Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic40% ABV2 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 2 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate
Ingredients & Tools
- 2 ozDark RumBase
- 1/2 ozCherry BrandyBase
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Pour the rum and cherry brandy into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
- Stir well.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
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 caloriesCompare with drinks that sit lower on estimated calories per serve.Match it with foodFind food pairings that complement the flavors in this drink.
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.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness โ the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Veteran?
- The Veteran is a cocktail made with 2 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 40.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 182 calories.
- What does a Veteran taste like?
- Veteran has a flavour profile featuring Vanilla, Caramel, Fruit, Molasses. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Veteran?
- Veteran pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Veteran?
- The Veteran has an ABV of approximately 40.0%. That's approximately 1.67 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 182 calories, 4.4g sugar, 5.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Veteran typically served?
- Veteran works well as an aperitif, at dinner parties or as a casual evening drink. The flavour profile suits a range of social occasions.
- What drinks are similar to a Veteran?
- If you enjoy Veteran, 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 Veteran at home?
- Yes. The Veteran uses 2 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 Veteran 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.

