The Scarlett O’Hara Cocktail is a bright, bold drink made with Southern Comfort, cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lime.
Some cocktails whisper. This one struts through the door with a confident smile and a whole load of sass. This cocktail is sweet, tart, and unapologetically forward. Named for one of the more famous women in Southern literature, it’s a drink with stature.
This cocktail belongs wherever people are laughing and ice is clinking. It has a lovely pink color and a refreshing edge that makes it utterly enjoyable.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s very easy to make with just three ingredients and ice. No fancy equipment or bartender tricks needed.
- The sweetness of Southern Comfort blends nicely with the tart cranberry juice and a splash of lime.
- It looks really pretty in a glass.
Ingredient Notes
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- Southern Comfort – Created in 1874 in New Orleans, Southern Comfort has fruity, spiced notes that add warmth to any cocktail.
- Cranberry Juice – I prefer 100% cranberry juice for a sharper taste. The cranberry cocktail is too sweet in my opinion.
- Lime Juice – Always go with fresh lime juice. Bottled juice doesn’t have quite the same brightness.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make a Scarlett O’Hara Cocktail
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add Southern Comfort and lime juice.
- Top with cranberry juice and stir gently.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- For a slightly lighter taste, top it with a splash of club soda.
- This cocktail scales beautifully into a pitcher or punch bowl for serving a crowd.
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Scarlett O’Hara Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Southern Comfort liqueur
- 1 lime wedge
- 6 ounces cranberry juice
Instructions
- Pour Southern Comfort into a cocktail glass and squeeze in the lime juice. Fill with crushed ice. Pour over the cranberry juice. Stir and serve.2 ounces Southern Comfort liqueur, 1 lime wedge, 6 ounces cranberry juice
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
— This post was originally published on September 4, 2012. It has been updated with additional information.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
They cocktail looks yummy – and what a fantastic use of light for yourphoto! I love those glasses! Where did you find them?
Thanks Erin. Those glasses were a wedding gift about 25 years ago!
At least that explains why I like them so much! Is there a hallmark or manufacturer stamp? Or maybe you remember where they came from? :)
Erin – there are no markings on them at all. All I know is that they were purchased from a small, local gift shop back then.
Too bad! Thanks!
One question. Is the cranberry juice supposed to be 100% cranberry or is it cranberry juice cocktail? Thanks!
Jeanne – it’s just cranberry juice.
Thanks! I’m trying it for a party this weekend. A friend is moving down south.
Oooh what a perfect cocktail to relax with after work. And I love that it’s named from Gone with the Wind!
This lovely cocktail wouldn’t get a chance to sit around looking pretty . . . It would be Gone with the Wind! ;)
I love the community aspect of blogging too. This cocktail looks so refreshing. I think I want to participate in your Friday cocktail event, too. Is it open to other bloggers?
Hi Julia – this event was to celebrate another blogger’s success posting a cocktail every Friday. You can find her blog at http://www.creative-culinary.com
I know what you mean! Frequently in my conversations I will reference something a “friend” has said, and the person I’m talking to will ask how do I know them and I will say, “Oh! They are one of my blog friends!”
My world has grown by leaps and bounds since I started my blog and I feel like I’m in touch with people all over the world.
And a wonderful post you had to celebrate the cocktail Friday! I saw your photo on Tasteologie, and it simply leaped off the page… beautiful in every way.
Getting to know other folks with similar interests is one of the best parts of being a blogger, isn’t it? Thanks for the kind words about the photo. I’m still learning!
This on seems so well suited to you too. GREG
What can I say but aw…thanks my sweet friend. This has been an unmistakably warm and fuzzy day with so many friends celebrating with me; could not have, no WOULD not have done it without you! Thanks a bunch!
Gorgeous photo, Lana, and a very tempting cocktail. I would expect nothing less than a wonderful southern cocktail from you! :)
Why, thank you, ma’am.
So pretty! And I definitely need a glass of these, especially during work hours!
Gorgeous!!! And I agree, I can’t think of a more appropriate cocktail for you to feature!!
Couldn’t agree with you more about the food blog community – I just wish I could meet you all IRL… I’m thinking a Cocktail Conference for Bloggers…..
There are so many blogging friends I’d love to meet, too, Nancy! I think we should petition Barb to organize a conference so we can all get together.
Oh any cocktail with cranberry juice has my name written all over it! And what a pretty drink! Cheers! So many of us gather around Barb in this foodie community! I love the friends I have made!
Love the colour of this cocktail and the name! I’m not a big cocktail drinker myself but I do think I could handle a glass of this. Have a great weekend.