Applebee’s Shark Bowl cocktail has become a social media sensation, thanks to its eye-catching blue color and cute gummy shark garnish. This frozen tropical delight packs 12 ounces of Captain Morgan rum mixed with coconut, pineapple, and citrus flavors. Regulars know this refreshing blend as the “Blue Bahama Mama.”
Customers can grab this Instagram-worthy drink for $7-$10, making it a perfect mix of tropical escape and entertainment. Blue curaçao liqueur gives the cocktail its signature azure tint, though Applebee’s bartenders have kept the complete recipe under wraps – until now. This piece breaks down everything about this popular 10% alcohol cocktail, from exact ingredients to the professional mixing techniques that make it special.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind Applebee’s Shark Bowl Drink
Applebee’s added an exciting twist to their cocktail menu that took social media by storm in January 2019. The restaurant chain posted their new creation on Facebook with an irresistible tagline: “The shark that you’ll swim towards. Our new Shark Bowl mucho is mixed with Captain Morgan and topped with a gummy shark”.
Origin of the blue tropical cocktail
The story behind the Shark Bowl goes back to those classic blue tropical cocktails from the 1950s. Harry Yee, head bartender at Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, created the first Blue Hawaii tropical drink on January 3, 1957. His refreshing mix of blue Curaçao, light rum, vodka, and sweet and sour mix created that signature blue color we see in tropical drinks today.
Blue cocktails became a staple on American bar menus over the last several years. Restaurant chains started adding these eye-catching drinks to their menus. Red Lobster created their Blue Dream Sangria with blue curaçao. Even upscale spots like New York’s PDT served tiki-inspired blue drinks such as “the Shark” – a mix of butter-infused rum, pineapple juice, Frangelico, and blue Curaçao.
The Shark Bowl made its debut in early 2019 as a limited-time drink at select locations. The launch seemed perfect to help customers escape those winter blues into a tropical state of mind. One source put it well: “Applebee’s is trying to get us out of the cold and into vacation mode — easy to do when there are tropical drinks at the ready”.
The launch paired perfectly with another Captain Morgan special – a $2.00 Captain and Cola drink of the month. This rum-focused campaign aimed to boost customer visits during slower winter months.
The Shark Bowl cost $7.50 (prices varied by location) and came in Applebee’s signature “Mucho” goblet. Customers needed to check online or call ahead since not all locations offered the drink.
Why it became a customer favorite
The Shark Bowl caught on quickly and with good reason too. The drink stood out with its unique look – a 12-ounce frozen blue slushy topped with a fun gummy shark. This eye-catching presentation made it perfect for social media sharing during a time when food and drink posts ruled Instagram.
The flavor hit the sweet spot for many customers looking for a tropical getaway. People loved this “frosty blue concoction” that blended Captain Morgan spiced rum with tropical fruit juices. One happy customer shared on social media: “I tried this it was SOOO good!”.
On top of that, it brought something new to the table. The gummy shark garnish added a playful touch that made it stand out from other drinks. One publication noted how customers might “think Shark Week has come early” seeing the shark “splashing his way through the icy, slushy blue drink”.
The drink’s reasonable price point compared to specialty cocktails at standalone bars helped drive its popularity. This perfect mix of themed presentation and affordable luxury turned the Shark Bowl into more than just a drink – it became an experience worth seeking out.
Official Shark Bowl Ingredients Breakdown
The magic behind Applebee’s famous Shark Bowl lies in its unique mix of spirits, syrups, and garnishes that create a distinctive tropical experience. My research from multiple sources reveals the definitive breakdown of this eye-catching concoction.
The exact spirits used (types of rum)
Captain Morgan spiced rum sits at the heart of every authentic Shark Bowl. The recipe packs more complexity than most customers might think. The standard recipe needs 1.5 oz of rum per serving.
Seasoned bartenders say the rum component blends three different types:
- Spiced rum (3/4 oz): Adds warmth and depth to the drink
- White rum (3/4 oz): Creates a crisp, clean foundation
- Coconut rum (3/4 oz): Brings a sweet tropical touch
Vodka sneaks in as a secret ingredient that rounds out the flavor profile. A bartender shares: “We tried the recipe without vodka and something just wasn’t right”.
The secret to its signature blue color
Blue curaçao gives the Shark Bowl its striking blue color that catches everyone’s eye. This sweet, orange-flavored liqueur balances the drink’s sweetness with citrus notes.
Applebee’s doesn’t use standard blue curaçao like most bars. They mix their own special blend. Bartenders talk about a special “blue tropical concentrate” or “blue tropical crap concentrate” that gives the drink its unique color and consistency. An ex-employee shares: “The mixture comes premade and it’s thick and super blue… they call it blue tropical”.
Fruit juices and mixers
The tropical profile comes from a blend of fruit juices:
Pineapple juice (1-2 oz): Sets the tropical foundation Lemonade (2 oz): Brings brightness and tang
Some versions use a special blend of blueberry, pineapple, and cherry juices. An Applebee’s bartender reveals: “We blend something that’s basically mixed fruit juices until the ice gets covered”.
Each Shark Bowl packs 430 calories, 70g of carbs, and 60g of sugars. These sugars make it a crowd favorite.
The iconic gummy shark garnish
The gummy shark garnish makes this drink unforgettable. This candy perched on the rim creates a playful look that guests love to photograph.
Strict vegetarians should know these gummy sharks might contain gelatin. The shark seems to swim through the bright blue cocktail, making it perfect for social media posts.
Home bartenders should pick quality gummy sharks to nail the presentation. One fan puts it best: “That shark garnish makes all the difference”.
Step-by-Step Shark Bowl Recipe
Want to make that famous tropical drink at home? I’ve looked at recipes from several former Applebee’s bartenders. Here’s the most accurate way to create your own shark bowl cocktail that matches their signature blue drink.
Equipment you’ll need
The right tools will help you nail that authentic Applebee’s shark bowl experience. You’ll need:
- Blender: A regular countertop blender will give you that perfect slushy consistency
- Measuring cups and jiggers: The right measurements make the difference between a balanced drink and one that misses the mark
- Fishbowl glass: The classic fishbowl creates that authentic look you want
- Alternative glassware: A large stemless wine glass or hurricane glass works great if you don’t have a fishbowl
- Straws or spoons: You’ll need these to enjoy the slushy texture
Measuring the perfect proportions
The right proportions will make your homemade version taste just like Applebee’s shark bowl. Here’s what reliable sources recommend:
Base spirits:
- 1-1.5 oz spiced rum (Captain Morgan’s the real deal)
- 1 oz vodka (this secret ingredient completes the flavor)
- 1 oz blue curaçao (gives color and orange flavor)
Mixers:
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz lemonade or sweet-and-sour mix
- 2 cups ice
Former Applebee’s staff say the restaurant uses its own mix: “2oz mix, 2oz water, and 2oz spiced rum”. The ingredients above create an amazing match if you can’t get the original mix.
Mixing techniques for the ideal texture
Your mixing method shapes the shark bowl’s final texture. Here’s what works best:
- Put all liquid ingredients in the blender first
- Add about 2 cups of ice (enough to fill your glass)
- Blend until smooth but thick enough to hold the gummy shark
- You can shake ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled glass for a non-blended version
Temperature control matters – your drink should be ice-cold but not watery. One bartender suggests: “Mix the rum and ice in a blender with enough ice to fill your glass, then add juice mixture until it covers the ice before blending”.
Presentation tips from Applebee’s bartenders
The shark bowl stands out because of its presentation. The pros suggest:
- Glass preparation: A chilled glass keeps that frozen texture longer
- Garnish placement: Let the gummy shark “swim” on the rim of your blue drink
- Extra visual effects: Some bartenders use “dry ice to create a bubbling, misty effect”
- Color enhancement: “Fresh squeezed juices boost the vibrant flavors and colors”
- Balance check: “Sweet and sour notes should work together for the perfect sip”
One former Applebee’s employee adds that “to amp up the drama,” you can add orange slices or maraschino cherries alongside the gummy shark.
That gummy shark makes this drink special – it turns a blue cocktail into the real shark bowl experience that people love at Applebee’s.
Common Mistakes When Making Applebee’s Shark Bowl
Making Applebee’s famous Shark Bowl at home sounds great, but it’s not as simple as following a recipe. Let’s look at some common mistakes that can make your homemade version miss the mark.
Wrong rum selection
The right rum makes all the difference in nailing the signature flavor. Applebee’s uses Captain Morgan Spiced Rum in their official Shark Bowl. Many people try to use just white rum, which misses those warm, spiced notes that make the drink special.
The best results come from a three-rum mix that some recipes suggest: spiced rum (3/4 oz), white rum (3/4 oz), and coconut rum (3/4 oz). St. Lucia Bounty for spiced rum and Flor De Caña for white rum work better than generic brands.
Incorrect blue curaçao substitutes
The bright blue color is maybe the most eye-catching part of the Shark Bowl. Many home bartenders struggle to find real blue curaçao and end up using poor alternatives.
A lot of people try using blue sports drinks or food coloring with orange juice. These might give you the blue color, but they can’t match the orange-citrus flavor of real blue curaçao, which has about 25% ABV.
Clear curaçao with blue food coloring works as a decent backup. If you want something fancier, “Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao” gives amazing flavor, though the color’s different.
Improper blending techniques
The texture matters just as much as taste in this cocktail. Over-blending leads to a watery drink instead of that perfect slushy consistency.
Getting the balance right is key – many home versions fail because “the sweetness and acidity are not in harmony”. Using store-bought lemonade instead of fresh lemon juice and natural sweeteners often makes the drink too sweet.
The right ice-to-liquid ratio makes a big difference. Start with your liquid ingredients, then add about 2 cups of ice – just enough to fill your glass.
Serving temperature errors
The serving temperature can make or break your Shark Bowl. Pouring the blend into warm glasses causes the drink to melt too fast.
Here’s an easy fix: “Chill the glass or bowl before serving to keep your Shark Bowl cold for longer”. This simple step keeps your drink at the perfect consistency.
The presentation needs attention too. Your gummy shark should look like it’s swimming through the drink, not just sitting on top or hiding at the bottom.
Shark Bowl Variations to Try at Home
You can raise your home mixology game by learning about creative variations once you know the simple Shark Bowl recipe. These tailored versions give everyone options while keeping the drink’s signature blue appeal.
Non-alcoholic Shark Bowl for kids
A kid-friendly version is easy to make yet looks impressive. The recipe needs you to skip the rum, vodka, and blue curaçao, and use these instead:
- Blue sports drink (like Powerade) mixed with pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon of blue curaçao syrup per drink (for authentic orange flavor without alcohol)
- Optional few drops of rum extract (a little goes a long way)
The ingredients should be pulsed in a blender with ice until they reach a slushy consistency. Kids especially enjoy the gummy shark garnish, which makes this perfect for ocean-themed parties.
Spicy Shark Bowl with jalapeño infusion
Adults seeking excitement will love this heat-packed version. The recipe starts with jalapeño-infused simple syrup:
- Boil one deseeded jalapeño with 1¼ cups water for 5 minutes
- Add 1 cup agave syrup and stir until dissolved
- Strain and cool completely
Your standard Shark Bowl recipe needs ½ ounce of this spicy syrup to replace part of the sweetener. The heat level can be adjusted to taste—note that ¼ to ½ ounce adds heat without overpowering the drink.
Frozen vs. on-the-rocks versions
Each serving style creates its own experience. The frozen version gives consistent dilution and tropical vacation vibes—like “enjoying a grown-up slushie”. The on-the-rocks presentation looks more sophisticated and dilutes slowly, especially with larger ice cubes.
The on-rocks version requires vigorous shaking with ice, straining into a glass with fresh ice, and adding traditional garnish.
Batch recipe for parties
Making larger quantities for gatherings is simple:
All liquid ingredients except ice should be mixed in a large container and refrigerated until needed. Guests can enjoy either blended batches or a punch bowl version. The punch bowl needs multiple ice cream scoops in a large bowl, with blue mixture poured over top and several gummy sharks added.
This method allows self-service while keeping the drink’s visual appeal—truly “a spectacle and a crowd-pleaser”.
Applebee’s Shark Bowl perfectly combines fun and tropical refreshment. The original limited-time drink has become one of the most photographed cocktails that ever spread across social media.
You can make this popular cocktail at home with the right ingredients and methods. Quality spirits make all the difference, and Captain Morgan spiced rum works best when mixed with the right amount of fruit juices and mixers. A gummy shark on top adds that playful touch that makes this drink unique.
You might make mistakes when mixing it for the first time. The authentic Applebee’s taste comes from choosing good rum, mixing it properly, and serving it at the right temperature. The Shark Bowl tastes great frozen or on the rocks. You can make it as a single drink or in big batches for parties while keeping its signature taste.
This drink works well in different ways – from alcohol-free versions for family events to spicy twists for bold taste buds. The iconic blue cocktail shows how basic ingredients and creative presentation can create something truly memorable.
Here are some FAQs about the Shark Bowl Applebee’s:
How much does a Shark Bowl cost at Applebee’s?
The Shark Bowl at Applebee’s typically costs around 10to12, depending on the location. This tropical drink is a fan favorite and is often ordered for its vibrant presentation and refreshing taste. If you’re looking for the exact shark bowl Applebee’s price, it’s best to check with your local restaurant as prices may vary slightly.
What is the Blue Shark drink at Applebee’s?
The Blue Shark drink at Applebee’s is a vibrant, tropical cocktail that features a mix of rum, blue curaçao, and fruit flavors. It’s part of the Applebee’s shark bowl drink lineup, known for its eye-catching blue color and shark-themed presentation. This drink is perfect for those who enjoy sweet and fruity cocktails with a fun twist.
How much do Bacardi buckets cost at Applebee’s?
Bacardi buckets at Applebee’s usually cost between 15and20, depending on the location and any ongoing promotions. These buckets are a popular choice for groups, as they include multiple servings of Bacardi-based cocktails. The price may vary slightly, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local Applebee’s for the most accurate pricing.
How much does an Applebee’s franchise cost?
Opening an Applebee’s franchise can cost anywhere from 2millionto8 million, depending on factors like location, size, and construction costs. This investment covers everything from real estate to equipment and initial inventory. If you’re considering an Applebee’s franchise, it’s important to review the detailed financial requirements provided by the company.
What does the Blue Shark do?
The Blue Shark drink at Applebee’s is designed to provide a fun and refreshing tropical experience. It’s part of the Applebee’s shark bowl drink menu and is known for its bright blue color and shark-themed presentation. The drink is perfect for social gatherings or simply enjoying a sweet and fruity cocktail.
What does the shark contain?
The Shark Bowl at Applebee’s contains a mix of rum, blue curaçao, and tropical fruit flavors, making it a delicious and visually appealing cocktail. This Applebee’s shark bowl recipe is designed to be both refreshing and fun, often served in a bowl with a shark-shaped garnish. It’s a great choice for those looking to enjoy a unique and shareable drink.
What is the blue drink?
The blue drink at Applebee’s is likely referring to the Blue Shark or Shark Bowl, both of which feature a vibrant blue color from the blue curaçao. These Applebee’s shark bowl drinks are known for their tropical flavors and fun presentation, often served in a bowl with a shark-themed garnish. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet and visually striking cocktail.
