Wardroom

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (85 ratings)

Photographed in an UB Retro Coupe 1920 7.75oz

Ingredients:
1 oz Caribbean blended rum aged 6-10 years
1 oz Rémy Martin V.S.O.P. cognac
1 oz Cockburn's Tawny Eyes Port
16 oz Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
1 dash Angostura Aromatic Bitters
× 1 1 serving
Read about cocktail measures and measuring

How to make:

  1. Select and pre-chill a Coupe glass.
  2. Prepare garnish of Luxardo Maraschino Cherry.
  3. STIR all ingredients with ice.
  4. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

Strength & taste guide:

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 8/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 7/10

Review:

Jason's original recipe calls for a smaller 22.5ml (¾oz) measure of tawny port (rather than equal parts of the three main ingredients), which produces a potent (pleasingly so) late-night sipping cocktail that's rendered less volatile by serving on the rocks. However, as others have adopted this cocktail, it has been mellowed by upping the port to an equal measure to the rum and brandy, thus becoming Sweet Manhattan-like. Both versions, and indeed numerous others produced by mismeasuring, are equally delicious. That's what makes this well-named cocktail a contender for Contemporary Classic status.

View readers' comments

History:

Adapted from a 2020 recipe by Jason E. Clapham of Clapham Cocktails, Oxford, England. Jason says, "The Wardroom features port, cognac, and rum, the three favourite libations of the British Naval officer."

The wardroom is the officers' mess cabin onboard a Navy ship and is reserved for those above the rank of midshipman. This serves as the officers' dining room as well as for recreation and on British Royal Navy ships it is common for the Wardroom to have a bar stocked with alcoholic drinks.

Nutrition:

One serving of Wardroom contains 212 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.8 standard drinks
  • 25.97% alc./vol. (25.97° proof)
  • 24.8 grams of pure alcohol

Difford’s Guide remains free-to-use thanks to the support of the brands in green above. Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

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Caspian Berggren’s Avatar Caspian Berggren
1st December 2024 at 15:55
I do prefer Anders Erickson's recipe where he's upping the port. I still feel, at 3cl, that the port is a bit overpowered by the other spirits (but that might be because I love port).
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
4th December 2024 at 21:27
I like both versions depending on mood and time of night, but in equal parts, the Wardroom has the potential to be a Contemporary Classic; hence, this is the formula I've adopted.
Dan Hunter’s Avatar Dan Hunter
30th November 2024 at 22:25
Anders made me drink this!
24th December 2022 at 21:51
I had everything but a tawny port, poured it over two ice cubes in a 4oz mason jar. It was still delicious!
23rd August 2022 at 01:43
Very spirit forward but nice when you’re in need of such a thing.
Eduar5 Bellini’s Avatar Eduar5 Bellini
14th February 2022 at 19:58
I agree. An amazing drink, but you do have to use decent port. Depends on premium ingredients.
Nathalie O'Flynn’s Avatar Nathalie O'Flynn
12th February 2022 at 20:30
Sipping this right now, this is the best new cocktail I have tried in many months, this is absolutely amazing
[deleted user]
12th February 2022 at 21:44
Thanks for the tip Nathalie, have just asked Simon to make me one and it’s delicious indeed
Florian Ruf’s Avatar Florian Ruf
7th October 2021 at 20:05
For my taste aged rum and cognac are too close, the port and the maraschino do not really shine. On the rocks gives a some lighter impression, but although there is not much more (ore less) alcohol than in other cocktails it feels too heavy.
John Hinojos’ Avatar John Hinojos
9th April 2021 at 01:21
Did this over the rocks. Great for sipping. Good blend of flavours.