Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easylayered drink
Why: 3 ingredients, layered drink
Best for: Chocolate, Desserts, Summer
Ingredients
BaseModifierCitrus
- 1.0 ozLight RumBase
- 3.0 ozOrange JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozMandarine Napoleon LiqueurModifier
How to Make It
- Pour rum and orange juice over ice in an old-fashioned glass.
- Stir.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Float Mandarine Napoleon on top.
Best For
Food Pairings
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 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.CitrusLemon is bright and sharp; lime is more floral and slightly sweeter; orange is softer and rounder; grapefruit adds bitter edge. They are not interchangeable — each changes the acidity and aroma of the drink. If you swap, adjust the sweetener to rebalance.
Rate this recipe
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Waterloo?
- The Waterloo is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 297 calories.
- What does a Waterloo taste like?
- Waterloo has a flavour profile featuring Orange, Sweet, Mandarin, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Waterloo?
- Waterloo pairs well with Chocolate, Desserts, Duck. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Waterloo?
- The Waterloo has an ABV of approximately 20.0%. That's approximately 2.00 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 297 calories, 22.2g sugar, 29.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Waterloo typically served?
- Waterloo is a popular choice for Summer, Brunch. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Waterloo?
- If you enjoy Waterloo, 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 Waterloo at home?
- Yes. The Waterloo 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 Waterloo 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.