Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:15g
Alcohol:20%
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 Red Lion cocktail is believed to have been created in the 1930s by Arthur Tarling, a bartender at the Café Royal in London. This classic cocktail has been enjoyed by many over the years, particularly those who appreciate a well-balanced, slightly sweet and sour drink. The Red Lion has even won several awards, including the 1933 International Cocktail Competition.
The Red Lion cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness from the gin. The orange liqueur adds a citrusy sweetness, while the lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness. The grenadine gives the drink a subtle fruity sweetness, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable cocktail.
A few good options for Red Lion are:
Gin is the backbone of the Red Lion, providing a complex botanical base. At 1.5oz, it's just enough to assert its presence without overpowering the drink. If you skimp on the gin, your lion might purr rather than roar, making for a less robust cocktail. Alternative: Try a botanical vodka for a similar profile with a cleaner finish.
At 0.75oz, orange liqueur brings a sweet citrus punch, and acts as a bridge between the gin and lemon flavors. Less liqueur can lead to a tart imbalance, while more may make it cloyingly sweet. Alternative: A splash of Cointreau or Triple Sec can substitute based on your sweet preference.
This 0.75oz of lemon juice is crucial for the zesty tang that balances the drink's sweetness. A Red Lion with too little lemon juice could be excessively sweet; too much, and the cocktail becomes a lemonade with a kick. Alternative: Lime juice could be used for a tarter, more tropical twist.
The 0.5oz of grenadine adds not just sweetness, but a rosy hue to our lion's mane. Missing out will leave your cocktail lacking depth and color. Alternative: Pomegranate syrup can be used as a less sugary substitute, giving a similar color with a tarter taste.
The orange twist isn't just for show; the oils add an aromatic quality to the drink. Without it, the cocktail loses a layer of complexity. No alternatives here - a Red Lion’s mane should be as radiant as its roar!
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To berry-fy the classic, swap grenadine for blackberry syrup. Add some muddled fresh berries before shaking. This will give the Red Lion a fruitier and more seasonal feel, perfect for late summer evenings.
Give the cocktail an herbal upgrade by using Green Chartreuse in place of orange liqueur, and basil instead of an orange twist. This twist offers an intriguing depth with herbal notes that will make the cocktail more savory and complex.
Introduce a warm dimension by adding a dash of cinnamon and replacing grenadine with honey syrup. This wintery variant transforms the Red Lion into a more soul-warming concoction, ideal for chilly nights by the fireplace.
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace 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 strainGarnishing 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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You should always check the ingredients of a cocktail before consuming it. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the Red Lion (gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, grenadine, or orange), it's better to avoid it.
The Red Lion cocktail has around 20% alcohol, mixed with non-alcoholic ingredients. It's isn't as strong as drinking a shot of spirits, but it's higher in alcohol content than many beers or wines.
Cocktails, including the Red Lion, are enjoyed by people regardless of gender. The distinct sweet and sour balance of flavors make it a universally appealing drink.
Shaking a cocktail in a shaker helps to thoroughly mix the ingredients, chill the drink, and dilute the cocktail just a bit for a smoother taste.
The Rum Daisy is a well-balanced cocktail with a sweet and sour flavor profile. It has a bright, citrusy taste from the lemon juice, balanced by the rich, molasses notes of the rum and the sweetness of the simple syrup. The addition of orange liqueur adds a touch of fruity complexity.
The Brandy Fix is a well-balanced cocktail with a sweet and sour taste. It has a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of fruitiness from the brandy. The lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, while the sugar syrup provides a subtle sweetness that complements the rich flavors of the brandy.
The Harlem cocktail offers a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of bitterness. The combination of citrus and sugar creates a refreshing and zesty taste, while the whiskey adds warmth and depth. The overall experience is smooth, with a pleasant lingering aftertaste.
The Tequila Sunrise has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of sourness from the orange juice and grenadine. The tequila adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor, making it a well-balanced and satisfying drink.
Planter's Punch is a fruity, refreshing, and well-balanced cocktail. It has a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of sourness from the citrus. The rum adds a warming, slightly spicy kick, while the grenadine provides a touch of sweetness.
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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 Blue Margarita has a well-balanced taste, combining the tangy and sour flavors of lime and orange liqueur with the sweetness of blue curaçao. It is a strong and refreshing cocktail with a hint of tropical fruitiness.
The Brandy Daisy is a well-balanced cocktail with a delightful combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The brandy provides a rich, warming base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The sweetness from the simple syrup and orange liqueur rounds out the flavors, creating a smooth and satisfying drink.
The Screwdriver cocktail offers a bright, citrusy, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The smoothness of the vodka is complemented by the tangy and refreshing taste of the orange juice, making it a well-balanced and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The Kamikaze cocktail has a refreshing, tangy taste with a hint of sweetness. It is a well-balanced mix of sour, sweet, and strong flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy citrus-based cocktails.
The Grapefruit Margarita is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The tartness of the grapefruit juice is complemented by the sweetness of the agave syrup and the tangy lime juice. The tequila adds a bold, earthy undertone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste experience.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
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The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
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