Nuclear daiquiri

Nuclear Daiquiri

(0 ratings)

A modern classic cocktail known for its bold, herbal, and intensely boozy profile with overproof rum and Green Chartreuse

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Coupe Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (100ml)
  • Overproof Rum 
    30 ml
  • Green Chartreuse 
    22.5 ml
  • Falernum 
    10 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    15 ml
  • Lime 
    1 wheel
Recipe credit: Gregor de Gruyther at LAB Bar, London (2005)

Instructions

Step

Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice water and set aside

Step

Add overproof rum, Green Chartreuse, falernum, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker

Step

Fill shaker with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled

Step

Discard ice from the chilled glass

Step

Double strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass using both Hawthorn and fine strainer

Step

Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim for aroma and visual appeal

Equipment

Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Nuclear Daiquiri is a modern classic cocktail created by Gregor de Gruyther at London’s LAB Bar in 2005. This high-octane riff on the classic Daiquiri combines overproof white rum with Green Chartreuse to create an intensely complex and boozy cocktail that has become a favorite among adventurous drinkers and bartenders during the modern cocktail renaissance.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (100ml)
Calories
185
ABV
38.5 %
Alcohol
30.8 g
Carbs
8.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
7.1 g
Fat
0 g
Protein
0.1 g
Sodium
2 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum (63% ABV) for the authentic grassy, funky notes that make this cocktail distinctive

  • Shake hard for the full 10-12 seconds to achieve proper dilution and integration of the high-proof spirits

  • Always use freshly squeezed lime juice and chill your glass thoroughly for the best texture and temperature

  • The lime wheel garnish isn't just decorative - it adds fresh citrus aroma with every sip

  • Double strain for a silky smooth texture that allows the complex flavors to shine through

While you can use regular white rum, the overproof rum (particularly Wray & Nephew at 63% ABV) is essential for the “nuclear” intensity and distinctive grassy, funky flavor profile that defines this cocktail. Regular rum will create a much milder drink.

The Nuclear Daiquiri is intentionally bold and boozy, combining two high-proof spirits. It’s designed for adventurous drinkers who appreciate intensity and complexity. If you prefer milder cocktails, you might want to start with a classic Daiquiri first.

Falernum is a Caribbean liqueur with flavors of lime, almond, cloves, and ginger. Velvet Falernum is the most recommended commercial brand. You can make homemade falernum, but it requires steeping spices and lime zest in rum for several days.

The classic recipe relies on the falernum for sweetness and balance. Some bartenders add 5ml of simple syrup for those who prefer it slightly sweeter, but this isn’t traditional and may mask the cocktail’s intentionally bold character.

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Overproof Rum
    30 ml
  • Green Chartreuse
    22.5 ml
  • Falernum
    10 ml
  • Lime Juice
    15 ml
  • Lime
    1 wheel

Method

  1. Chill your coupe glass by filling it with ice water and set aside
  2. Add overproof rum, Green Chartreuse, falernum, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker
  3. Fill shaker with cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds until well-chilled
  4. Discard ice from the chilled glass
  5. Double strain the cocktail into the chilled coupe glass using both Hawthorn and fine strainer
  6. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim for aroma and visual appeal