Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic15.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 5 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Charcuterie, Chocolate, Dessert
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierGarnish
- 1.0 ozLight RumBase
- 1.0 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 1.0 ozAmarettoModifier
- Ginger aleOrange Zest SpiralGarnish
- 1 garnishMaraschino CherryGarnish
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
StirGarnish
- Stir first three ingredients in ice-filled Collins glass with ice, then fill with ginger ale.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
- Garnish with orange and cherry.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 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 โ reduce syrup if going darker.CitrusA citrus twist mostly changes aroma, not acidity. Lemon, orange and grapefruit twists each push the drink in a different direction.
GarnishA maraschino or cocktail cherry adds a sweet, fruity finish and a visual anchor. A fresh cherry is less sweet and more tart. An orange twist or peel swap will change the aroma but remove the fruit sweetness โ the drink will feel drier as a result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Golden Friendship?
- The Golden Friendship is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Collins Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 15.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 229 calories.
- What does a Golden Friendship taste like?
- Golden Friendship has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Vanilla, Almond, Herbal. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Golden Friendship?
- Golden Friendship pairs well with Charcuterie, Chocolate, Coffee Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Golden Friendship?
- The Golden Friendship has an ABV of approximately 15.7%. That's approximately 1.40 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 229 calories, 17.1g sugar, 20.2g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Golden Friendship typically served?
- Golden Friendship is a popular choice for Dessert, Date Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Golden Friendship?
- If you enjoy Golden Friendship, 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 Golden Friendship at home?
- Yes. The Golden Friendship uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Collins 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 Golden Friendship 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.

