Van Vleet
cocktailrumsweetsour

Van Vleet

Dive into the delightful Van Vleet, where the smoothness of light rum meets the rich sweetness of maple syrup and the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for those who crave a balance of sweet and sour, making every sip a little adventure!

3 min
easy
rocks glass

Ingredients

  • 3 oz Light rum
  • 1 oz Maple syrup
  • 1 oz Lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into an old-fashioned glass over ice cubes, and serve.

Pro Tip

For an extra kick, try using a dark rum instead of light rum to add more depth and complexity to your Van Vleet. And always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor!

The Story Behind the Van Vleet

The Van Vleet cocktail is a modern twist on classic rum drinks, believed to have originated in the early 21st century in a small, trendy bar in Brooklyn, New York. Its unique combination of maple syrup and lemon juice quickly gained popularity among cocktail enthusiasts looking for something both sweet and tangy.

What Pairs Well

Food Pairings

  • 🍽️
    Maple-glazed bacon

    The sweet and savory flavors of maple-glazed bacon perfectly complement the cocktail's maple syrup notes.

  • 🍽️
    Lemon tart

    A lemon tart enhances the zesty lemon juice in the cocktail, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

  • 🍽️
    Grilled shrimp skewers

    The light, fresh taste of grilled shrimp pairs well with the cocktail's refreshing qualities.

Perfect For

  • Bachelorette weekend in Vegas

    This sweet and sour cocktail is a fun, celebratory drink perfect for a lively bachelorette weekend.

  • Super Bowl Sunday

    The Van Vleet's bold flavors make it a great choice for enjoying during the excitement of the big game.

  • Rainy Sunday afternoon

    Its refreshing taste can brighten up a gloomy, rainy day, making it a cozy companion.

  • Celebrating a promotion

    Raise a glass of Van Vleet to toast your success with its delightful balance of flavors.

Fun Facts

  • The Van Vleet cocktail is named after a fictional character from a popular novel, adding a literary twist to its allure.

  • Maple syrup, a key ingredient, is not only a sweetener but also adds a unique depth of flavor to cocktails.

  • Rum, the base spirit, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century, often associated with sailors and pirates.

Make This Drink with Tom or Tina

Watch our bartenders mix it up with fun animations!