Wondering what to serve at your next cocktail hour? Perhaps you are throwing a party for the Megan Markle and Prince Harry wedding? You will want to add some of these royal cocktails to your menu! For some truly regal inspiration, look to members of royal families across the globe. While the obvious choice may be to reach for a royal warrant holder like Moët & Chandon or Laphroaig single malt scotch, you may be surprised at some of the unexpected favorites cherished by kings, queens, dukes and duchesses alike. Read on to discover the cocktails for royalty worldwide, and let these HRH-approved cocktails inspire a taste of nobility at your next event.
Gin and Tonic
Poured over ice and garnished with a fresh slice of lime, the gin and tonic remains a favourite amongst members of royal families, particularly in the UK. Both the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Edward have been known to request this classic highball cocktail. Make your guests feel especially regal by pairing a classic London gin like Tanqueray No. Ten with a lemon slice for a quintessentially Brit twist on this classic.
Gekkeikan Sake
Poured at izakayas across the globe, sake has a rich history dating back centuries. In addition to being one of the oldest sake manufacturers in the world, Gekkeikan remains one of the last remaining purveyors to the Ministry of the Imperial Household of Japan. One of their top sakes is “Horin” Junmai Daiginjo, a special blend for the Japanese royal family. Served warm or cold, it will treat guests to a truly royal experience.
50:50 Martini
The Prince of Wales is known to enjoy the Fifty-Fifty martini, known as the “perfect” martini amongst connoisseurs. Not for the faint of heart, this high-proof concoction combines equal parts dry gin and dry vermouth, and is garnished with olives or a twist of lemon. For the full royal treatment, we suggest pairing a crisp vermouth like DOLIN with a proper London gin like Boodles.
Gin and Dubonnet
It’s no secret that Queen Elizabeth II enjoys her daily gin and Dubonnet. This French apéritif is made from a blend of wine, herbs and spices. With hints of apricot, plum and citrus, this pre-dinner cocktail is sure to add a layer of interest to any dinner party.
Boddingtons Beer
Beer may not be a beverage you normally associate with a royal palace, but it’s cherished by royalty in countries across the world. Prince Albert II of Monaco and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands toast with a pint at sporting events and special meetings, and every year the Liechtenstein royal family invites the entire country onto its castle grounds to enjoy the beverage. We recommend Prince William’s favorite Stella Artois, or Duke of Edinburgh–approved Boddingtons Pub Ale.
Crack Baby
The Duchess of Cambridge discovered this unfortunately named cocktail at the parties she and Prince William used to frequent. The couple adored it so much that they served it to guests at their wedding. The delicious elixir is a mixture of passion fruit, raspberry liqueur, champagne and vodka. To really make the cocktail best-in-class, pair premium Grey Goose vodka with royal warrant holder Moët & Chandon champagne for a cocktail fit for a king or a queen.
When it comes to cocktails, taste amongst royals are quite varied. But no matter which drinks from this royalty-approved list you choose, you’re sure to be in good company.
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