In honor of the 73rd anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne, the creator of the Queen's Jubilee cocktail is sharing his recipe, offering a taste of royal history. This special cocktail was originally crafted for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, a celebration of her remarkable 70-year reign – a period surpassed only by France's King Louis XIV among European monarchs.
Adam von Gootkin, founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Gin, developed this unique beverage as a modern twist on Queen Elizabeth's preferred drink: a blend of Dubonnet and gin. Highclere Castle Gin, known for using botanicals from the Highclere Castle estate (the real-life Downton Abbey), holds a special significance for von Gootkin, who serves on the board of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, a charitable organization founded by the late Queen in 2018.
While von Gootkin never had the opportunity to meet the Queen personally, his commitment to her legacy is evident in this tribute cocktail. He explained that he wanted to create something that honored her memory, and given his expertise in spirits, a reimagined version of her favorite drink seemed a fitting choice. The Dubonnet and gin combination, a popular choice in the mid-20th century, has waned in popularity over the years, but von Gootkin believes it deserves a revival.
The Queen's Jubilee cocktail offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, providing a delightful way to commemorate a historic reign.
Queen's Jubilee Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Highclere Castle Gin
- 1.5 oz Dubonnet Rouge
- Splash of Champagne
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
- Combine gin and Dubonnet in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir for 30 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain into a coupe glass.
- Top with a splash of champagne.
- Garnish with an orange twist.
Recipe courtesy of Highclere Castle Gin.
