Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe

On a warm afternoon in Orlando, I had the chance to sit inside the famous Outback Steakhouse.

My husband had a business trip, and we used some free time to explore the city. While enjoying lamb chops, we wanted something refreshing to drink.

Then I noticed the Koala Punch on the menu. I had seen it trending on TikTok before, so I knew this was the drink to try.

When it arrived, bright and colorful, I took a sip and instantly understood the hype. It was fruity, smooth, and chilled just right.

Later at home, I looked for the Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe but could not find the exact version. Then I recalled the Outback menu actually listed the main ingredients, so I recreated my own version.

Today I am sharing this copycat recipe so you can also enjoy the Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch at home without any trouble.

Why is it called Koala Punch Drink?

The name might make you think there’s something special about koalas in this drink. But they don’t actually use any koala ingredients.

The name comes from how Outback Steakhouse serves this drink. They put a small plastic koala toy on the rim of your glass.

This little koala sits there looking cute while you drink. You get to keep that koala toy as a souvenir. That’s where the name “Koala Punch” comes from.

Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Ingredients

• Bacardi Superior Rum (1 oz): This clear white rum comes from sugarcane. It has a light and smooth taste without a strong alcohol bite. This makes it perfect for mixing with sweet ingredients. The clean flavor lets the fruit juices shine through. You can substitute this with any white rum like Captain Morgan White Rum or Cruzan Light Rum.
• Malibu Pineapple Rum (1 oz): This is a coconut-flavored rum that also has a taste of pineapple. It is a little bit sweet and has a tropical flavor. It is what gives this drink its famous fruity taste.
• Lemonade (3 oz): We use regular, store-bought lemonade. You can use your favorite brand. The lemonade adds a sweet and sour tang that balances the sweet rums. It makes the drink refreshing.
• Mango Juice (1 oz): This is pure mango juice or nectar, not a mango-flavored drink. It adds a thick, sweet, and fruity flavor that makes the punch taste more tropical.
• Watermelon Juice (1 oz): This is pure watermelon juice. If you can’t find it, you can blend fresh watermelon and strain it. It gives the drink a fresh, sweet taste and a beautiful pinkish-red color.
• Ice: You need plenty of ice for this recipe. Ice goes in both the shaker and the serving glass. It keeps everything cold and refreshing. The ice also helps blend all flavors together when you shake the drink.
• Garnish (1 Toy Koala): A small plastic toy koala sits on your glass rim. This makes your homemade drink look just like the restaurant version. You can buy toy koalas online or at party stores. Some people collect these little koalas from different visits to Outback.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Cocktail shaker – Choose one with a tight lid
2. Measuring cup – Small one for accurate liquid amounts
3. Strainer – Keeps ice chips out of drink
4. Tall glass – Highball or hurricane glass works best
5. Ice scoop – Makes filling glass easier

How To Make Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch

Step 1 | Prepare Your Glass

First, take your tall glass. Fill it all the way to the top with fresh ice cubes. Set the glass aside so it’s ready for your delicious drink.

Step 2 | Shake It Up

Now, take your cocktail shaker and fill it about halfway with ice. Pour the Bacardi rum, Malibu rum, lemonade, mango juice, and watermelon juice into the shaker.

Put the lid on tightly. Now, shake it really well! Shake it for about 15-20 seconds. You will know it’s ready when the outside of the shaker feels very cold to the touch.

Step 3 | Strain and Garnish

Take the lid off your shaker. If you have a built-in strainer, use that. If not, place your separate strainer over the top of the shaker.

Carefully pour the drink from the shaker into your prepared glass filled with ice. The strainer will catch the ice chips from the shaker.

Finally, take your toy koala and gently hang it on the rim of your glass. That’s it! Your perfect Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch recipe is ready to enjoy.

Tips for Making Perfect Drink

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your drink turns out amazing every single time.

• Chill Your Ingredients First: For an extra cold drink, put your juices and lemonade in the refrigerator for a few hours before you start. This way, the ice will not melt as fast and water down your punch.
• Use Fresh Fruit Juice: If you can, make your own watermelon juice by blending fresh watermelon. The flavor is much brighter and fresher than many store-bought versions.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The drink is meant to be sweet. But if it is too sweet for you, add a small squeeze of fresh lime juice. This will cut the sweetness and add a nice zing.
• No Shaker? No Problem! If you do not have a shaker, you can mix everything right in the glass. Just stir it for a long time with a spoon to mix and chill it well.

Food pairs well with this drink

This drink pairs well with grilled lamb, chicken, or seafood. It also complements spicy foods because the fruity sweetness helps cool the palate.

At Outback, many people enjoy it with steak and blooming onion appetizers.

How to Store and How Long It Lasts

Koala Punch tastes best when served fresh and cold. Since it contains juices and ice, it is not ideal for long storage.

If needed, mix the juices and rum ahead of time and keep them in a sealed bottle in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Do not add ice until right before serving to avoid dilution. Fresh watermelon juice should be consumed the same day for best flavor.

If preparing for a party, make a large batch and keep it chilled in a pitcher with a lid, then pour over fresh ice when serving.

Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe FAQs

1. Where can I find the little toy koala?

You can find small plastic toy koalas in many places. Craft stores often have them in the toy section.

You can also look online on websites like Amazon or eBay. Just search for “plastic koala toy” or “koala party favor.” You will find many options to choose from.

2. Why did my drink turn out too strong?

If the alcohol taste is too strong, you can adjust it. Next time, try using a little less rum. You can use half an ounce of each instead of a full ounce.

Another idea is to add a bit more lemonade or mango juice to balance the flavors better.

3. How strong is the alcohol in this punch?

The drink has a light alcohol taste because of the white and coconut rums. It’s meant to be smooth and fruity, not very strong.

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Yield: 1

Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe

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Enjoy a refreshing Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe in just 5 minutes! This fruity cocktail blends rum, mango, watermelon, and lemonade for the perfect drink.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 oz Bacardi Superior Rum
• 1 oz Malibu Pineapple Rum
• 3 oz Lemonade (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 oz Mango Juice (or nectar)
• 1 oz Watermelon Juice (fresh or bottled)
• Ice (enough for shaker and serving glass)
• 1 Plastic Toy Koala (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Fill a tall highball glass all the way to the top with fresh ice cubes. Set aside while you prepare the drink.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add ice until halfway full. Pour in Bacardi rum, Malibu pineapple rum, lemonade, mango juice, and watermelon juice. Secure the lid tightly. Shake hard for 15–20 seconds until the shaker feels cold to the touch.
3. Using a built-in or separate strainer, pour the liquid into your prepared glass filled with ice. This keeps out extra ice chips. Clip a small plastic koala toy on the rim of the glass to recreate the restaurant style. Serve right away and enjoy your Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe chilled.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 185Sodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 18gSugar: 16g

The sweet tropical flavors create a drink that everyone will love. The cute koala garnish makes it extra special and brings smiles to faces.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this popular Outback Steakhouse Koala Punch Recipe anytime.