Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II: A Unique Cocktail Recipe Inspired by Her Royal Legacy

Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II: A Unique Cocktail Recipe Inspired by Her Royal Legacy

Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned as the longest-serving British monarch, assumed the throne on February 6, 1952, at the young age of 25. Her remarkable reign exceeded 70 years, concluding with her passing on September 8, 2022. This period distinguished her as the second-longest reigning monarch in European history, surpassed only by King Louis XIV of France.

In honor of the 73rd anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, Adam von Gootkin, the founder and CEO of Highclere Castle Gin, has shared an exquisite cocktail recipe he crafted for her platinum jubilee in 2022. The drink nods to the queen’s favorite cocktail, a classic mix of Dubonnet and gin.

The Recipe: A Toast to Royal Tradition

The cocktail, aptly named the Queen’s Jubilee, reflects both modern tastes and royal heritage. Adam von Gootkin, who created this drink, has deep ties to the royal family, even though he never had the privilege of meeting the queen.

“I launched the brand with my partners, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who own Highclere Castle—known globally as the real-life Downton Abbey,” von Gootkin remarked. The gin is unique; it is crafted using botanicals sourced directly from the estate and distilled at England’s oldest gin distillery.

Fond Remembrance Through Spirit

While von Gootkin never interacted directly with Queen Elizabeth, his connection to her legacy is profound. He serves on the board of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, a charity the queen founded in 2018. This involvement inspired him to create a drink that pays tribute to her memory.

“I wanted to create something that truly honored Her Majesty,” he explained. “The best way to do that is through liquor and cocktails. So, I thought, how can we create a unique spin on her preferred drink?”

This reflection led to the birth of Queen’s Jubilee.

A Taste of Nostalgia

Historically, Dubonnet and gin were the drinks of choice during the 1950s and 1960s. However, as von Gootkin notes, they have “fallen out of fashion” over the years. He passionately believes that this refined blend deserves a revival in today’s cocktail scene.

Here’s how to prepare the Queen’s Jubilee cocktail:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Highclere Castle Gin
• 1.5 oz. Dubonnet Rouge
• Splash of champagne
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass filled halfway with ice, combine the Highclere Castle Gin and Dubonnet Rouge.
2. Stir the mixture until chilled, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain into a coupe glass and top with a splash of champagne.
4. Garnish with an orange twist, squeezing it over the drink before placing it in the glass.

This cocktail recipe, developed by Highclere Castle Gin, is a fitting tribute to a remarkable monarch. As drinkers savor each sip, they not only enjoy a delightful beverage but also partake in a piece of royal history.

A Lasting Legacy

As we raise a glass to Queen Elizabeth II, let this cocktail remind us of her enduring legacy and the cherished memories she created during her reign. The Queen’s Jubilee cocktail serves as more than just a drink; it embodies history, tradition, and the spirit of celebration. It invites us to reflect on the past while enjoying the present, making each sip a tribute to a remarkable life that shaped a nation.