Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic22% ABV7 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 7 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerMixerGarnish
- 1.0 ozVodkaBase
- 0.75 ozLight RumBase
- 0.75 ozCoconut-Flavored RumBase
- 1.0 ozGrenadineSweetener
- 0.75 ozPineapple JuiceMixer
- 1 garnishPineapple WedgeGarnish
- 1 garnishMaraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeTopGarnish
- Shake first four ingredients with ice and pour into ice-filled Collins glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Fill with pineapple juice.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Garnish with pineapple and cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
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.
Swap notes
Base spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original. Vodka keeps the drink cleaner and more neutral, while light rum adds a softer sugarcane note. Replacing either one will change the drink's balance.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Caribbean Cruise?
- The Caribbean Cruise is a cocktail made with 7 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 22.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 275 calories.
- What does a Caribbean Cruise taste like?
- Caribbean Cruise has a flavour profile featuring Vanilla, Sweet, Pineapple, Tropical. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Caribbean Cruise?
- Caribbean Cruise pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Caribbean Cruise?
- The Caribbean Cruise has an ABV of approximately 22.0%. That's approximately 1.80 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 275 calories, 24.9g sugar, 26.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Caribbean Cruise typically served?
- Caribbean Cruise is a popular choice for Tropical, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Caribbean Cruise?
- If you enjoy Caribbean Cruise, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Caribbean Cruise at home?
- Yes. The Caribbean Cruise uses 7 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Collins 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 Caribbean Cruise 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.