Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic19.3% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Cheese, Chocolate, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusDairy / texture
- 2.0 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozMaraschinoModifier
- 1.0 ozEgg WhiteDairy / texture
- 2.0 ozGinBase
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
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 spiritGin swaps are risky โ botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option โ use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.
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 โ the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Cornell Cocktail?
- The Cornell Cocktail is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 19.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 253 calories.
- What does a Cornell Cocktail taste like?
- Cornell Cocktail has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lemon, Almond, Botanical. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Cornell Cocktail?
- Cornell Cocktail pairs well with Cheese, Chocolate, Citrus Based Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Cornell Cocktail?
- The Cornell Cocktail has an ABV of approximately 19.3%. That's approximately 1.93 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 253 calories, 9.1g sugar, 14.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Cornell Cocktail typically served?
- Cornell Cocktail is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Cornell Cocktail?
- If you enjoy Cornell 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 Cornell Cocktail at home?
- Yes. The Cornell Cocktail uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Cornell 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.

