Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic14.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatelayered drink
Why: 5 ingredients, layered drink, requires shaker
Best for: Desserts, BBQ, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierMixer
- 2.0 ozDark RumBase
- 2.0 ozCranberry JuiceMixer
- 2.0 ozPineapple JuiceMixer
- 1.0 ozOrange CuracaoModifier
- 1.0 ozSour MixMixer
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Mix all ingredients except curacao with ice, shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Pour into collins glass and float curacao on top.
- Garnish with pineapple and orange slices, and a cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
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 spiritWhite rum is light and clean; gold rum adds vanilla warmth; dark rum is rich and molasses-heavy. Swapping between them changes the body and sweetness — reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Cool Carlos?
- The Cool Carlos is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 322 calories.
- What does a Cool Carlos taste like?
- Cool Carlos has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Apple, Pineapple, Caramel. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Cool Carlos?
- Cool Carlos pairs well with Desserts, BBQ, Chocolate. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Cool Carlos?
- The Cool Carlos has an ABV of approximately 14.7%. That's approximately 1.96 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 322 calories, 28.7g sugar, 34.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Cool Carlos typically served?
- Cool Carlos is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Cool Carlos?
- If you enjoy Cool Carlos, 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 Cool Carlos at home?
- Yes. The Cool Carlos uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Cool Carlos 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.