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I remember the first time I ordered the Shark Bowl at Applebee’s. It looked like a mini ocean in a glass, with a gummy shark floating on top.

The bright blue color caught my eye, and the tropical flavors made it so refreshing. That’s when I thought, why not try making this at home?

You can easily make Applebee’s Shark Bowl at home. Use spiced rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, lemonade, Sprite, and a gummy shark for garnish.

Just blend everything into a slushy drink. It looks as good as the one from the restaurant.

When you make it yourself, you control the sweetness and strength. You can keep it classic or add your own twist.

Try a non-alcoholic version for everyone to enjoy. This recipe gives you that tropical vibe right in your kitchen.

It’s perfect for parties or just when you want something fun and different.

Why You Will Love Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

This recipe is simple to make but feels special. The bright blue color stands out, and the gummy shark garnish makes it playful.

It looks impressive without needing bartending skills. The flavor balances sweet and citrus with a smooth finish from the rum.

You get tropical notes from pineapple and lemonade. It’s easy to sip on a warm day or while hosting friends.

You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste. For example:

Use coconut rum for a stronger tropical flavor.

Swap in sparkling water with lemon for a lighter drink.
Try a non-alcoholic version with pineapple juice, lemonade, and a splash of blue sports drink.

You can mix a batch ahead of time and keep it chilled. Pour it over ice when you’re ready.

The drink pairs nicely with spicy appetizers or simple bar snacks.

It’s versatile. Make a fun party drink, a summer cocktail, or a kid-friendly version with no alcohol.

You might find yourself making it more than once. It’s quick, colorful, and easy to share.

How To Make Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

When you make this drink at home, you want it to look fun and taste refreshing. The right mix of ingredients and simple steps give you that bright blue slushy with a gummy shark on top.

Ingredients

You need a few key liquids for that tropical flavor and color. Start with spiced rum for warmth and depth.

Blue curaçao gives the drink its ocean look and a light citrus note. Add pineapple juice and lemonade for sweetness and tang.

Finish with a splash of Sprite or lemon-lime soda for fizz. For texture, use crushed ice instead of cubes.

It blends smoother and melts slower. Add a splash of coconut rum or coconut water if you want more coconut flavor.

Don’t forget the garnish. A couple of gummy sharks make the drink playful and recognizable.

Drop in a slice of pineapple or orange if you want to dress it up more.

Instruments

You don’t need fancy bar tools. A blender is the most important tool since this is a frozen drink.

Make sure it’s strong enough to crush ice into a smooth slush. Use measuring cups and spoons to keep your ratios balanced.

A large glass or fishbowl-style glass works best for serving. It gives the drink room to look fun and colorful.

A mixing spoon helps you stir in the soda at the end. Grab a thick straw or a reusable smoothie straw for serving.

An ice scoop makes it easier to measure out crushed ice quickly.

Step-By-Step Instruction

Add crushed ice, rum, curaçao, pineapple juice, lemonade, and coconut rum (if using) into your blender. Blend until the mix turns smooth and slushy.

Pour the blended drink into your large serving glass. Leave a little space at the top for soda.

Slowly pour in Sprite for a fizzy lift. Stir gently with a spoon so the bubbles stay fresh.

Drop one or two gummy sharks on top. Let them float or hang one on the rim.

Serve right away with a straw or spoon. It tastes best when it’s still icy and cold.

Tips & Tricks

I’ve made this drink a few times for friends. The small details really make a difference.

Chill your ingredients first. Cold soda, juice, and alcohol keep the drink refreshing.
Use plenty of ice. Crushed ice blends smoothly and gives that slushy texture.
Pick the right glass. A large bowl-style glass or wide tumbler makes the presentation more fun.

Ingredient Substitute

Sometimes you might not have every ingredient on hand. You can still make a tasty Shark Bowl with a few swaps.

Rum: Use vodka for a lighter flavor if you don’t have rum. Coconut rum also works for extra tropical notes.

Blue Curaçao: Try a blue sports drink like Blue Powerade or Gatorade for color. Add a splash of orange liqueur for flavor.
Pineapple Juice: Mango juice or passion fruit juice can step in if pineapple isn’t available.
Orange Juice: Swap with tangerine juice or a citrus blend. Make sure it’s not too sour.

Lime Juice: Lemon juice is the closest option. You can skip it if you prefer less tartness.
Grenadine: Use raspberry syrup or pomegranate juice concentrate for similar color and sweetness.
Shark Gummy: Any gummy candy shaped like a sea creature works. I’ve even used gummy worms and it was still fun.

These changes let you adjust the recipe without losing the playful look and tropical taste.

What To Serve With Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

When you make the Shark Bowl at home, you’ll want snacks or sides that match its tropical vibe. I’ve tried a few pairings, and they always make the drink feel more complete.

Here are some easy ideas you can serve alongside your Shark Bowl:

Coconut Shrimp – The crunchy coating and sweetness balance the drink.
Grilled Pineapple Skewers – Caramelized pineapple pairs well with the cold cocktail.
Mango Salsa with Chips – A fresh salsa with a little spice gives you a crisp contrast.

Jerk Chicken Wings – The seasoning brings a savory kick that works with the fruity rum base.
Tropical Quinoa Salad – Light and colorful, this side keeps things balanced.

You don’t need to overthink it. Just aim for foods with tropical flavors, light textures, or a touch of spice.

How To Store Applebee’s Shark Bowl Recipe

When I first made this drink at home, I learned that storing it the right way keeps the flavors fresh. Since it’s a slushy cocktail, you can’t just leave it out or it will turn watery.

The best way is to keep the mix in the refrigerator if you plan to drink it within a day. Use an airtight container or a pitcher with a tight lid.

If you want to save it longer, freezing works better. I like to pour extra drink into ice cube trays and freeze them.

Later, you can blend or stir the cubes back into a slushy consistency. Keep these tips in mind:

Always store gummy sharks separately so they don’t get soggy.
Use crushed ice only when serving to avoid watering it down.

Freeze in smaller portions so you can thaw only what you need.

This way, you can enjoy your Shark Bowl later without losing that bright color and fruity taste.

Nutritional Value

When you make the Shark Bowl at home, it’s good to know what you’re sipping.

This drink looks fun and colorful, but it packs a fair amount of sugar and calories.

The numbers shift depending on what you use and how much you pour.

Applebee’s serves the Shark Bowl in a big glass, so the calories go up compared to a smaller homemade version.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the usual nutrition for one serving:

Calories: about 250–630
Carbohydrates: around 30g–127g

Protein: 0g–1g
Fat: 0g
Alcohol content: about 10% ABV

Different recipes and glass sizes cause that wide range.

If you make it at home, you can tweak the sweetness and pour size.

Use less mix or a smaller glass to cut sugar and calories.

This drink doesn’t really offer protein or fat, just quick energy from sugar and alcohol.

If you’re keeping an eye on your intake, you could share it or save it for a special treat.