Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20.5% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatelayered drink
Why: 5 ingredients, layered drink, requires bar spoon
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, Summer
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierMixerGarnish
- 2.0 ozBourbon WhiskeyBase
- 2.0 ozDry VermouthModifier
- 1.0 ozPineapple JuiceMixer
- 1.0 ozGinger BeerMixer
- Green ChartreuseFresh Mint SprigGarnish
Tools:bar spoon
How to Make It
- Pour first four ingredients in crushed ice-filled highball glass.
- With barspoon between your palms, move hands back and forth and up and down to quickly rotate and lift spoon, until glass is frosted.
- Float Chartreuse on top, and garnish with mint.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
VeganVegetarian
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 spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly โ stay within the same family where possible.BubblesGinger beer is spiced and punchy. Ginger ale is milder and sweeter โ use it if ginger beer is too much. Soda water removes the ginger character entirely but keeps the fizz. None of these swaps produce the same result; they change the drink's personality.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks โ it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Back Porch Swizzle?
- The Back Porch Swizzle is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Highball Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 249 calories.
- What does a Back Porch Swizzle taste like?
- Back Porch Swizzle has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Herbal, Apple, Pineapple. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Back Porch Swizzle?
- Back Porch Swizzle pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Olives. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Back Porch Swizzle?
- The Back Porch Swizzle has an ABV of approximately 20.5%. That's approximately 2.05 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 249 calories, 6.8g sugar, 9.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Back Porch Swizzle typically served?
- Back Porch Swizzle is a popular choice for Summer, Happy Hour, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Back Porch Swizzle?
- If you enjoy Back Porch Swizzle, 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 Back Porch Swizzle at home?
- Yes. The Back Porch Swizzle uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Highball 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 Back Porch Swizzle 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.

