Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic9.9% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine, Taco Night
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusSweetenerBitters
- 1.0 ozCampariModifier
- 2.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 4.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- 4.0 ozHoney SyrupSweetener
- 1 dashAngostura BittersBitters
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeChill
- Swirl Campari in chilled cocktail glass to coat inside; discard excess Campari.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Shake remaining ingredients with ice and strain into glass.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 spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — 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.SweetenerHoney syrup is thicker and more aromatic than simple syrup. Agave is a clean swap — similar sweetness but lighter body. If you use plain sugar syrup, the drink will taste sharper and less complex. Warm honey with equal parts water first so it dissolves properly in cold drinks.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.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a High Plains Drifter No. 1?
- The High Plains Drifter No. 1 is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 9.9%. A standard serving contains approximately 390 calories.
- What does a High Plains Drifter No. 1 taste like?
- High Plains Drifter No. 1 has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Bitter, Honey, Lime. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a High Plains Drifter No. 1?
- High Plains Drifter No. 1 pairs well with Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine, Mexican Cuisine. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a High Plains Drifter No. 1?
- The High Plains Drifter No. 1 has an ABV of approximately 9.9%. That's approximately 1.82 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 390 calories, 43.4g sugar, 52.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a High Plains Drifter No. 1 typically served?
- High Plains Drifter No. 1 is a popular choice for Taco Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a High Plains Drifter No. 1?
- If you enjoy High Plains Drifter No. 1, 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 High Plains Drifter No. 1 at home?
- Yes. The High Plains Drifter No. 1 uses 5 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 High Plains Drifter No. 1 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.

