Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic8.7% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatemuddled drink
Why: 5 ingredients, muddled drink, requires shaker, muddler
Best for: BBQ, Chocolate, BBQ / Cookout
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- 3.0 ozRed Grapes
- 2.0 ozLemonCitrus
- 6Fresh Mint LeavesGarnish
- 1.0 ozSugar CubeSweetener
- 2.0 ozAfrican RumBase
Tools:shakermuddler
How to Make It
ShakeStrain
- Muddle grapes, lemon, mint, and sugar in shaker.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add rum and ice and shake briefly.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Strain into chilled old-fashioned glass.StrainStraining removes ice chips, pulp or solids for a cleaner texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar
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.CitrusLime can replace lemon juice in a pinch but it tastes more floral and slightly sweeter, so the drink will taste different. Reduce any syrup by a small amount if swapping. Orange juice is a softer, less acidic option โ use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.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.HerbsMint is cool and fresh. Basil is a workable swap in spirit-forward or citrus drinks โ it is peppery and sweeter, so use slightly less. Rosemary works in shorter, more spirit-led drinks but it is much more resinous. Always bruise rather than shred to avoid releasing bitter compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Ringo Starr?
- The Ringo Starr is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 8.7%. A standard serving contains approximately 327 calories.
- What does a Ringo Starr taste like?
- Ringo Starr has a flavour profile featuring Sugar, Sweet, Lemon, Caramel. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Ringo Starr?
- Ringo Starr pairs well with BBQ, Chocolate, Desserts. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Ringo Starr?
- The Ringo Starr has an ABV of approximately 8.7%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 327 calories, 45.3g sugar, 51.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Ringo Starr typically served?
- Ringo Starr is a popular choice for BBQ / Cookout, Winter / Cozy. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Ringo Starr?
- If you enjoy Ringo Starr, 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 Ringo Starr at home?
- Yes. The Ringo Starr uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Ringo Starr 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.

