Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic41.5% ABV3 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Easy
Why: 3 ingredients, uses syrup
Best for: Desserts, BBQ, Dessert
Ingredients
BaseModifierSweetener
- 1 ozKahluaModifier
- 1 oz Bacardi151 Proof RumBase
- 1 dashGrenadineSweetener
How to Make It
- Mix Kahlua and 151 in glass.
- Quickly add ice and pour grenadine over ice to give ice red tint.
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.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 — 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 Grim Reaper?
- The Grim Reaper is a cocktail made with 3 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 41.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 203 calories.
- What does a Grim Reaper taste like?
- Grim Reaper has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Coffee, Roasted, Vanilla. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Grim Reaper?
- Grim Reaper pairs well with Desserts, BBQ, Chocolate. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Grim Reaper?
- The Grim Reaper has an ABV of approximately 41.5%. That's approximately 1.40 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 203 calories, 9.5g sugar, 12.4g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Grim Reaper typically served?
- Grim Reaper is a popular choice for Dessert, After Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Grim Reaper?
- If you enjoy Grim Reaper, 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 Grim Reaper at home?
- Yes. The Grim Reaper 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 Grim Reaper 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.