The Azalea Mocktail: Augusta's Most Beautiful Drink, Made for Every Table

Every April, the azaleas bloom at Augusta National and the whole world turns its attention to a golf course in Georgia. The Green Jacket. The roars from Amen Corner. The perfectly manicured grounds that look almost too beautiful to be real.

And then there's the drink.

Named after the vibrant pink flowers that famously line the Augusta National course, the Azalea is as essential a part of the Masters experience as the mint julep is to the Kentucky Derby.  It's bright, it's pink, it tastes like spring and it belongs on your watch party table whether you follow golf or just follow the food.

I've given it a mocktail makeover here, because I believe the most beautiful drinks should be for everyone at the table. This version keeps all the color, all the sweetness, and all the charm.

The Azalea Mocktail Serves 4 — or make it by the pitcher

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lemonade, fresh-squeezed if you can manage it

• 1 cup pineapple juice

• 2 tablespoons grenadine (look for one made without high fructose corn syrup — it makes a difference)

• 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale

• Ice

• Maraschino cherries and lemon slices to garnish

In a large pitcher, combine the lemonade, pineapple juice, and grenadine. Stir gently until the grenadine swirls through and the whole thing turns the most gorgeous shade of blush pink. Just before serving, pour in your sparkling water for a little fizz and give it one more slow stir. Pour over ice in your prettiest glasses and garnish with a cherry and a lemon slice. Serve immediately while it's still cold and the bubbles are still lively.

To make a single glass: combine 4 oz lemonade, 2 oz pineapple juice, and a generous splash of grenadine over ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish.

A few notes from my kitchen:

On the grenadine: The color of this drink comes entirely from your grenadine, so use a good one. Traditional store-bought grenadine is often made with artificial ingredients and high fructose corn syrup— check the label and reach for something made with real pomegranate if you can find it. Your drink will be richer in color and flavor.

On making it ahead: This mocktail is perfect for a crowd. Mix the lemonade, pineapple juice, and grenadine together up to a day in advance and store it in a pitcher in the refrigerator. Add the sparkling water right before you serve so it stays fizzy.

On the garnish: A maraschino cherry and lemon slice are classic. A fresh sprig of mint makes it feel a little more garden-party. If you happen to have any fresh flowers on your table — even a single bloom from your yard — tuck one nearby and let the presentation do the talking.

Serve it alongside:

This mocktail was made to sit next to a spread of Masters sandwiches — egg salad on soft white bread, pimento cheese piled thick, chicken salad with a little crunch. The tartness of the lemonade cuts right through the richness of the mayo-based salads and the whole thing just works the way good Southern food always does.

The azaleas at Augusta bloom in full every April, right on time for the tournament and this drink blooms right along with them. Whether you're watching every shot from the first tee or just catching the back nine with a glass in hand, this is the drink that belongs in it.

Make a pitcher. Slow down. Let the afternoon be what it is.

🌸 Save this recipe and pair it with our Masters Watch Party Sandwich Salads carousel for the full spread.