Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic20% ABV7 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderate
Why: 7 ingredients, requires rimmed glass
Best for: Seafood, Caviar, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients
BaseCitrusSweetenerMixer
- 2 jiggersGinBase
- 1 jiggerVodkaBase
- 3 dashesGrenadineSweetener
- 1 shotLime JuiceCitrus
- Around rim put 1 pinchSugarSweetener
- 3 dashesSugar SyrupSweetener
- Fill to top withSoda WaterMixer
How to Make It
- Wet glass, dip rim in sugar.
- Then add Ice.
- Then add everything else.
- It's that simple!
Best For
Food Pairings
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 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.CitrusLemon juice can replace lime but it is sharper and less floral — the drink will taste brighter and slightly more tart. Grapefruit juice works if you want something more bitter. Whichever you use, add a little at a time and taste as you go.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.BubblesSoda water is neutral and clean — it adds fizz without flavour. Tonic water is bitter and slightly sweet, which changes the balance noticeably. Ginger beer is spiced and punchy; ginger ale is milder and sweeter. These are not interchangeable — pick the one that suits the drink's flavour direction.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Jitterbug?
- The Jitterbug is a cocktail made with 7 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 20.0%. A standard serving contains approximately 381 calories.
- What does a Jitterbug taste like?
- Jitterbug has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Sugar, Citrus, Sparkling. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Jitterbug?
- Jitterbug pairs well with Seafood, Caviar, Citrus Based Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Jitterbug?
- The Jitterbug has an ABV of approximately 20.0%. That's approximately 3.25 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 381 calories, 17.1g sugar, 20.1g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Jitterbug typically served?
- Jitterbug is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Summer. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Jitterbug?
- If you enjoy Jitterbug, 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 Jitterbug at home?
- Yes. The Jitterbug uses 7 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 Jitterbug 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.