Most people don’t look at a red bell pepper and think, “Let’s drink that.” But that’s where I come in. If you’ve been hunting for a red bell pepper cocktail that actually delivers on flavor? You’re home.
Red Flag is a cocktail that shouldn’t work—but does. It’s built on bourbon, balanced with fresh strawberry and red bell pepper, shaken like it means it, and finished with a citrus pop. This bad boy is sweet, vegetal, a little weird, and completely addictive.
If you’ve ever wanted a drink that straddles the line between savory cocktail and fruit-forward whiskey sour, this is your new favorite experiment.
Can You Really Put Red Bell Pepper In A Cocktail?
Bell peppers aren’t just for stir fry and sad office hummus plates. They’re crisp, juicy, and lightly sweet. Red ones are the ripest and most mellow, which makes them ideal for cocktails—especially when paired with fruit.
In Red Flag, the red bell pepper doesn’t dominate—it just whispers behind the strawberries, backing them up like the cool bassist in a funk band.
What Spirits Work in Cocktails with Bell Pepper?
Bell pepper is a flexible ingredient, but not every liquor wants to play nice. In this case, bourbon brings just the right warmth and spice to round out the drink.
Other good pairings:
- Gin (especially herbal or citrusy)
- Tequila or mezcal (if you’re going for smoke)
- Vodka (for the control freaks)
But for this one? We’re going full whiskey sour mode—with a vegetable twist.
The Recipe: Red Flag
Ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 3 decent sized strawberries, cut up
- a couple of solid chunks of red bell pepper
- 1 oz simple syrup
Instructions:
- Muddle the red bell pepper, strawberries, and lemon juice in a shaker until your wrist doth protest. Then muddle it more.
- Add bourbon and syrup
- Shake hard over ice until chilled and deeply annoyed.
- Double strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a red bell pepper slice or strawberry—bonus points if it makes someone ask, “wait, is that a pepper?”
Is This a Vegetable-Based Cocktail or Just a Flex?
Yes.
It’s a flex and a legit recipe. You’re not throwing kale in a daiquiri—this works. The bell pepper is subtle but essential. It gives body. It makes the strawberry taste like fruit, not candy. It makes the bourbon feel intentional.
This is a vegetal cocktail recipe that doesn’t rely on tomato juice or salt rims. Just balance.
Final Thoughts on This Bell Pepper Drink Recipe
This isn’t some fussy bar trick. It’s a cocktail you can make at home, with ingredients you might already have. And it’s not about being different for the sake of it—it’s about discovering new balances in flavor.
So if you’re looking for a sign to start putting vegetables in your cocktails, consider this your Red Flag.