Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

Dive into the world of tropical cocktails with the famous and vibrant Applebee’s Shark Bowl.

This refreshing and eye-catching drink is a favorite among Applebee’s patrons, and for good reason – its stunning blue color, fruity flavors, and whimsical garnish have a way of transporting you straight to an island paradise.

As you explore the Applebee’s Shark Bowl recipe, you’ll learn that the key to its distinctive hue and taste is Blue Curaçao, a liqueur made from the dried peel of the Laraha citrus fruit.

Paired with blue Powerade and your choice of Captain Morgan, this tropical concoction is both delightful and easy to make at home.

Of course, no Shark Bowl would be complete without its signature gummy shark garnish.

As you prepare to impress your friends with this party-perfect cocktail, keep in mind that the presentation matters just as much as the taste.

How to Make Applebee’s Shark Bowl

Ingredients List

For a refreshing and delicious cocktail, you will need the following ingredients to create your very own Applebee’s Shark Bowl:

• 2 oz. light rum
• 2 oz. blue curacao
• 2 oz. pineapple juice
• 2 oz. orange juice
• 1 oz. grenadine
• 1 oz. coconut rum (such as Malibu Coconut)
• 4 cups of ice
• 1 gummy shark

These ingredients will give you a perfect balance of tropical fruit flavors and a distinct, fruity taste.

Step-by-step Process

Step 1:

Begin by filling a large blender with 4 cups of ice.

These cups of ice will ensure that your drink is cold and slushy, perfect for a fun and refreshing drink.

Step 2:

Add the 2 oz. light rum, 2 oz. Blue Curaçao, 2 oz. pineapple juice, 2 oz. orange juice, 1 oz. grenadine, and 1 oz. coconut rum to the blender.

Blue Curaçao gives the drink its mesmerizing blue color, while the different fruit juices contribute to the fruity flavor of the drink.

Coconut rum adds a touch of sweetness and a tropical twist.

Step 3:

Some other optional flavor additions include melon liqueur for a burst of flavor or substituting cranberry juice or lemon-lime soda for the fruit juices for a different twist.

Step 4:

Blend the mixture well until you achieve a smooth, slushy consistency.

If needed, blend in more ice for a thicker slush.

Be careful not to over-blend, as it can cause the drink to become too watery.

Step 5:

Pour the blended mixture into a large glass or fishbowl.

This will make the presentation more fun and in theme with the shark bowl concept.

Step 6:

Finally, garnish your drink with the gummy shark.

You can either let it float on top or skewer it and place it on the edge of the glass as decoration.

Serve your refreshing and delicious Applebee’s Shark Bowl cold for the best experience.

Enjoy this tropical drink and transport your taste buds to an island paradise!

Side Dishes for Applebee’s Shark Bowl

When enjoying an Applebee’s Shark Bowl, you might want delicious side dishes to complement the tropical flavors.

Here are some of the best side dishes to pair with your Shark Bowl:

Coconut Shrimp

Coconut shrimp is a crowd-pleaser with its tender shrimp coated in crispy, sweet coconut flakes.

The rich and creamy dipping sauce adds a touch of sweetness, making it a delightful side dish to enjoy with the fruity Shark Bowl.

Grilled Pineapple Skewers

Grilled pineapple skewers are a refreshing and easy-to-eat option for a tropical-themed gathering.

The caramelization from the grill enhances the pineapple’s natural sweetness, while the smoky flavor balances nicely with the cold Shark Bowl.

Mango Salsa and Chips

Mango salsa combines sweet and savory flavors with a hint of spiciness, creating a perfect accompaniment to the fruity Shark Bowl.

Scoop up your delicious mango salsa with some crispy tortilla chips, allowing you to enjoy contrasting textures as you sip your icy drink.

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wings

Caribbean jerk chicken wings offer a burst of exotic flavors that complement the Shark Bowl perfectly.

The spices in the jerk seasoning tickle your taste buds, while the succulent chicken wings provide a hearty side dish to satisfy your hunger.

Tropical Quinoa Salad

For a lighter and healthier option, consider a tropical quinoa salad packed with colorful ingredients like mango, avocado, bell peppers, and black beans.

This nutritious side dish is full of different flavors and textures, providing a refreshing and satisfying accompaniment to your fruity Shark Bowl.

These side dishes not only complement the Applebee’s Shark Bowl but also create a tropical and fun dining experience.

Enjoy them, and let your taste buds take you on a flavorful journey as you savor your Shark Bowl.

Ingredients Substitutes

Applebee’s Shark Bowl is a popular and refreshing drink that combines tropical flavors with a vibrant blue color.

If you’re looking to make your own version of this delicious beverage at home, you might want to consider some alternative ingredients to suit your taste buds or preferences.

The following list includes suggested substitutes for some of the main ingredients in the recipe, with a brief explanation of why each one might be a good pick for you.

Coconut Rum

If you love tropical vibes and want to add a hint of sweetness to your Shark Bowl, consider using coconut rum in place of light rum.

This will give your drink an added layer of flavor while still fitting in nicely with the overall tropical theme.

Make sure to adjust the amount of coconut rum to suit your tastes and ensure that the balance of flavors is just right.

Blue Colored Syrup

For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, you can replace the Blue Curaçao with a blue fruit-flavored syrup or a blue non-alcoholic cocktail mixer.

This substitution will still give the Shark Bowl a vibrant blue color and a similar fruity taste.

Experiment with different syrups until you find one that suits your personal preferences.

Gummy Candy

The gummy candy is an important part of the Shark Bowl’s visual appeal.

If you aren’t a fan of shark gummies, or if you simply can’t find them, consider using another type of gummy candy.

Look for one that is in the shape of a sea creature or has a similar aesthetic to help maintain the beverage’s fun, ocean-themed appearance.

Coconut Milk

If you enjoy a creamy texture in your drinks, you may want to substitute coconut milk for the pineapple juice in the recipe.

This adds a rich, indulgent element to the Shark Bowl while still contributing to the tropical theme.

Be cautious with the amount of coconut milk you use to avoid overwhelming the other flavors in the drink.

Paper Straw

While not an ingredient substitute, using a paper straw in your Shark Bowl can add an eco-friendly touch and enhance the tropical vibes of the drink.

Choose a straw in a color that complements the blue beverage, and enjoy sipping on your Applebee’s Shark Bowl while knowing you’re doing your part for the environment.

Remember, the key is to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your personal tastes and preferences.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on the Applebee’s Shark Bowl, ensuring that it becomes a favorite, personalized beverage for you and your friends to enjoy.

How to Store Applebee’s Shark Bowl

Applebee’s Shark Bowl is a delicious and eye-catching cocktail that comes with a vibrant blue color and is usually garnished with gummy candy and served in a plastic shark bowl, making it perfect for sharing with friends.

Since it’s a limited-time offering at Applebee’s, you may want to know how to store it effectively when you’re not enjoying it at the restaurant.

In this section, we’ll share some tips on how to store Applebee’s Shark Bowl at home.

To store the Shark Bowl properly, consider the following storage methods:

Refrigeration

Place the mixed cocktail in an airtight container or a glass pitcher with a tightly fitting lid.

Store the container in the refrigerator to keep the drink cold and maintain its freshness.

Please note that the blue color may fade slightly over time, but the flavor should remain intact.

When it’s time to serve, simply pour the cocktail into a shark bowl, garnish with gummy candy, and enjoy.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy Applebee’s Shark Bowl at a later date, you can choose to freeze the cocktail.

Pour the mixed drink into ice cube trays and place them in the freezer.

Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

To serve, simply place the frozen cubes in a shark bowl and allow them to melt slightly before adding the garnishes and enjoying the drink.

Remember to store any garnishes, like gummy candy, separately from the cocktail mix to ensure they don’t become soggy or lose their texture.

They can be kept in a cool, dry place in their packaging or in an airtight container.

Keep these storage methods in mind to make the most out of your Applebee’s Shark Bowl experience, whether you’re enjoying the cocktail at the restaurant or savoring it in the comfort of your own home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Applebee’s Shark Bowl.

Using the Wrong Type of Ice

When it comes to making a successful Applebee’s Shark Bowl drink, ice is a crucial component.

Make sure you use crushed ice rather than whole ice cubes.

Using the wrong type of ice can result in a drink that is too watery or not well-blended, which can impact the final flavor and presentation of your Shark Bowl.

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

It’s essential to measure all the ingredients accurately when making this popular drink.

Over-pouring or under-pouring any component can throw off the balance of flavors and result in a less-than-perfect Shark Bowl.

Stick to the recipe and use the appropriate measures for each ingredient to ensure a well-balanced and delicious drink.

Skipping the Gummy Shark

The Shark Bowl wouldn’t be complete without its signature gummy shark candy.

Ensure you don’t forget to add this fun element to your drink, as it is more than just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the Shark Bowl experience.

It also adds to the overall presentation and makes your drink a popular choice among friends and party guests.

Ignoring Safety Tips

It’s important to remember that while the Shark Bowl is a fun and popular drink, it also contains alcohol.

Be mindful of any guests who might be driving or have other responsibilities that may be affected by alcohol consumption.

Serve responsibly and make sure there are non-alcoholic options available.

It’s also worth noting that some gummy shark candies may pose choking hazards, so be cautious when serving the drink, especially to children.

Making Too Much

It’s easy to get carried away when making a delicious and popular drink like the Shark Bowl, but try to only prepare the amount you think will be consumed.

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, and nobody wants a watered-down Shark Bowl sitting around for too long.

If you’re unsure how much to make, start with a smaller batch and make more later if necessary.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can confidently create a delicious and visually appealing Shark Bowl drink that is sure to impress your friends and family while staying true to Applebee’s original recipe.