Instructions

1
Add all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
2
Stir well until chilled.
3
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Queen Elizabeth

Name: Queen Elizabeth
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 30 ml Gin; 15 ml Dry Vermouth; 15 ml Bénédictine

The Queen Elizabeth is a regal and sophisticated classic. By pairing clean dry gin with the herbal intensity of Bénédictine and the crisp dryness of French vermouth, it creates a profile that is both deeply aromatic and extraordinarily smooth.

Key Takeaways

Herbal Harmony: Showcases the 27 secret botanicals of Bénédictine.
Regal Balance: A sophisticated entry in the “Perfect Martini” family of drinks.
ABV: High (approximately 28-30%).
Primary Glassware: Chilled cocktail glass or Nick & Nora.

The History of the Queen Elizabeth

The Queen Elizabeth was famously included in the 1961 IBA list and has its roots in the early 20th-century British bar scene. Its name is a tribute to the then-monarch, reflecting the era’s focus on regal and prestigious nomenclature.

Ingredient Definition and Selection

Gin

A standard London Dry Gin provides the necessary juniper structure.

Dry Vermouth

Acts as the necessary dry stabilizer for the sweeter, herbal liqueur.

Bénédictine

The soul of the drink. Essential for providing the complex honey, spice, and herbal notes that define the drink’s identity.

Preparation and Best Practices

Stir for Texture: Because it contains no juice or dairy, stirring preserves the drink’s landmark silky mouthfeel and clarity.
Dilution is Key: Proper dilution is necessary to unlock the specific aromatics of the spirits. Stir for 30-45 seconds.
No Garnish: Traditionally served clean, letting the spirit’s complex clarity and pale gold color speak for itself.