Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic14.4% ABV6 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 6 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Seafood, Caviar, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerDairy / textureGarnish
- 1.0 ozVodkaBase
- 2.0 ozLight RumBase
- 2.0 ozFresh Lemon JuiceCitrus
- 2.0 ozMilkDairy / texture
- 2.0 ozSimple SyrupSweetener
- 1 garnishLemon TwistGarnish
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake with ice and strain into chilled cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add lemon twist.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
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 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. Vodka keeps the drink cleaner and more neutral, while light rum adds a softer sugarcane note. Replacing either one will change the drink's balance.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.Milk and creamMilk, cream and creamy ingredients change body, texture and sweetness perception. They are not neutral swaps. With citrus, add slowly and watch for curdling or texture changes. Because this drink includes citrus, changing the milk or cream can affect how smooth the drink feels.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 โ start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Bikini?
- The Bikini is a cocktail made with 6 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 14.4%. A standard serving contains approximately 431 calories.
- What does a Bikini taste like?
- Bikini has a flavour profile featuring Lemon, Citrus, Tart, Cream. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Bikini?
- Bikini pairs well with Seafood, Caviar, Salty Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Bikini?
- The Bikini has an ABV of approximately 14.4%. That's approximately 2.17 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 431 calories, 47.3g sugar, 49.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Bikini typically served?
- Bikini is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Dessert. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Bikini?
- If you enjoy Bikini, 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 Bikini at home?
- Yes. The Bikini uses 6 ingredients, making it more involved 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 Bikini 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.

