Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic18.1% ABV7 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 7 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrusGarnish
- 1.0 ozAbsintheBase
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozLillet BlancModifier
- 2.0 ozFresh Grapefruit JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozOrange MarmaladeCitrus
- 1 garnishGrapefruit TwistGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnishChill
- Pour absinthe into chilled cocktail glass, swirl to coat inside, and discard excess.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Shake remaining ingredients with ice and strain into glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add grapefruit twist.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.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Paddington?
- The Paddington is a cocktail made with 7 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 18.1%. A standard serving contains approximately 421 calories.
- What does a Paddington taste like?
- Paddington has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Grapefruit, Anise, Lemon. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Paddington?
- Paddington pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Paddington?
- The Paddington has an ABV of approximately 18.1%. That's approximately 3.02 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 421 calories, 25.4g sugar, 33.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Paddington typically served?
- Paddington is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Paddington?
- If you enjoy Paddington, 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 Paddington at home?
- Yes. The Paddington uses 7 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 Paddington 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.

