The Masters Azalea Cocktail, the signature drink of the Augusta National tournament, offers patrons and fans a refreshing drink each spring.
The Azalea cocktail, a mix of vodka, lemonade, and grenadine, has a vibrant pink hue mirroring the famous flowers that line the course, particularly at the 13th hole, which shares its name. Attendees enjoy it as a staple refreshment alongside pimento cheese sandwiches, and millions watching from home recreate the drink.
What We Know So Far
- The Azalea is the official signature cocktail served annually at The Masters tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
- The drink's simple recipe consists of vodka, lemonade, and grenadine, garnished with a cherry and an orange or lemon slice.
- According to USA Today, the cocktail is named for the brilliant azalea flowers that adorn Augusta National and for the par-5 13th hole, also named "Azalea."
- While the exact on-site price of an Azalea cocktail remains unconfirmed, the Masters is known for its remarkably low-cost concessions, with no single item on the menu priced above $6, as reported by Golf Monthly.
- For fans at home, The Masters sold a "Limited Edition Azalea Kit" on its website for $99.99 this year, a significant increase from the $64.95 price tag in the previous year.
The History of the Azalea Cocktail at Augusta
The Azalea cocktail is inspired by the more than 30 varieties of azaleas that bloom in pink, red, and white each spring at Augusta National Golf Club, creating the tournament's famous floral backdrop. Its signature pink color directly honors these vibrant blossoms; while its exact invention date is debated among Masters historians, its connection to the club's identity is clear.
The 13th hole, a 545-yard par 5 named "Azalea," symbolizes this connection; an estimated 1,600 azalea bushes line its fairway. The cocktail's rise to fame parallels the pimento cheese sandwich, with both serving as pillars of the "patron experience"—an affordable, accessible taste of the exclusive club's hospitality.
