The 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I’m Drinking All Month Long

This highly refreshing cocktail couldn't be easier to make (or more drinkable). It's perfect for the hottest days of summer.

Jul 18, 2024 - 16:00
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The 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I’m Drinking All Month Long
Trader Joe's summer cocktail over a colorful background
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

When the summer heat hits (and boy, has it hit), I crave super cold, fruity drinks that will quench my thirst. Beyond lemons and limes, I spend much of the rest of the year ignoring the juice aisle. Since I’m not a parent, I don’t stock my fridge with juice boxes and pouches, and after my own childhood ended, I didn’t form a juice-guzzling habit of my own.

So why did I pick up a bottle of Trader Joe’s To The Power of Seven Red Orangic Juice (talk about a mouthful)? First, the bottle size and shape were irresistible. Second, the color—a vibrant, cloudy red. And finally, the number. Seven, you say? Bring it on!

I also had a hunch that it would mix very nicely with tequila for a fruitier take on the margarita, and pair perfectly with vodka and maybe rum. Turns out I was right, and now I’m mixing up this two-ingredient, one-minute cocktail for the rest of the summer.

Choosing Your Booze

The first ingredient is easy: the aforementioned red juice blend. I’ve made this cocktail with a few different spirits, and they all worked. My personal favorite was a good-quality tequila blanco. Trader Joe’s house-brand tequila isn’t bad and works well here (plus, it’s just $19.99!). 

I also enjoyed this cocktail with a mild mezcal and a squeeze of lime. If you’re not a tequila or mezcal fan, try it with vodka for a nice neutral flavor that lets the juice shine or mix with white rum.

Juice from Trader Joe;s and a bottle of tequila on the counter
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph

How To Make My Trader Joe’s 2-Ingredient Cocktail

  • 1 1/2 to 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 5 ounces Trader Joe’s To The Power of Seven Red Orangic Juice Beverage
  • Optional garnishes: cut red fruit, lemon wedge

Fill a glass two-thirds full with ice. Add the tequila—1 1/2 ounces for a lighter drink or two ounces for a slightly boozier drink. Add the juice and give the drink a quick stir. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Scale It Up

This is an incredibly easy drink to batch for a crowd. For a simple, drinkable ratio, add one part spirit to three parts juice. You’ll want to allocate one to two ounces of tequila per person, depending on how big you want to make the drinks. For six to eight drinks, I’d suggest 1 1/2 cups tequila and 4 1/2 cups juice.

Trader Joe's summer cocktail
Simply Recipes / Laurel Randolph