Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic21.3% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderatestirred drink
Why: 4 ingredients, stirred drink, requires mixing glass, bar spoon
Best for: Seafood, Seafood Dinner, Aperitif
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierCitrus
- 1.0 ozGinBase
- 1.0 ozDry VermouthModifier
- 1.0 ozApricot Flavored BrandyBase
- 1.0 ozLemon JuiceCitrus
Tools:mixing glassbar spoon
How to Make It
- Stir in old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.StirStirring chills and dilutes while keeping the drink clear and smooth.
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.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.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a What The Hell?
- The What The Hell is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 21.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 202 calories.
- What does a What The Hell taste like?
- What The Hell has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Botanical, Herbal, Lemon. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a What The Hell?
- What The Hell pairs well with Seafood. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a What The Hell?
- The What The Hell has an ABV of approximately 21.3%. That's approximately 1.42 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 202 calories, 10.8g sugar, 15.6g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a What The Hell typically served?
- What The Hell is a popular choice for Seafood Dinner, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a What The Hell?
- If you enjoy What The Hell, 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 What The Hell at home?
- Yes. The What The Hell uses 4 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 What The Hell 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.

