Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic17.5% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Dessert
Ingredients & Tools
BaseSweetenerDairy / texture
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- Freshly grated nutmegWarm MilkDairy / texture
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirTop
- Pour rum and syrup in prewarmed Irish coffee glass, fill with warm milk, and stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Top with nutmeg.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
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 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.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.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Night Cap?
- The Night Cap is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Irish Coffee Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 17.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 332 calories.
- What does a Night Cap taste like?
- Night Cap has a flavour profile featuring Cream, Vanilla, Sweet, Rich. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Night Cap?
- Night Cap pairs well with Seafood, Spicy Food, Tropical Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Night Cap?
- The Night Cap has an ABV of approximately 17.5%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 332 calories, 44.4g sugar, 44.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Night Cap typically served?
- Night Cap is a popular choice for Dessert, Date Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Night Cap?
- If you enjoy Night Cap, 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 Night Cap at home?
- Yes. The Night Cap uses 3 ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. You will need a Irish Coffee 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 Night Cap 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.