Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic18.4% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Aperitif, Happy Hour
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierSweetener
- 2.0 ozDry VermouthModifier
- 1.0 ozBrandyBase
- 2.0 ozTriple SecModifier
- 2.0 ozPowdered SugarSweetener
- 1 dashBittersModifier
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Shake with ice and strain into old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVegetarian
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.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.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Combo?
- The Combo is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 18.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 447 calories.
- What does a Combo taste like?
- Combo has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Citrus, Herbal, Sugar. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Combo?
- Combo pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Combo?
- The Combo has an ABV of approximately 18.4%. That's approximately 2.16 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 447 calories, 50.3g sugar, 54.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Combo typically served?
- Combo is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Combo?
- If you enjoy Combo, 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 Combo at home?
- Yes. The Combo uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Combo 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.