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Wardroom

Nightcap/sipping · Short and stirred · Spirit-forward

4.2 114 ratings

Ingredients

1 oz Aged rum (6-10yr)
1 oz Cognac (brandy)
1 oz Tawny port
1/6 oz Maraschino liqueur
1 dash Aromatic bitters

How to make

Serve in a coupe glass

Prepare

  1. 1 Select and pre-chill a COUPE GLASS.
  2. 2 Prepare garnish of Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.

Method

  1. 3 STIR all ingredients with ice.
  2. 4 FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.

Garnish

  1. 5 Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Flavour profile

26.0% alc./vol. · 1.8 standard drinks · 212 calories

History

The original recipe calls for a smaller 22.5ml (¾oz) measure of tawny port, as opposed to equal parts of the three main components. This results in a potent (and pleasingly so) late-night sipping cocktail, made less intense by serving it over ice. As the cocktail has gained popularity, other adaptations have mellowed it by increasing the port to an equal measure with the rum and brandy, creating a profile similar to a Sweet Manhattan. Both of these versions, along with numerous others resulting from imprecise measurements, are equally delicious. This versatility contributes to the cocktail's suitability for 'Contemporary Classic' status.

J. E. Clapham of Clapham Cocktails created this drink in 2025. He explained, "The Wardroom features port, cognac, and rum, the three favourite libations of the British Naval officer." The wardroom is the name given to the officers' mess, a cabin found aboard a Navy ship and reserved for those holding a rank higher than midshipman. This space functions as both a dining room and a place for recreation. On ships of the British Royal Navy, it is typical for the Wardroom to contain a bar stocked with alcoholic beverages.

Created by J. E. Clapham of Clapham Cocktails