Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic29.6% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires rimmed glass, requires shaker
Best for: Cheese, Coffee Desserts, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrus
- 1.0 ozAnisetteModifier
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 1.0 ozCream SherryModifier
- to tasteFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeStrainChill
- Rim chilled cocktail glass with anisette.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Shake remaining ingredients with ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
CheeseCoffee DessertsDesserts
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.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 — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.Milk and creamMilk, cream and creamy ingredients change body, texture and sweetness perception. They are not neutral swaps. With citrus, add slowly and watch for curdling or texture changes. Because this drink includes citrus, changing the milk or cream can affect how smooth the drink feels.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Malmaison?
- The Malmaison is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 29.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 275 calories.
- What does a Malmaison taste like?
- Malmaison has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Anise, Dried Fruit. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Malmaison?
- Malmaison pairs well with Cheese, Coffee Desserts, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Malmaison?
- The Malmaison has an ABV of approximately 29.6%. That's approximately 2.23 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 275 calories, 11.3g sugar, 16.7g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Malmaison typically served?
- Malmaison is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Malmaison?
- If you enjoy Malmaison, 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 Malmaison at home?
- Yes. The Malmaison 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 Malmaison 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.