CocktailRecipes

Queen Elizabeth Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Queen Elizabeth recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Gin
Alcohol 17%
Calories 210 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 10g
Prep time 4 minutes

Embark on a journey to perfect the Queen Elizabeth cocktail, a drink that is as regal as it sounds. We’ll explore its intriguing history, the symphony of flavors it presents, and its place in the pantheon of classic cocktails. Get ready to be whisked away on a sensory adventure that balances the sophistication of mixology with the simple pleasure of a well-made drink. Let’s dive in and discover the elegance of the Queen Elizabeth together. ⬇️

History

The Queen Elizabeth cocktail is a classic concoction that dates back to the early 20th century. It has a noble lineage, believed to be named after the queen consort of King George VI. This drink has stood the test of time, gracing the menus of high-end bars and cozy pubs alike.

  • The cocktail is said to have been created to honor Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
  • Its origins can be traced back to the United Kingdom, a fitting birthplace for a drink of such regal title.
  • Over the years, the Queen Elizabeth cocktail has become a symbol of elegance in the cocktail world.

The taste of a Queen Elizabeth?

A sip of Queen Elizabeth is a brush with royalty; its taste is a delicate balance of smooth and aromatic. The drink’s profile is a blend of the sweet and floral notes of the gin, the subtle bitterness of the bitters, and the fruity zest from the lemon.

I find the Queen Elizabeth cocktail captivating for its simplicity and the way it carries a touch of majesty in every glass.

Interesting facts about Queen Elizabeth

  • Despite its simplicity, the Queen Elizabeth cocktail can be quite strong, depending on the gin used.
  • This cocktail has survived the ebbs and flows of drink trends, securing its spot as a timeless classic.
  • It is often garnished with a lemon twist, adding an extra layer of citrus aroma that complements its floral notes.

Ingredients 📃

  • Gin: 1.5 oz (45ml)
  • Lemon Juice: 0.75 oz (22ml)
  • Orange Liqueur: 0.75 oz (22ml)
  • Angostura Bitters: 2 dashes

A martini glass is the ideal vessel for a Queen Elizabeth, as its wide brim allows the aroma of the bitters and citrus to greet the senses with each sip. Alternatively, a coupe glass can also be suitable, lending the drink an air of vintage charm.

Recipe. How to make Queen Elizabeth 🍹

  1. Add ice to a mixing glass.
  2. Pour in 1.5 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of lemon juice, and 0.75 oz of orange liqueur.
  3. Add 2 dashes of Angostura bitters.
  4. Stir the mixture until well-chilled.
  5. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

While Queen Elizabeth cocktails are an indulgent treat, they do contain sugar and calories. To make a healthier version, consider using natural sweeteners or reducing the quantity of sweetened components. Additionally, the citrus juice provides vitamin C, while the bitters can aid digestion.

Rate this recipe


Food Pairings

Discover foods that elevate the experience of a Queen Elizabeth cocktail. The right pairing can harmonize with its botanical and citrus notes, creating a memorable tasting journey.

Spiced Nuts

The warm, nutty flavors of spiced nuts can complement the botanical gin and the citrus notes of the Queen Elizabeth, creating a satisfying savory-sweet combination.

Fresh Seafood

A platter of fresh oysters or shrimp can enhance the cocktail’s crispness, with the brininess of the seafood echoing the drink’s subtle complexity.

Dark Chocolate Desserts

The bittersweet notes of dark chocolate desserts can mirror the slight bitterness of the bitters in the Queen Elizabeth, offering a decadent end to a meal.

I relish the way the Queen Elizabeth cocktail’s citrus notes enliven the senses, creating a refreshing escape with every sip.

🍸 Mix up your beverage routine
Receive the freshest cocktail recipes and bar trends directly in your inbox.
Please enter a valid email address
That address is already in use
The security code entered was incorrect
Thanks for signing up

Bartender Advice

  • To achieve a perfectly balanced cocktail, measure your ingredients carefully.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice for the zestiest flavor profile.
  • The quality of gin can make or break your Queen Elizabeth, so choose a good one.

Next, we’ll explore how you can add a personal touch to the Queen Elizabeth, and then dive into some creative variations to keep your cocktail repertoire exciting.

What you could change in Queen Elizabeth

  • Gin: Experiment with different botanicals by trying various gin brands.
  • Lemon juice: Swap for lime juice for a tangier twist.
  • Orange Liqueur: Use a different orange-flavored spirit like Cointreau or Grand Marnier to play with the sweetness.

Queen Elizabeth Variations

Empress Elizabeth

  • Ingredients: Add a splash of cranberry juice for a pink hue.
  • Recipe: Follow the original recipe, adding cranberry juice before stirring.

Royal Garden

  • Ingredients: Muddle in fresh cucumber and mint leaves.
  • Recipe: Muddle the cucumber and mint with the gin, then continue with the standard recipe.

Elizabethan Sunrise

  • Ingredients: Top with a dash of grenadine.
  • Recipe: Prepare the cocktail as usual, then gently pour grenadine to create a sunrise effect.

Enjoying a Queen Elizabeth doesn’t always mean indulging in spirits. For a non-alcoholic version, mix lemon juice with a splash of orange bitters and top with soda water. Serve over ice and garnish with a twist for a refreshing mocktail.

Q&A

What’s the key to a smooth Queen Elizabeth cocktail?

To ensure a smooth drink, start with quality gin and stir the cocktail until it’s perfectly chilled—a sign of a pro at work.

Can I make a big batch of Queen Elizabeth cocktails for a party?

Certainly! Just multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher. Remember to stir well before serving.

Is there a specific gin you recommend for a Queen Elizabeth?

A London dry gin is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with different types to find your favorite.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Queen Elizabeth?

Tweak the amount of orange liqueur or switch to a less sweet variety to find your perfect balance of flavors.

Are there any garnish alternatives to the lemon twist?

Absolutely! Try an orange twist or a sprig of fresh herbs like rosemary to add a new dimension.

Could the Queen Elizabeth be served on the rocks?

While traditionally served up, pouring it over ice in a lowball glass can make for a refreshing alternative—perfect for sipping slowly.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
Similar Cocktails 🍹

Lemon Shrub

Recipes
A Lemon Shrub cocktail is a zesty and tangy beverage that combines the sharpness of lemon with a sweetened vinegar syrup, creating a unique and invigorating taste. It's a sophisticated and harmonious blend that offers a delightful sip with a punchy flavor profile.

Platinum Blonde

Recipes
The Platinum Blonde is an elegant, citrusy cocktail that sparkles with a blend of vodka and crisp flavors of lemon and soda. It is a sophisticated yet simple refreshment that dances lightly on the palate.

Mai Tai (Trader Vic’s)

Recipes
The Mai Tai is a vibrant, tropical cocktail that combines the rich flavors of rum, tangy lime, and the subtle sweetness of almond and orange. It is a delightful and colorful drink that captures the essence of an island paradise in every sip.

Tartini

Recipes
A Tartini cocktail is a zesty and tangy beverage that combines the sharpness of citrus with the smoothness of spirits, often garnished with a twist or a slice of fruit. It offers a delightful blend of flavors that awaken the palate with every sip.

Blue Lady

Recipes
The Blue Lady is a vibrant, citrusy cocktail that combines the smooth taste of gin with the tangy flavor of fresh lemon juice, all cloaked in a brilliant blue hue from blue curaçao. It's a delightful and eye-catching drink that offers a pleasing balance of sweet and tart notes, perfect for savoring on a special occasion.

Pomegranate French 75

Recipes
The Pomegranate French 75 is an elegant and bubbly cocktail that blends the tartness of pomegranate with the smoothness of gin and the sparkle of champagne. It's a sophisticated twist on a classic that's both delightful to the palate and visually striking with its deep crimson hue.