Ingredients
- 1/2 Shot(s) Dry Vermouth
- 1 1/2 Shot(s) Gin
- 1 1/2 tsp Benedictine Herbal Liqueur
Instructions
Combine Ingredients:
- Add 1/2 shot dry vermouth, 1 1/2 shots gin, and 1 1/2 tsp Benedictine herbal liqueur to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir:
- Stir well to blend the flavors and chill the mixture.
Strain:
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant and herbal delight!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The exact origin of the Queen Elizabeth cocktail is murky, as is common with many classic drinks. It likely emerged sometime in the mid-20th century, a period when gin and vermouth were still king in the cocktail world and bartenders were experimenting with different modifiers. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of spirit-forward, simple recipes that highlight quality ingredients.
This drink sits squarely in the gin martini family, a close cousin to the Tuxedo or even the Bijou, which also uses gin, vermouth, and a complex liqueur. What separates the Queen Elizabeth is its specific use of Benedictine, which imparts a distinctive herbal sweetness and a richer, more rounded body than many of its drier relatives. It is less bitter than a Bijou and more complex than a standard dry martini.
You would typically find or serve a Queen Elizabeth in a quiet, upscale cocktail bar, perhaps as a pre-dinner aperitif or a sophisticated nightcap. It is a drink for contemplation, not a party starter. It fits well into a home bar repertoire for someone looking to impress with a lesser-known but impeccably balanced classic.
What it tastes like
The Queen Elizabeth hits with a clean, juniper-forward gin presence upfront, quickly followed by the herbal, slightly floral notes of dry vermouth. The mid-palate introduces the distinct, honeyed sweetness and complex spice of Benedictine, which rounds out the sharper edges of the gin and vermouth. The finish is long and dry, with lingering herbal warmth and a pleasant, subtle sweetness that keeps you coming back.
Using standard bar measures, a Queen Elizabeth comes in at around 35% alcohol by volume. This makes it a strong drink, significantly more potent than a typical beer. It packs a similar punch to a strong Martini or a Manhattan, so treat it with respect. It is designed for sipping slowly, allowing the complex flavors to unfold without overdoing it.
The technique
Building a Queen Elizabeth is straightforward: add all ingredients to a mixing glass filled with fresh, quality ice. Stir the mixture deliberately for about 20 to 30 seconds, ensuring proper chilling and dilution. You are aiming for a frosty glass and a smooth, integrated flavor. Once sufficiently chilled, strain the contents directly into a pre-chilled cocktail glass. No garnish is strictly necessary, but a lemon twist can add a bright aromatic.
The one technique tip that matters most for this drink is proper stirring and chilling. Do not rush it. Stir until the outside of your mixing glass is thoroughly frosted. Under-stirring leaves the drink warm and concentrated, missing the desired silky texture and balance. Over-stirring means too much dilution, washing out the delicate herbal notes. A well-chilled drink is crucial for a spirit-forward cocktail like this.
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Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A classic London Dry gin is your best bet here. Brands like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Plymouth Gin provide the necessary botanical backbone without overpowering the other ingredients. Aim for something with a good juniper punch and balanced citrus notes.
- Skip
- Stay away from heavily floral, contemporary, or overly citrus-forward gins. These can clash with the Benedictine and dry vermouth, throwing the drink’s delicate balance out of whack.
- Why
- Gin is the base spirit and provides the botanical structure. Its crisp, aromatic profile is essential for creating the drink’s sophisticated character and standing up to the rich liqueur.
Benedictine Herbal Liqueur
- Use
- Only genuine Benedictine D.O.M. will give you the intended flavor. There is no true direct substitute for its unique blend of 27 herbs and spices, aged in oak barrels. It is a specific, complex liqueur.
- Skip
- Do not try to substitute with B&B (Benedictine and Brandy), as its brandy component will change the drink’s profile. Other herbal liqueurs like Chartreuse or Strega are too distinct and will create a different drink entirely.
- Why
- Benedictine is the star modifier that defines the Queen Elizabeth. Its honeyed sweetness and intricate herbal notes are what make this drink unique, adding depth, warmth, and a touch of exotic spice that binds the gin and vermouth together.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.
Royal Dirty
- A savory twist for the queen
- Add a barspoon of olive brine to the mixing glass along with the other ingredients. This introduces a briny, savory element that plays well with the gin and herbal notes.
Empress’s Whisper
- A touch of citrus brightness
- Introduce a dash of orange bitters to the mix. This will subtly enhance the citrus notes of the gin and add another layer of aromatic complexity without altering the core flavor profile too much.
Duke’s Demise
- Rye whiskey for a bolder base
- Swap the gin for a good quality rye whiskey. This creates a more robust, spicier cocktail with a similar herbal backbone, appealing to whiskey fans who enjoy spirit-forward drinks.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Lillet Blanc or a dry white port can work in a pinch, though they will alter the herbal notes and sweetness. Start with less and taste as you go.
This is a tough one, as Benedictine is unique. A very small amount of a honey liqueur combined with a dash of herbal bitters (like Peychaud’s) might get you close, but it will not be the same.
A good quality vodka can provide a neutral base, making a very clean, spirit-forward drink. It will lack the botanical complexity, but still be a pleasant sipper.
Any large, sturdy glass will do. A pint glass or even a large mason jar can work effectively for stirring and chilling the ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Queen Elizabeth?
The Queen Elizabeth cocktail contains gin, dry vermouth, and Benedictine herbal liqueur.
Is the Queen Elizabeth a strong drink?
Yes, at approximately 35% ABV, the Queen Elizabeth is a spirit-forward cocktail, comparable in strength to a Martini or Manhattan.
What does Benedictine taste like?
Benedictine is a complex herbal liqueur with notes of honey, citrus, and a blend of many spices and herbs. It is sweet but balanced by its intricate flavor profile.
What kind of gin should I use?
A classic London Dry gin is recommended. Its juniper and botanical notes provide the ideal foundation for this cocktail.
Is the Queen Elizabeth a sweet drink?
No, it is generally considered a balanced, spirit-forward drink. While Benedictine adds sweetness, it is balanced by the dry gin and vermouth, resulting in an herbal, slightly sweet, and dry profile.
What glass do you serve a Queen Elizabeth in?
It is typically served in a chilled cocktail glass, often a coupe or a martini glass.
Can I shake a Queen Elizabeth?
No, the Queen Elizabeth should always be stirred. Shaking introduces too much aeration and dilution for a spirit-forward drink, clouding its appearance and texture.
Where did the Queen Elizabeth cocktail come from?
The exact origin of the Queen Elizabeth cocktail is unknown, but it is believed to be a mid-20th century creation, likely an evolution of the classic gin martini.
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