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The Limelight isn’t just a drink—it’s an experience. With a fiery presentation that sparks excitement, this bourbon cocktail is as much a conversation starter as it is a flavorful sip. Just be sure to have a lighter handy because when these ingredients come together, they literally light up the room.
Blending sweet, sour, and smoky notes, this cocktail is bold, unforgettable, and guaranteed to impress. If you love serving up a drink that gets people talking (and reaching for their phones to snap a pic), the Limelight is your next go-to party trick.
This show-stopping cocktail brings together a dynamic mix of flavors with bourbon, lime juice, simple syrup, pineapple juice, Campari, orange bitters, and a touch of cinnamon. The result? A fruit-forward, flavor-packed cocktail with just the right balance of tropical brightness and warm depth.
If you’re a fan of tiki classics, you might recognize a familiar profile here—the Jungle Bird.
Both drinks share pineapple, lime, and Campari, but the Limelight swaps rum for bourbon, adding a rich, smoky contrast that takes this drink to another level. That deep, oaky bourbon warmth plays beautifully against the citrusy tang and bittersweet Campari, creating an incredibly layered and complex sip.
With its bold flavors and jaw-dropping presentation, it’s no surprise that the Limelight has become a crowd favorite among my friends, family, and followers.
Step 1: Add all ingredients, except Campari and cinnamon, to a cocktail shaker, top with ice, and shake until chilled.
Step 2: Add 1 ounce of Campari to cocktail glass, add fresh ice, and strain cocktail shaker contents over top.
Why layer this cocktail? The typical reason for layering a drink is purely for aesthetic reasons rather than taste. In the case of this Limelight cocktail, I chose to layer the bright orange Campari at the bottom to create a beautiful ombre color– but this libation could also be enjoyed with all the ingredients mixed together.
Step 3: Sprinkle the top with cinnamon and enjoy!
Tip: Wondering how to get a similar spark? Just add a little extra booze to your lime shell, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon, and carefully light, enjoy, and then extinguish. As with all my cocktails, please enjoy this sipper (and its garnish!) responsibly.
Feeling adventurous? The Limelight is more than just a cocktail—it’s a full-on spectacle.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking to mix up something unforgettable, this drink delivers on both flavor and flair.
Shake one up, light it up, and get ready to steal the spotlight.
Post your creation on Instagram and tag #queenbeemixology or @queenbeemixology!
