Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic18% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Tropical Food, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierMixer
- 1/2 ozRumBase
- 1/2 ozVodkaBase
- 1/2 ozGinBase
- 1/2 ozBlue CuracaoModifier
- 2 ozSour MixMixer
- 1 splashLemon-Lime SodaMixer
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeServe
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker of ice.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Shake well.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Serve on the rocks.ServeServing style affects temperature, dilution and presentation.
Best For
Food Pairings
SeafoodTropical Food
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 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. Vodka keeps the drink cleaner and more neutral, while light rum adds a softer sugarcane note. Replacing either one will change the drink's balance.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a National Aquarium?
- The National Aquarium is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 18.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 223 calories.
- What does a National Aquarium taste like?
- National Aquarium has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Botanical, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a National Aquarium?
- National Aquarium pairs well with Seafood, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a National Aquarium?
- The National Aquarium has an ABV of approximately 18.0%. That's approximately 1.25 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 223 calories, 20.5g sugar, 23.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a National Aquarium typically served?
- National Aquarium is a popular choice for Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a National Aquarium?
- If you enjoy National Aquarium, 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 National Aquarium at home?
- Yes. The National Aquarium uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved to prepare at home. You will need a Collins 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 National Aquarium 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.