Applebees Shark Bowl Recipe

I just made this Applebee’s Shark Bowl, and it’s an absolute game-changer for at-home cocktails. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up and tastes just like the one from the restaurant.

The vibrant blue color and the fun gummy shark garnish make it perfect for parties or just a fun night in. Honestly, it felt like I brought a little piece of vacation right into my own kitchen. You have to try this!

What is an Applebee’s Shark Bowl?

The Applebee’s Shark Bowl is a signature cocktail that gained fame for its fun, vibrant, and shareable nature. This electric blue drink is served in a large fishbowl-style glass, making it an instant centerpiece.

It combines tropical flavors with a potent mix of spirits, creating a sweet, tangy, and refreshing beverage that’s perfect for celebrations or a festive gathering with friends.

The most iconic part is the gummy shark garnish, which appears to be swimming in the blue “ocean,” adding a whimsical and memorable touch to the experience.

Ingredients for the Applebee’s Shark Bowl

Creating this vibrant cocktail at home is simple. Here are the ingredients you will need to capture that signature tropical taste.

• Rum: 1 oz (30ml) – A good quality white or light rum works best as the base, providing a smooth, sweet flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Vodka: 1 oz (30ml) – Choose a clean, neutral vodka. This spirit adds a boozy kick without interfering with the fruity and tropical notes of the drink.
• Blue Curaçao: 0.5 oz (15ml) – This is the key to the drink’s iconic ocean-blue color. It’s a sweet orange-flavored liqueur that adds both color and a hint of citrus.
• Pineapple Juice: 2 oz (60ml) – Use 100% pineapple juice for a natural, sweet, and tangy tropical flavor. It’s the heart of the drink’s fruity profile.
• Lemonade: 2 oz (60ml) – A classic lemonade provides a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Gummy Shark: for garnish – The signature finishing touch! A single gummy shark “swimming” in the bowl makes the drink instantly recognizable.

Note: The ingredient quantities listed are for a single serving. This recipe can be easily scaled up for larger batches.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Shark Bowl is fantastic, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to experiment with.

Tropical Storm

Add a splash of mango nectar to the original recipe for an extra layer of tropical fruitiness. After pouring the drink, gently drizzle a small amount of grenadine over the top. The red syrup will sink and create a beautiful “sunset” or “sunrise” effect in your glass, resembling a storm on the horizon.

Berry Reef

For a berry-infused twist, swap the regular vodka for a raspberry or berry-flavored vodka. You can also replace half of the pineapple juice with cranberry juice. This version offers a tart and fruity alternative with a lovely purplish-blue hue.

The Green Lagoon

Create a different kind of underwater adventure by substituting the Blue Curaçao with Midori, a bright green melon-flavored liqueur. This will give your drink a vibrant green color and a sweet, distinct melon taste. Garnish with a slice of kiwi or a few melon balls to complete the theme.

Non-Alcoholic “Shark Attack”

Perfect for all ages! Simply omit the rum and vodka. Combine pineapple juice, lemonade, and a splash of a blue sports drink or blue food coloring for that classic ocean color. Serve over ice with the gummy shark garnish for a fun mocktail.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Fishbowl Glass: This is essential for the authentic Shark Bowl experience, as its large, round shape mimics an ocean environment for your gummy shark.
• Jigger or Measuring Cup: Use this to accurately measure your spirits and mixers, ensuring a perfectly balanced cocktail every time.
• Stirring Spoon or Bar Spoon: A long-handled spoon is needed to gently mix all the ingredients together in the tall fishbowl glass.
• Ice Scoop: For adding a generous amount of ice to keep your cocktail perfectly chilled.

How to Make Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

Bringing this restaurant favorite home is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps to craft the perfect tropical escape in a glass.

Step 1: Add the Spirits

Begin by pouring 1 oz of rum and 1 oz of vodka directly into your fishbowl glass. Using a jigger for precise measurements will help you achieve the right balance and strength for your drink. This combination forms the cocktail’s spirited foundation.

Step 2: Create the Ocean Blue

Next, add 0.5 oz of Blue Curaçao to the glass. Watch as it instantly transforms the clear spirits into a vibrant, deep blue color reminiscent of a tropical sea. This liqueur not only provides the signature color but also adds a sweet citrus note.

Step 3: Mix in the Tropical Flavors

Pour in 2 oz of pineapple juice and 2 oz of lemonade. This duo is what gives the Shark Bowl its classic sweet and tangy tropical taste. The lemonade cuts through the sweetness of the pineapple and Blue Curaçao, creating a well-rounded and refreshing flavor profile.

Step 4: Stir, Chill, and Garnish

Fill the glass generously with ice, then use a long spoon to stir all the ingredients together until they are well-combined and chilled. Finally, place a gummy shark on top of the ice or hook it onto the rim of the glass. Your delicious Applebee’s Shark Bowl is now ready to serve!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to elevate it even more.

• I find that using freshly squeezed lemonade instead of store-bought makes a huge difference. The fresh tartness perfectly complements the sweet pineapple juice and liqueurs.
• For an extra tropical kick, I like to use coconut rum instead of regular white rum. It adds a subtle creaminess and flavor that transports me straight to a beach.
• If you’re making this for a party, consider freezing some pineapple juice in an ice cube tray. Using these flavored ice cubes keeps the drink cold without watering it down as they melt.
• I sometimes add a splash of sparkling water or lemon-lime soda just before serving. It gives the drink a little fizziness that makes it feel even more refreshing.

How to Serve Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

The presentation of the Shark Bowl is just as important as the taste. Serve it in a large fishbowl glass filled with plenty of ice to keep it cold and visually appealing. The iconic garnish is a single gummy shark, but you can enhance the look with other tropical elements.

Consider adding a slice of fresh pineapple to the rim, a bright red maraschino cherry, or a colorful paper umbrella for an extra festive touch. For a more dramatic effect at a party, serve it in a large punch bowl with multiple gummy sharks and other sea-creature candies “swimming” inside.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of the Applebee’s Shark Bowl.

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 0g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead can make serving this cocktail even easier. Here’s how you can prepare and store it.

Make Ahead

You can mix all the liquid ingredients (rum, vodka, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and lemonade) together in a pitcher or large container. Store this mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply pour it over ice and add the garnish.

Storing

If you have leftovers, you can store the cocktail in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors will be at their peak. Remove any ice before storing to prevent the drink from becoming diluted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this fun and festive cocktail will become a new favorite.

• Incredibly Easy to Make: With just a few common ingredients and simple steps, you can recreate this restaurant-quality cocktail at home in minutes. No complex techniques or bartending skills are required.
• Fun and Festive Presentation: The vibrant blue color and signature gummy shark garnish make this drink a showstopper. It’s perfect for parties, barbecues, or any occasion that calls for a little extra fun.
• Deliciously Tropical Flavor: The blend of sweet pineapple, tangy lemonade, and smooth spirits creates a perfectly balanced tropical flavor. It’s a refreshing escape in a glass that’s not too sweet and not too strong.
• Easily Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity. You can easily swap ingredients, add different fruit juices, or create a non-alcoholic version for everyone to enjoy.