Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic26.3% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easyshaken drink
Why: 3 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Spicy Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetener
- 3 ozLight RumBase
- 1 ozMaple SyrupSweetener
- 1 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes, and serve.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
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 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.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 Van Vleet?
- The Van Vleet is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 26.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 248 calories.
- What does a Van Vleet taste like?
- Van Vleet has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Maple, Sweet, Citrus. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Van Vleet?
- Van Vleet 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 Van Vleet?
- The Van Vleet has an ABV of approximately 26.3%. That's approximately 2.19 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 248 calories, 9.6g sugar, 10.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Van Vleet typically served?
- Van Vleet is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Van Vleet?
- If you enjoy Van Vleet, 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 Van Vleet at home?
- Yes. The Van Vleet uses 3 ingredients, making it easy 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 Van Vleet 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.