Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic21.6% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 3 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierGarnish
- 1 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 1 1/2 ozSloe GinBase
- 1 twist ofLemon PeelGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Stir sloe gin and vermouth with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Add the twist of lemon peel and serve.GarnishGarnish changes aroma, presentation or final flavour impression.
Best For
Food Pairings
CharcuterieItalian Cuisine
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 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 spiritGin swaps are risky — botanicals vary wildly. London Dry is drier and more juniper-forward; Old Tom is sweeter; sloe gin adds fruit. If you swap, stay within the same style and taste as you go.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.
GarnishA citrus twist adds aroma and oils to the surface of the drink without changing acidity. Lemon is sharp and clean, orange is softer and sweeter, grapefruit is more bitter. Express the peel over the glass and wipe the rim for maximum impact.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Blackthorn?
- The Blackthorn is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.6%. A standard serving contains approximately 185 calories.
- What does a Blackthorn taste like?
- Blackthorn has a flavour profile featuring Herbal, Citrus, Botanical, Juniper. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Blackthorn?
- Blackthorn pairs well with Charcuterie, Italian Cuisine. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Blackthorn?
- The Blackthorn has an ABV of approximately 21.6%. That's approximately 0.90 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 185 calories, 16.3g sugar, 21.9g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Blackthorn typically served?
- Blackthorn is a popular choice for Aperitif, Happy Hour. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Blackthorn?
- If you enjoy Blackthorn, 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 Blackthorn at home?
- Yes. The Blackthorn uses 3 ingredients, making it easy 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 Blackthorn 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.