The French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin once said: “The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a star.” I think the creation of a new cocktail can provoke a similar excitement. That is what has led me to create the new Elizabeth cocktail, in honour of our beloved late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her official 100th birthday today (June 13).
From the Bellini to the Tom Collins, there is a long history of creating cocktails named after people – both real and fictional. The Elizabeth follows in that fine tradition. It should enter the canon of cocktail classics, sitting alongside familiar creations such as the Kir Royale, the Hugo, the Daiquiri Hemingway and the Shirley Temple. It is an all-British affair, flying the flag for some of our best national products: London-dry gin, Scotch whisky and English sparkling wine – which is now beating Champagne in blind tastings!
Nicola Bates, CEO of Wine GB, the national association for the English and Welsh sparkling wine industry, said: “Seeing English wine chosen for a celebration of this significance feels a profoundly appropriate and uplifting moment for our nation’s craftmanship and our flourishing wine industry.”
Pal Gleed, Director General of The Gin Guild, said: “Gin has long been a key part of Britain’s social and cultural fabric. The Elizabeth is a celebration of a remarkable monarch and the craftsmanship and quality that defines British distilling”.
The cocktail also calls for English raspberry liqueur, or you can use Ribena as a perfect substitute. The cocktail has a vibrant pink colour which is reminiscent of one of the late Queen’s favourite drinks – gin and Dubonnet.
With any luck, Britons will soon be asking for an Elizabeth in bars around the country. Or shake one up at home, as the perfect drink to toast both the late Queen and our present King as the nation enjoys Trooping the Colour today. Cheers!