Take a trip to tiki heaven with this tropical Scorpion Bowl recipe that’s prefect for large parties.

Scorpion Bowl Recipe by Sugar & Cloth for a tropical drink

Get lost in the flavors of the tropics with this refreshing and fruity Scorpion Bowl cocktail recipe. This tropical drink is a perfect combination of fruity flavors with a potent base.

The Scorpion Bowl is usually served in a large bowl with straws to share, but it can also be served in single glasses or a pitcher and poured by the glass.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s a pretty two-toned colorful cocktail that packs a punch. And as with any tropical drink, it pairs well with Hawaiian food.

Best Scorpion Bowl Recipe by Sugar & Cloth

Scorpion Cocktail History: Why is it Called a Scorpion Bowl?

This cocktail has roots in Polynesia, where it is usually served in communal shared punch bowls in Tiki bars and restaurants. It is named after the scorpion which is a common motif in Polynesian culture. But of course, it has nothing else to do with actual scorpions, other than the fact that is super strong!

What Does the Scorpion Bowl Taste Like?

Like all Tiki drinks, the Scorpion Bowl features tropical flavors and fresh orange juice and pineapple juice. It’s similar to the Lava Flow and Fish Bowl. But beware because all those fruit juices mask the potency of the vodka, gin, and rum base spirits.

Scorpion Bowl Ingredients

To make the Scorpion Bowl, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Vodka — Use regular plain vodka to make the fruit juices shine.
Gin — Any good gin of your choice will do, but choose one that is not flavored
Light rum — Choose the brand of choice like Captain Morgan or Bicardi.
Dark rum — On this case, any rum that has been infused with vanilla and cinnamon will be the perfect choice
Orange juice — Freshly squeezed is better, bottled works fine too.
Pineapple juice — Same as for the orange juice.
Grenadine — A bright red syrup used in cocktails for sweetness and a touch of color. It’s available at grocery stores and liquor stores. This ingredient is useful to always have on hand since it’s used in many other cocktail recipes like Rum Punch and the Zombie Cocktail.
Orange and pineapple triangles –– For garnish
Cocktail cherries — Maraschino cherries are the best for garnishing

Crushed ice

Best Scorpion Bowl Recipe by the Pitcher

How to Make a Scorpion Bowl

For a large batch:

1 — In a large pitcher, add plenty of ice and some of the orange and pineapple slices, and cocktail cherries garnishes.

2 — Pour in all your ingredients, one by one and mix well with a cocktail spoon.

3 — Top up with more juice if needed.

4 — Pour the grenadine so it creates the ombre effect.

For a single cocktail:

1 — In a cocktail shaker filled, add the juices and the alcoholic spirits (except for grenadine). Shake well until chilled.

2 — Serve in a Tiki glass prepped with plenty of ice and a few orange triangles.

3 — Pour the dash of grenadine to create the ombre effect.

4 — Optional: Garnish with a pineapple triangle sitting on the brim of the glass, a cherry, and a cocktail umbrella.

Best Scorpion Bowl Recipe in a Tiki Glass

A Fun Way to Serve the Drink: Volcano Bowl vs Scorpion Bowl

For a dramatic and entertaining effect, the Scorpion Bowl cocktail is commonly served at bars in a volcano bowl (for 4-6 people) or a scorpion bowl (for 1-2 people) while it is lit and flaming.

A volcano bowl is simply a decorative punch bowl with a “volcano” holder in the middle. 151 proof rum is typically poured inside the middle reservoir as the source to the flame.

Then, using a long lighter, the rum is lit on fire. And thus, you now have a flaming Scorpion Bowl cocktail. You can also light up any alcohol. Just make sure it’s at least 80-proof.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Mix the grenadine before drinking:

When poured, the Scorpion Bowl has a beautiful ombre look. However, before drinking the cocktail, make sure to give it a good stir. Mixing the drink again ensures that the grenadine is evenly distributed.

Or if you don’t care about the ombre effect, add in the grenadine with all the ingredients together from the get-go.

Making the cocktail in advance:

To make a big batch in advance, mix all the ingredients (but the ice and fruit) together, and chill the mix in the fridge. Right before serving, add the fruit and ice.

Substitute the fruit juices and garnishes with what’s in season:

Though pineapple juice and orange juice are the most common Scorpion drink ingredients used, you can substitute it with any tropical fruit juice that’s in season. Fresh lemon juice, guava juice or passionfruitare also other delicious alternatives.

More garnish ideas:

Some other fun garnishes include pineapple chunks, edible flowers, mint sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and cocktail umbrellas.

More Easy Punch Recipes for a Large Party

Hosting a party? Punches are a great drink option since they’re so easy to make in large quantities. For more punch recipes, check out of a few our favorites —

Hunch Punch — The infamous college party drink, except ours has a refined twist to it.
Easter Punch — A vodka based punch with a citrus and bubbly zing.
Giggle Juice — A fizzy Moscato and vodka based punch.
Pink Panty Dropper — A boozy lemonade punch that’s popular for bridal showers and baby showers (despite its controversial name.)