River DonCocktail recipe
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River Don is a tall, easygoing long drink that leans into bold colour and big, recognisable flavours rather than classic-cocktail pedigree. With aniseed liqueur and blue curaçao as its backbone, it sits in the modern “built” highball family—designed for casual mixing, quick serving, and a playful, crowd-pleasing profile. You’ll find it reads more like a vibrant bar pour than a historically fixed recipe, with the pint glass format signalling refreshment and volume.
On the palate, the aniseed liqueur brings a distinctive, aromatic sweetness that immediately sets the tone, while blue curaçao adds a bright citrusy sweetness that lifts and sharpens the edges. Cola tops everything up with caramel-like sweetness and a familiar, fizzy finish that ties the liqueurs together. A dash of blackcurrant cordial drops in a dark-fruit accent, nudging the drink toward a richer, berry-tinged sweetness against the citrus and anise.
Serve it when you want something colourful, sweet, and unapologetically bold—ideal for parties, casual get-togethers, or nights where you’re in the mood for a nostalgic cola-based mixer with a twist. If you enjoy aniseed flavours and don’t mind a sweeter sip, this is an easy pick for a relaxed, social pour.
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Cocktail Colin says:
Aniseed liqueur leads with a licorice snap, while blue curaçao brings bright orange sweetness that turns candy-like once cola fills the glass, and a dash of blackcurrant cordial adds a dark berry streak through the fizz. It works because cola’s caramel and bubbles soften the aniseed edge and stretch the curaçao, suiting drinkers who like loud, sweet, soda-forward flavours.
Method
How to make a River Don
- Aniseed liqueur 30ml, Blue curaçao 30ml, Cola Top up, Blackcurrant cordial Dash
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- In a pint glass, pour Pernod, Bols blue curaçao and a dash of blackcurrant cordial
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- Top up glass with coke
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- Stir and serve
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FAQ's
What are some alternatives to Blue Curaçao in the River Don cocktail?
If you're out of Blue Curaçao, you can substitute it with another orange-flavored liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau for a similar taste profile, although the distinct blue color of the cocktail will be lost. For the color, a few drops of blue food coloring can mimic the visual effect.
What is the best way to serve the River Don to enhance its flavors?
The River Don cocktail is best served cold, in a pint glass. Before adding the ingredients, chilling the glass can enhance the drinking experience. Stir the ingredients gently in the glass rather than shaking, to maintain the carbonation of the cola and serve immediately.
How does the alcohol content in River Don compare to that of a standard beer?
With an alcohol content of 3.3%, the River Don cocktail has a similar alcohol volume to many light to regular strength beers, which often range from 3% to 5% alcohol by volume (ABV). This makes it a relatively milder alcoholic beverage option.
What occasions are most suitable for serving the River Don cocktail?
The River Don, with its unique mix of sweet and fruity flavors, is a great choice for casual gatherings, summer parties, or any event where a refreshing, colorful drink is desired. Its presentation and taste also make it a good option for themed parties.
How can I customize the River Don cocktail to make it less sweet?
To make the River Don less sweet, you can reduce the amount of blackcurrant cordial or substitute the cola with a diet version or a soda water for a less sugary taste. Additionally, adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice can introduce a tart flavor balance.
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