Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic10% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrus
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 4.0 ozJuice Of OrangeCitrus
- 4.0 ozJuice Of A LimeCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Shake with ice and strain into old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add a slice of orange.
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 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 โ reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral โ the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Fort Lauderdale?
- The Fort Lauderdale is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 10.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 313 calories.
- What does a Fort Lauderdale taste like?
- Fort Lauderdale has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lime, Orange, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Fort Lauderdale?
- Fort Lauderdale pairs well with Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Fort Lauderdale?
- The Fort Lauderdale has an ABV of approximately 10.0%. That's approximately 2.01 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 313 calories, 17.9g sugar, 30.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Fort Lauderdale typically served?
- Fort Lauderdale is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Fort Lauderdale?
- If you enjoy Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale at home?
- Yes. The Fort Lauderdale uses 4 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.

