Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic29.9% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 6 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Apple Desserts, BBQ, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBittersGarnish
- 1.0 ozBourbon WhiskeyBase
- 1.0 ozApplejackBase
- 1.0 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 1 dashAngostura BittersBitters
- 1 dashPeychauds BittersBitters
- 1 garnishMaraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Stir with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish with cherry.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
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 spiritsThis drink uses more than one base spirit, so changing one bottle can shift the balance quickly. Keep the total spirit amount similar and swap within a similar style if you want the drink to stay close to the original.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.
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 — the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Grandfather?
- The Grandfather is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 29.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 213 calories.
- What does a Grandfather taste like?
- Grandfather has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Bitter, Oak, Apple. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Grandfather?
- Grandfather pairs well with Apple Desserts, BBQ, Charcuterie. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Grandfather?
- The Grandfather has an ABV of approximately 29.9%. That's approximately 1.69 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 213 calories, 6.8g sugar, 8.3g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Grandfather typically served?
- Grandfather 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 Grandfather?
- If you enjoy Grandfather, 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 Grandfather at home?
- Yes. The Grandfather uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved 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 Grandfather 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.