Calories:~178
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:~4g
Alcohol:%abv:~26%
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 16, 2024
The Rolls Royce cocktail is a luxurious and somewhat lesser-known classic that exudes elegance and sophistication, much like the car it's named after. It's believed to have been created in the early 20th century, during the golden age of cocktails. This drink is a hit among connoisseurs who appreciate a well-balanced cocktail with a touch of herbal complexity.
The Rolls Royce cocktail presents a harmonious blend of botanical gin notes with the herbal sweetness of Bénédictine, and the dry and sweet vermouths. It's a smooth, aromatic, and complex drink with a hint of citrus from the lemon twist garnish.
A few good options for Rolls Royce are:
Gin is the backbone of this cocktail, providing the primary alcoholic base and introducing a complex botanical profile. At 2 oz., it's the dominant flavor, but balanced so as not to overpower the vermouths. Skimp on the gin and you're missing out on strength and depth. Overdo it and you've got a botanical bully on your hands. Swap gin for vodka if you fancy a less herbal touch; your cocktail will be smoother, but you'll lose some character.
Dry vermouth, 0.5 oz., plays a supportive role, adding a dry, herbal complexity that complements the gin's botanicals. Too little, the drink becomes heavy-handed on the sweet side; too much and the cocktail veers into a martini territory. Opt for Lillet Blanc if you want a slightly sweeter, floral undertone to your Rolls Royce.
Sweet vermouth, another 0.5 oz., offers a counterpoint with its rich, sweet, and herbal profile, giving the drink depth and a rounded taste. Not enough and you won't balance the dryness of the gin and dry vermouth; too much, and you risk cloying sweetness. Reach for a red Italian aperitif like Campari for a bittersweet twist.
A rinse of Bénédictine lends an intricate bouquet of herbs and spices, offering a layer of complexity without overpowering the drink. If omitted, you lose a nuanced backdrop that rounds out the flavors beautifully. No Bénédictine? Try an absinthe rinse for a punchy, anise-edged alternative.
The lemon twist garnish isn't just for looks; expressing the oils over the drink adds a fresh, citrusy aroma that lifts the other ingredients and balances the cocktail's richness. Forget this, and you miss a crucial bright note. Lime could substitute, offering a slightly sharper, zestier highlight.
Oysters: The brininess of oysters complements the botanicals in the gin and the herbal notes of the Bénédictine.
Smoked Salmon: This pairs wonderfully with the Rolls Royce cocktail; the smoky flavor melds with the herbaceous and sweet vermouth tones.
Gouda: The sweet and creamy taste of an aged Gouda can pair well with the complex and herbal layers of the cocktail.
Blue Cheese: For those who like a strong flavor, the moldy sharpness of blue cheese will contrast and balance the sweet and dry components.
Bruschetta: The acidity and freshness from a tomato Bruschetta complements the citrusy twist and vermouth in the drink.
Marcona Almonds: The richness of these almonds will go nicely with the botanicals in the gin.
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This twist brings an aromatic, tea-forward flavor profile, perfect for those looking to add a floral and citrusy depth to their cocktail experience.
Expect a warm, spicy take on the original, with an invigorating heat and a touch of winter spice that's ideal for chilly evenings.
The Green Chartreuse will amplify the herbal intensity, making for a bolder, more vibrant sip that's sure to intrigue the adventurous palate.
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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A London Dry Gin is typically preferred for its clean, botanical flavor that pairs well with the herbal notes of the cocktail.
Yes, using pre-chilled glasses is an excellent way to maintain the cold temperature of the cocktail without further dilution.
Yes, a proper stirring technique involves swirling the ice in a circular motion with a bar spoon for about 30 seconds to ensure even chilling and slight dilution.
While there is no perfect substitute for vermouth, you could try using a fortified wine such as Lillet Blanc or a dry sherry to approximate the flavor.
The Rolls Royce cocktail is more of a sophisticated, individual choice. It's not commonly served in large batches but can be pre-mixed in smaller quantities for intimate gatherings.
Stirring for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute should sufficiently chill and dilute the cocktail to the desired level.
Expressing the lemon twist releases essential oils and adds a subtle citrus aroma to the cocktail, enhancing its complexity.
A 'rinse' is a technique where a small amount of liquid (in this case, Bénédictine) is swirled around the inside of the glass and then discarded to impart a hint of flavor.
You can create a mocktail version by using non-alcoholic gin substitutes and aromatized syrups in place of vermouth, though the taste will differ from the original.
The Vancouver cocktail offers a complex and refined taste. It's a harmonious blend of the botanicals in gin with the sweet and herbal notes from the vermouth and Benedictine. The orange bitters add a subtle citrus zing, creating a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet sip with a warm, aromatic finish.
The Iron Ranger cocktail offers a robust and warming taste from the high-proof bourbon, which is perfectly balanced with the tartness of the lemon juice and the tropical sweetness of the pineapple juice. The velvet falernum adds a touch of spice and sweetness, while the bitters provide a complex aromatic finish. The garnish of mint and cinnamon adds a refreshing and fragrant touch to this bold concoction.
The Rose Mint Julep offers a harmonious blend of smooth, oaky bourbon with a sweet, floral hint from the rose syrup. The fresh mint provides a cooling sensation, making the drink refreshing. It's a well-balanced cocktail with a robust foundation softened by the delicate rose.
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.
The Sazerac is a complex, strong, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of bitterness. The combination of rye whiskey, absinthe, and Peychaud's bitters creates a unique, herbal flavor profile with a smooth, velvety finish.
The Pisco Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a combination of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. The Pisco provides a smooth, fruity base, while the lime juice adds a tangy, refreshing acidity. The simple syrup brings a touch of sweetness, and the egg white creates a rich, frothy texture. The bitters on top add a subtle, aromatic complexity.
The Singapore Sling has a complex, fruity taste with a balance of sweet, sour, and bitter notes. It is refreshing, tangy, and slightly effervescent, with a hint of herbal undertones.
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 Green Ghost cocktail is a complex and refreshing drink with a mix of herbal, citrus, and slightly sweet flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the green Chartreuse adds a unique herbal and slightly sweet quality. The lime juice brings a fresh, tart citrus note that balances out the sweetness and adds a zesty finish.
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.
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
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.
The Gin and Tonic is a refreshing, crisp, and slightly bitter cocktail with a hint of sweetness. The botanical flavors of the gin are complemented by the sharpness of the tonic water, creating a balanced and invigorating drink.
The Aviation cocktail is a well-balanced mix of sweet, sour, and floral flavors. The gin provides a strong, juniper-forward base, while the maraschino liqueur adds a touch of sweetness. The lemon juice brings a bright, zesty acidity, and the crème de violette imparts a delicate floral note.
