Zima Cooler
A nostalgic 90s throwback cocktail that transforms the iconic clear malt beverage into a lightly fruity, refreshing cooler. The sweet-tart kick of grenadine and a squeeze of lemon perfectly balance Zima's crisp, citrusy profile. Ready in under a minute with just three ingredients.
For 1 serving
- prep
Fill the glass with ice.
Pack a tall highball glass with ice cubes to the top. A full glass of ice keeps the cooler cold without watering it down too fast.
TIPChill the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes beforehand for an extra-cold drink. - mix
Pour the Zima and grenadine over the ice.
Slowly pour the chilled Zima over the ice, then float the grenadine on top. The grenadine will naturally settle and cascade down the sides.
TIPPour the grenadine gently against the side of the glass for a layered sunrise effect. - mix
Stir briefly to combine.
Use a stirring rod or long spoon to give the drink two or three gentle turns — just enough to marry the flavors but not so much that you lose the blush of color.
- garnish
Squeeze the lemon wedge and drop it in.
1.Squeeze the lemon wedge directly over the drink to release the juice.2.Drop the squeezed wedge into the glass as a garnish. - serve
Serve immediately.
Place the glass on a coaster and serve right away while the drink is ice-cold and the bubbles are lively.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Chill the Zima and the glass for at least 30 minutes to keep the drink cold without rapid dilution.
- 2Pour grenadine slowly down the inside of the glass for a visible layered gradient effect.
- 3Stir only 2–3 times to preserve the carbonation and the pinkish hue; over-stirring flattens the drink.
- 4Use a fresh, room-temp lemon wedge for the brightest squeeze of acidity.
- 5If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra ½ tablespoon of grenadine.
- 6Serve immediately; the cooler loses its fizz and chill quickly once assembled.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cranberry Cooler
Substitute grenadine with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cranberry juice and a dash of simple syrup for a tarter, less sweet version with a deep ruby color.
Lime SparklerLime Sparkler
Replace lemon with a lime wedge — the sharper citrus cuts through the malt's sweetness, giving the drink a more cocktail-like bite.
Vodka ZimaVodka Zima
Add a 30 ml shot of plain vodka for extra kick while keeping the light, fruity profile intact; increase grenadine to 1½ tablespoons to balance the alcohol.
Berry BlushBerry Blush
Swap grenadine for 2 tablespoons of muddled fresh raspberries or blackberries pressed through a sieve — natural color and a hint of tart berry flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low Calorie Base
Zima is a clear malt beverage with fewer calories and less sugar than many beer or wine-based cocktails, making this a lighter refreshment option.
Small Amount of Vitamin C
The fresh lemon wedge adds a modest dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and helps brighten the overall flavor.
Portion-Controlled Sweetness
Using just one tablespoon of grenadine keeps added sugar in check compared to syrupy cocktails, letting the natural malt and citrus flavors shine.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, any unflavored or citrus-flavored clear malt beverage—like Smirnoff Ice or Mike's Hard Lemonade—works, but adjust sweetness since they vary in sugar content.
