Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic28% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Charcuterie, Cheese, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBitters
- 2.0 ozBrandyBase
- 2.0 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 1 dashAngostura BittersBitters
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Stir with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
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 spiritCognac is smooth and refined; armagnac is earthier and more rustic; calvados brings apple notes. Swapping within these still changes the flavour profile — cognac is the safest neutral choice.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Charles Cocktail?
- The Charles Cocktail is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 28.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 239 calories.
- What does a Charles Cocktail taste like?
- Charles Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Bitter, Fruit, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Charles Cocktail?
- Charles Cocktail pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Charles Cocktail?
- The Charles Cocktail has an ABV of approximately 28.0%. That's approximately 1.88 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 239 calories, 5.9g sugar, 8.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Charles Cocktail typically served?
- Charles Cocktail is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Charles Cocktail?
- If you enjoy Charles Cocktail, 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 Charles Cocktail at home?
- Yes. The Charles Cocktail uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail 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 Charles Cocktail 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.