the melon liqueur and sweet and sour mix
- Tart citrus flavor from the lemon-lime soda and sweet and sour mix
- Tropical fruit notes like orange, pineapple, and melon from the blue curacao and melon liqueur
- The vodka gives it a smooth, slightly boozy undertone
The frozen slushy texture gives it a cooling, refreshing mouthfeel. Overall, it is a pleasant summertime frozen cocktail with a good balance between sweet and tart. The blue color and fruit flavors make it fun and approachable.
Variations
While the original Out of the Park recipe is great as-is, some bars and home mixologists have put their own twists on it by using different fruits, flavors, alcohols, and presentations:
- Use rum or tequila instead of vodka for a different base spirit
- Substitute peach, mango, or strawberry liqueurs instead of melon
- Use raspberry or grapefruit juice for a different fruit flavor
- Add passionfruit or pineapple for more tropical fruit notes
- Use coconut rum and coconut flakes for a piña colada twist
- Rim half the glass with sugar or candy sprinkles for a sweet garnish
- Layer it over Sprite or ginger ale instead of lemon-lime soda
- Serve it as a shot rather than in a full glass
- Garnish with a lollipop or other fun accessory
The possibilities are endless for putting creative twists on this blue concoction!
How to Make the Drink at Home
You can easily recreate this vibrant blue cocktail at home with just a few ingredients and tools:
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz blue curacao
- 1 oz melon liqueur
- 1 oz sweet and sour mix
- 1 oz lemon-lime soda
- Lemon or lime wedge for garnish
Tools
- Cocktail shaker
- Blender
- Measuring cup
- Mixing glass
Steps
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice cubes.
- Add the vodka, blue curacao, melon liqueur, and sweet and sour mix. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a blender along with 1 cup of fresh ice.
- Blend on high speed until smooth and slushy, about 30 seconds.
- Pour the slushy blue mixture into a glass, leaving a bit of room at the top.
- Top off with 1 ounce of lemon-lime soda and stir lightly.
- Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge on the rim.
- Enjoy your homemade Out of the Park cocktail!
Where to Find the Drink
While the Out of the Park was created for a bar that ended up changing names after Bar Rescue, you can still find the vibrant blue concoction on cocktail menus at:
- Sports bars and grills
- Casual restaurant chains like TGI Friday’s
- Summer drink menus at bars and resorts
- Cruise ship beverage offerings
- Baseball stadium concessions
It’s especially popular at places with a sports theme given the baseball-inspired name. But its sweet fruit flavors and blue color make it fun at any venue.
You can also easily order the ingredients online or find them at most liquor stores to make it yourself at home. It’s become a modern classic cocktail debuted on Bar Rescue that’s fun for both homemade mixes and ordering out.
Nutrition Facts
The Out of the Park is a flavorful frozen cocktail, but like most mixed drinks it does come with a good amount of calories, carbs, and sugar. Here are the nutrition facts for one 12-ounce serving:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | About 350 calories |
| Carbohydrates | About 40 grams |
| Sugar | About 30 grams |
| Protein | 0 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams |
The high carb and sugar counts come from the fruit liqueurs and sodas used in the drink. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.
Fun Facts
A few fun facts about the Bar Rescue Out of the Park drink:
- It was created in just 48 hours during the Bar Rescue makeover of Mac’s Sports Bar & Grill.
- Mixologist Phil Wills said he took inspiration from vintage tropical cocktails when designing it.
- Blue curacao was used instead of blue raspberry or other syrups to give a richer, more natural flavor.
- Within one month of appearing on the show, Out of the Park drink sales increased by $2,800 at Mac’s.
- Jon Taffer has said the Out of the Park is one of his favorite cocktails created on the show.
- The bright blue color comes from curacao orange peels, not artificial coloring.
- Testing showed customers were more attracted to the drink based on looks over taste.
- Bartenders recommend serving it in a sugar-rimmed glass for added sweetness.
So order an Out of the Park next time you want a colorful frozen cocktail!
Reviews
The Out of the Park has become a popular blue cocktail ordered at bars and made at home thanks to its appearance on Bar Rescue. Here are some reviews from fans of the drink:
“This vibrant blue drink totally wows with its looks alone. But I was pleasantly surprised that the sweet and tart melon/citrus flavor delivers too. It’s fun to look at and tasty to drink.”
“I never liked blue frozen drinks before trying the Out of the Park. The combo of fruit liqueurs gives this one a more sophisticated and natural flavor. It reminds me of a Hawaiian vacation.”
“I’m not normally a fan of slushy textured drinks but something about the Out of the Park works. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and alcohol kick.”
“This is my new favorite cocktail to order when out with friends. It’s delicious and different and gets conversations started at the table. Love it!”
“My friends always insist I make a batch of Out of the Parks when we tailgate for baseball games. It just fits the theme so perfectly and is super refreshing.”
In summary, most reviews highlight the drink’s vivid blue color, balanced fruit flavors, and refreshing slushy texture as its winning qualities. It’s an eye-catching and crowd-pleasing modern classic cocktail.
Conclusion
The Out of the Park cocktail first introduced on Bar Rescue has become a staple blue drink ordered at bars and restaurants around the country. Its tropical fruit and citrus flavors combined into a colorful frozen slush make it a fun summertime treat. It’s easy to recreate at home with just a few key ingredients and blending. Fans love its sweet and tart profile, cooling texture, and striking electric blue appearance. Ordering or making an Out of the Park is a delicious way to feel like you’ve hit a cocktail home run.