River Don
/
logo

Make Me a Cocktail

River Don
Cocktail recipe

Rating

3.83 / 5
The River Don cocktail is a unique blend that contrasts the sweetness of cola with the distinct flavors of aniseed and blackcurrant. Served in a pint glass, this drink combines the licorice notes from aniseed liqueur with the citrus kick from orange liqueur and the fruity depth of blackcurrant cordial, all mellowed by the caramel hints of cola. The River Don presents a large volume that makes it suitable for sipping over a longer period, offering a complex flavor experience that evolves with every taste. Its name might evoke images of flowing waters and perhaps hints at an origin or popularization near the River Don region, but regardless of its name's origin, it promises an adventurous melding of tastes for those seeking a cocktail outside the usual lineup.
Check out all our FAQ's on this cocktail
Base ingredient
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aniseed liqueur
Calories
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
167 calories
Alcohol content
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3% | 1.65 units *

Tags

Aniseed liqueur ingredient icon
Aniseed liqueur cocktails
Blackcurrant Cordial ingredient icon
Top ten Blackcurrant Cordial cocktails

Pint glass

Ingredients

oz
ml
cl
Aniseed liqueur cocktail ingredient icon for the River Don cocktail
Aniseed liqueur
Cola cocktail ingredient icon for the River Don cocktail
Cola
Blackcurrant Cordial cocktail ingredient icon for the River Don cocktail
Blackcurrant Cordial
Blue Curaçao cocktail ingredient
Blue Curaçao
Serves:
-
+

Method
How to make a River Don

Serves 1 · Takes 3 minutes
In a pint glass, pour Pernod, Bols blue curaçao and a dash of blackcurrant cordial
Top up glass with coke
Stir and serve

Power tips
Elevate the River Don with these master mixologist tips

Upgrade to premium

And receive world class tips on how to raise your cocktails to the next level.

Find out more
Subscribe to premium to receive power tips from top bartenders around the world. Raise you mixology game.
Read the tweaks that take this simple cocktail to the next level of greatness. Become the next best mixologist which people all talk about.

Learn more about some of the mixology terms used in this cocktail

·  Dash  ·  Stir  · 

Your private tasting notes

~ Register as a user for free to create tasting notes, save your bar and more ~

Can you make this?

Add the ingredients you have at home to your My Bar and we'll show you what cocktails you can make. Start off by adding the ingredients you have for this cocktail using the plus icons.

Comments

No comments yet…

You need to be a user with a verified email to comment on cocktails. Login / register

Featured in

~ Not featured in any of your lists, or any public lists, register as a user to create a list and add this cocktail. We'll then show the lists here ~

FAQ's

Ingredient specifics icon

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.

Serving suggestions icon

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.

Alcohol content comparison icon

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.

Occasion suitability icon

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.

Customization ideas icon

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.

Upgrade your mixology

Become a member for free taking your cocktail making skills up to level 11. Or become a premium member to rise to cocktail greatness.

  • Save your bar forever
  • Access to our Cocktail Creator, allowing you to create your own wonderful concoctions.
  • Create personalised cocktail menus for all your events, bars or parties
  • Save cocktails to personalised 'Tried' and 'Want to try' lists
  • Create and record tasting notes on cocktails
  • Create lists of cocktails to share with friends and family
  • A personalised MyBar URL, allowing you to share everything you can make with friends
  • And much more ... (what to buy next, measurement choices, search personalisation...)
Register now for free Find out more about premium

The Ultimate Christmas Cocktail Hub

The ultimate destination for all things Christmas and Cocktails. Crate your own Christmas cocktail, cocktail advent calendars, a host of Christmas themed cocktails and more.

Filter by Christmas cocktails that contain a certain ingredient, or just browse them all. The go-to location this Christmas.

Let's go

You might also like

Kopstootje Kocktail

The Kopstootje Kocktail is a unique and invigorating drink that combines the boldness of gin with the lightness of lager,...

Red Devil

The Red Devil is an intriguing cocktail that combines the distinct flavors of aniseed liqueur and gin, tied together with...

Something Red

Invented by Cooper Tardivel from Hawksworth Bar in Vancouver, this gin drink was featured in British Columbia Liquor's Taste Magazine.

Mudball

This is a brilliant summer drink. It looks like mud but tastes like heaven!
* US units estimated based on the standard alcohol content of the ingredients used and the proportions in the recipe. Please drink responsibly.
build your bar

Create a cocktail

Choose a theme and some ingredients, give us some description and we'll create an amazing cocktail for you.

Register as a Premium Make Me a Cocktail community member and get access to an even more powerful creator.

Start creating

Build your bar

Tell us what you have at home and we’ll find a delicious cocktail for you to make right now.

Register as a Make Me a Cocktail community member and we’ll save your ingredients list so you can come back to it at any time.

Create My Bar
build your bar light mode image