Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic27.6% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 4 ingredients, muddled drink, requires shaker, muddler
Best for: BBQ, Cheese, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierBitters
- 2.0 ozRipe Pear
- 2.0 ozDark RumBase
- 2.0 ozBenedictineModifier
- 2 dashesAngostura BittersBitters
Tools:shakermuddler
How to Make It
ShakeStirGarnish
- Muddle 1 pear slice in mixing glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Shake with ice and strain through a fine wire sieve into chilled cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Garnish with remaining pear slice.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Vegan
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.BittersAngostura bitters add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters swap in cleanly if you want a brighter, more citrus-forward result. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral — it works well in spirit-forward drinks where you want less spice weight.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Virginia Dare?
- The Virginia Dare is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 27.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 352 calories.
- What does a Virginia Dare taste like?
- Virginia Dare has a flavour profile featuring Spice, Bitter, Botanical, Caramel. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Virginia Dare?
- Virginia Dare pairs well with BBQ, Cheese, Chocolate. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Virginia Dare?
- The Virginia Dare has an ABV of approximately 27.6%. That's approximately 2.79 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 352 calories, 20.7g sugar, 29.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Virginia Dare typically served?
- Virginia Dare is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Aperitif, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Virginia Dare?
- If you enjoy Virginia Dare, 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 Virginia Dare at home?
- Yes. The Virginia Dare uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Virginia Dare 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.