Calories:210
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:6g
Alcohol:25%
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Raffles cocktail is named after the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which opened in 1887. It was created by the hotel's bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon, who wanted to create a sophisticated and elegant cocktail for the hotel's elite clientele. The Raffles cocktail quickly gained popularity among the hotel's guests and soon became a signature drink of the establishment.
The Raffles cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, with a combination of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is both refreshing and invigorating, with a hint of spice and a smooth, velvety texture.
A few good options for Raffles are:
Gin is the spirit base of the Raffles cocktail, contributing its botanical aromatics which form the backbone of the drink. Too little gin and you'll miss its juniper-led charm; too much and it may overwhelm the other ingredients. If you run out of gin, fear not - vodka can play understudy, although you'll lose gin's complex flavor profile.
This aromatized, fortified wine adds a subtle complexity and slightly herbaceous taste that balances gin's strong character. Vermouth should be used judiciously; too much can dominate, making the drink more martini-like, and too little will make the gin feel lonely. No dry vermouth? Try a splash of white wine for a less complex, but still enjoyable twirl on the Raffles.
The cherry brandy sweetly serenades the other ingredients, introducing a fruity depth and rich color. Miss it out and you'll have a paler, less nuanced cocktail on your hands. Want a different fruit profile? A dash of raspberry liqueur could play a similar role, offering a more tart and vivid berry note.
Just a couple of dashes can transform the Raffles cocktail from good to great, lending a citrusy spice that tickles the palate. Omitting the bitters is like forgetting the salt in a recipe; it'll be okay, but not quite right. For a change, you might experiment with aromatic bitters for a more traditional, spicier kick.
It's not just a garnish, it's an experience; the twist releases essential oils that perfume the cocktail with a fresh citrus aroma. Without it, the drink loses a layer of sensory delight. Lime zest could be an alternative, giving a slightly more tropical fragrance.
This sweet little orb is the finishing touch that doubles as a boozy treat at the bottom of your glass. Its absence wouldn't spell disaster, but it's the cherry on top... literally. Swap it with an orange peel for a fragrant garnish that keeps the citrus theme strong without the sweetness.
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Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainInsert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.
Learn everything on how to stirGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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While any type of gin can be used to make the Raffles cocktail, a London Dry Gin is commonly used due to its balanced flavors and slightly floral notes.
The Raffles cocktail is typically stirred, not shaken. This helps maintain the clarity of the drink while ensuring all the ingredients are well combined.
Yes, the Raffles cocktail is considered a strong drink due to the significant portion of gin it contains, which is considered a potent spirit.
The Raffles cocktail is named after the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, where it was created.
It is best to serve the Raffles cocktail fresh. However, you could prepare the mixture ahead of time, and then stir over ice and garnish just before serving.
Yes, the blend of citrus and fruit flavors make the Raffles cocktail suitable for any season.
The Bijou cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring herbal and botanical notes from the gin and green Chartreuse, sweetness from the sweet vermouth, and a hint of bitterness from the orange bitters. It is a strong, rich, and slightly sweet drink with a smooth and velvety texture.
The Tuxedo cocktail is a complex and balanced drink with a slightly sweet, herbal, and citrusy flavor profile. It has a smooth and silky texture, with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth and a warming, slightly spicy finish from the gin.
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The Rose cocktail has a delicate and floral taste, with a hint of sweetness from the raspberry syrup. It is light and refreshing, with a subtle complexity from the combination of vermouth and cherry brandy. The finish is crisp and clean, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.
The Cherry Blossom cocktail has a delicate, fruity, and floral taste. It is slightly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cherry and citrus flavors. The floral notes from the elderflower liqueur add a touch of sophistication, while the gin provides a subtle, refreshing kick.
The Cherry Bomb cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and slightly tart drink with a strong cherry flavor. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a vibrant red color that is sure to catch the eye.
The Gibson cocktail is crisp, clean, and slightly savory, with a strong gin-forward flavor. The dry vermouth adds a subtle herbal and floral note, while the cocktail onions provide a briny, tangy contrast.
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The Apple Martini has a sweet and sour taste, with a crisp and refreshing apple flavor. It is well-balanced, with a slight tartness from the apple and a smooth, velvety finish from the vodka.
The Vesper Martini has a strong, bold, and slightly bitter taste with a smooth, silky finish. The combination of gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc creates a complex, well-balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and invigorating.
The Lemon Drop Martini has a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of lemon juice and simple syrup creates a perfect balance of sour and sweet, while the vodka adds a smooth and strong kick. The sugar rim adds an extra touch of sweetness to each sip.
The French 75 has a bright, effervescent taste with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The combination of gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup creates a tangy, refreshing base, while the champagne adds a luxurious, bubbly finish.
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The Cognac Old Fashioned has a smooth, rich, and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. The cognac provides a warm, full-bodied flavor, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and complexity.
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