The Queen’s Martini is a classic gin cocktail that was reportedly created for Queen Elizabeth II in the 1970s. It’s a martini made with gin, vermouth, and a dash of bitters, garnished with a lemon peel. The exact origins of the drink are unclear, but it’s said that the Queen enjoyed martinis and this refined version was crafted especially for her by the royal chefs.
Over the years, the Queen’s Martini has become an iconic drink associated with luxury and British royalty. In this article, we’ll explore the history and ingredients that go into making this regal cocktail. We’ll also provide a recipe so you can mix up this martini fit for a queen at home.
History of the Queen’s Martini
The first written record of the Queen’s Martini appears in a book called “Queen’s Spirits: The Royal Cocktail Book” published in 1977. This book compiled recipes for cocktails that were served to Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace. It included the specification for the Queen’s Martini.
According to the book, the Queen enjoyed martinis but found many of them too dry or lacking in flavor. The royal chefs crafted this upgraded version adding more vermouth and bitters to create a botanical, aromatic gin martini for the Queen to enjoy.
The original recipe called for Gordon’s gin, which was reportedly the Queen’s preferred brand. It also used Noilly Prat extra dry vermouth and a dash of Angostura bitters. The drink was finished with a fresh lemon peel garnish.
Over the years, the Queen’s Martini spread beyond the palace walls and became a fixture on the menus of upscale bars and hotels. It was seen as the ultimate rendition of a British martini tailored especially for royalty. The mix of quality gin, vermouth, and bitters created a smooth, refined, and flavorful cocktail fitting for Her Majesty the Queen.
Ingredients in the Queen’s Martini
The Queen’s Martini keeps the classic martini formula of gin, vermouth, and bitters, but adjusts the ratios slightly for a more balanced and aromatic drink. Here are the key ingredients that go into making an authentic Queen’s Martini:
Gin
The original recipe called for Gordon’s gin, but any high-quality dry gin can be used. Some examples include Tanqueray, Beefeater, or Bombay Sapphire. The gin is the star of the show and gives the martini its predominant juniper and botanical flavors.
Dry Vermouth
The vermouth balances out the gin’s flavors and adds depth. Noilly Prat extra dry vermouth is called for, but other brands like Dolin can be substituted. More vermouth is used compared to a typical dry martini to make it smooth and aromatic.
Orange Bitters
A dash of bitters ties everything together. Angostura orange bitters are ideal. The bitters add a complex citrusy undertone.
Lemon Peel Garnish
A lemon peel garnish is twisted over the martini to express the oils and adds a fresh citrus accent.
How to Make the Queen’s Martini
If you want to mix up this refined royal cocktail, here is a easy step-by-step recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 oz gin
- 1 oz dry vermouth
- 2-3 dashes orange bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
Directions:
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the gin, vermouth, and bitters to the shaker.
- Stir the ingredients together until well-chilled, about 30 seconds.
- Strain the martini into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lemon peel twist.
Tips for the Best Queen’s Martini
- Use a good quality gin – this makes all the difference.
- Verify your vermouth is fresh. Old vermouth loses its flavor.
- Stir the drink rather than shaking to avoid clouding the martini.
- Chill your glassware ahead of time.
- Express the oils from the lemon peel over the surface before garnish.
- Consider garnishing with an olive or cocktail onion too.
The Queen’s Martini vs the Classic Martini
The Queen’s Martini is a interpretation of a traditional dry gin martini. Here are some of the key differences:
Queen’s Martini
- Calls for more vermouth (1 oz vermouth to 2.5 oz gin).
- Includes orange bitters.
- Uses a lemon peel garnish.
- Has a smooth, aromatic flavor.
Classic Martini
- Less vermouth, typically just a barspoon or .25 oz.
- Often no bitters.
- Garnished with an olive or cocktail onion.
- Extremely dry, clean flavor.
So the Queen’s Martini essentially adds more vermouth and bitters to the classic formula for a more polished, refined martini specifically tailored for Queen Elizabeth II’s tastes. The extra vermouth makes it more drinkable for those who find a traditional martini too drying.
Variations
The Queen’s Martini can be tweaked and customized to suit different tastes. Here are some common variations:
Vodka Queen’s Martini
Substitute vodka for gin for a softer, less botanical flavor. Adjust vermouth to taste.
Dirty Queen’s Martini
Add a splash of olive brine for a dirtier, savory twist.
Citrus Queen’s Martini
Use lemon vodka and lemon vermouth for a citrusy flavor. Garnish with a wheel of lemon.
Royal Queen’s Martini
Float a dash of Chambord black raspberry liqueur on top for a royal purple hue.
The Queen’s Martini Today
The Queen’s Martini remains a drink fit for royalty today. It’s on the menu at upscale hotels, luxury resorts, and first-class airport lounges around the world. Top bartenders also include it on their cocktail lists as a nod to British tradition.
While the original Gordon’s gin version will always be the classic, many modern bars opt to use premium gins and artisanal vermouths to put a contemporary spin on this regal drink. However, the basic template of gin, extra dry vermouth, bitters, and a lemon twist stays true to the intended balance created especially for Queen Elizabeth II decades ago.
Sipping a Queen’s Martini instantly transports you to British aristocracy. The refinement of the drink – everything from the understated flavor to the elegant lemon peel garnish – epitomizes timeless royal class and style. If you want to drink like a queen, mix up one of these martinis to get a taste of royalty. Just be sure to pinky out!
Conclusion
The Queen’s Martini is a British classic – a perfectly balanced gin cocktail crafted specifically for Queen Elizabeth II. Made with gin, extra dry vermouth, bitters, and a lemon peel, it’s smooth, aromatic, and incredibly refined. While the origins are uncertain, it first appeared in the 1977 royal cocktail book as the Queen’s preferred martini variation.
Today, you can enjoy this regal drink at upscale bars and hotels around the world. Sipping this martini is an instant transport to nobility and luxury. With quality ingredients and attention to proportions, anyone can mix up this iconic royal cocktail to dine and drink like a queen. So next time you make martinis, be sure to include the Queen’s Martini and treat yourself to a taste of royalty.