Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic23.5% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood Dinner
Ingredients & Tools
- 2.0 ozGinBase
- 1.0 ozForbidden Fruit
- 1.0 ozOrange JuiceCitrus
- 1.0 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeGarnish
- Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
- Add brandied 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 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.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 — use it when you want a rounder, less sharp result.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Verboten?
- The Verboten is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 23.5%. A standard serving contains approximately 245 calories.
- What does a Verboten taste like?
- Verboten has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Tart, Lemon, Orange. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Verboten?
- Verboten pairs well with Citrus Based Food, Herbal Food, Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Verboten?
- The Verboten has an ABV of approximately 23.5%. That's approximately 1.46 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 245 calories, 10.6g sugar, 15.5g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Verboten typically served?
- Verboten is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Verboten?
- If you enjoy Verboten, 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 Verboten at home?
- Yes. The Verboten uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward 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 Verboten 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.