Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour the orange juice into a large pitcher. Use cold juice straight from the fridge to ensure your drink stays refreshingly chilled.
- Add the pineapple juice to the pitcher. This combination of citrus and tropical fruit creates the foundation of that unmistakable Ecto Cooler flavor.
- Measure out and add one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the pitcher. The vanilla adds that creamy, almost dessert-like quality that makes the drink special.
- Add two tablespoons of sugar and stir well. Start with this amount and taste as you go, since some juices are naturally sweeter than others.
- Pour in one cup of cold water or sparkling water to the pitcher and stir well. The water dilutes the juice slightly so the drink isn't overwhelmingly sweet.
- Taste and adjust the flavor. If you want it sweeter, add another tablespoon of sugar and stir until dissolved; if it's too sweet, add a splash more water.
- Fill each glass with a generous handful of ice cubes.
- Pour the Ecto Cooler mixture into each glass, filling them about three-quarters full. Serve immediately.
Notes
Make a big batch the night before and store it in the fridge for instant nostalgia whenever the craving hits. The flavors actually blend better after sitting overnight. Use the coldest juice you can find, and try freezing some of the drink in ice cube trays to prevent watered-down drinks as regular ice melts. Fresh vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference compared to imitation.