Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic31.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 5 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Herbal Food, Seafood, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierSweetenerBitters
- 1 splashAbsintheBase
- 2.0 ozGinBase
- 0.75 ozTriple SecModifier
- 0.75 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- 2 dashesPeychauds BittersBitters
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnishChill
- Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with absinthe and pour out excess absinthe.ChillChilling improves texture and keeps dilution under control.
- Stir remaining ingredients with ice and strain into glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish with a wink.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Herbal FoodSeafood
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.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 โ start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character โ use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a The Wink?
- The The Wink is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 31.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 291 calories.
- What does a The Wink taste like?
- The Wink has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Sweet, Herbal, Anise. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a The Wink?
- The Wink pairs well with Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a The Wink?
- The The Wink has an ABV of approximately 31.7%. That's approximately 1.97 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 291 calories, 21.6g sugar, 22.7g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a The Wink typically served?
- The Wink is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a The Wink?
- If you enjoy The Wink, 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 The Wink at home?
- Yes. The The Wink uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned 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 The Wink 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.

