Cocktails

Acapulco

Acapulco is an alcoholic cocktail built on Light Rum. It leans sweet and citrus. Built and served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. Expect about 21.1% ABV and roughly 160 kcal (estimated per recipe).

Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamHow we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction

Cocktailalcoholic21.1% ABV6 ingredients

At a Glance

160 kcalCalories

21.1%ABV

6.5gSugar

7.9gCarbs

1.21Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition. Some ingredient data may be approximate.

These nutrition figures are approximate estimates for this recipe — actual values vary with your exact measures, brands and serving size.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

1 1/2 ozLight rumBase Spirit
1 1/2 tspTriple secLiqueur Modifier
1 tblspLime juiceJuice
1 tspSugarSweetener
1Egg whiteEgg Or Foamer
1MintGarnish

Contains an egg ingredient. Prepare with a fresh, safe egg; those who should avoid raw egg may prefer to skip it.

How to Make It

Combine and shake all ingredients (except mint) with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.Shaken
Add the sprig of mint and serve.Serve

How to Serve

Glass: Old-Fashioned Glass
Temperature: Chilled
Ice: Cubed ice
Method: Shaken

Served Chilled

Taste profile

Primary flavours

Supporting notes

Vanilla Mint Tart

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong

BodyLight – Full

SweetnessDry – Sweet

AcidityFlat – Crisp

FruitinessEarthy – Fruity

BoldnessDelicate – Bold

Bright and citrusy
Full-bodied

What do these dimensions mean?

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-Free Vegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-SugarVegan

Find vegan-compatible cocktails

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Light Rum1 1/2 oz

Aged RumKnown variation

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners only if the drink becomes too heavy.
What changes: Aged rum can replace light rum when a fuller, oakier variation is acceptable.

Dark RumWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; reduce rich sweeteners if the result becomes too heavy.
What changes: Dark rum can replace light rum when a deeper, heavier rum profile is welcome.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Triple Sec1 1/2 tsp

CointreauGood swap

How much to use: Use the same amount; adjust sweetness only if needed.
What changes: Cointreau is usually a strong substitute for triple sec and often gives a drier, more intense orange note.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Blue CuracaoWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount; expect a visible color change.
What changes: Blue curaçao can replace triple sec when the orange note is acceptable and the blue color is wanted.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Orange CuracaoWorks, but changes the drink

How much to use: Use the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes: Orange curaçao can replace triple sec, but it may make the drink richer or sweeter.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Lime Juice1 tblsp

Lemon JuiceWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Start with the same amount, then adjust sweetness if needed.
What changes: Lemon juice can usually replace lime juice, but the drink becomes less tropical and more lemon-forward.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar1 tsp

Simple SyrupWorks, with a noticeable change

How much to use: Use about 1/4 oz simple syrup per teaspoon of sugar as a starting point.
What changes: Simple syrup can replace sugar, but it also adds water and dissolves more easily.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Mint1

Fresh Mint LeavesGood swap

How much to use: Use a similar amount and gently clap or muddle depending on the recipe.
What changes: Fresh mint leaves are usually a close substitute for mint.

Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated July 12, 2026

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

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Try alcohol-freeBrowse mocktails and zero-ABV alternatives.Make it lighterTry a longer serve style, more ice, soda, tonic or a lower-ABV alternative.Lower the sugarCompare with drinks that use less estimated sugar per serve.Lower the caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.

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Frequently asked questions

What is an Acapulco?: The Acapulco is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What does an Acapulco taste like?: Acapulco has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Citrus, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
How strong is an Acapulco?: The Acapulco has an ABV of approximately 21.1%. That's approximately 1.21 US standard drinks. This recipe is estimated to contain 160 kcal, 6.5g sugar, 7.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and ingredients used.
What drinks are similar to an Acapulco?: If you enjoy Acapulco, the "similar flavour profile" suggestions on this page point to cocktails that share its flavour character. Drinks with a matching spirit base and comparable body and acidity feel closest.
Can I make an Acapulco at home?: Yes. The Acapulco uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?: Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?: Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Acapulco with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.