Embassy Royal Cocktail: Gin or Bourbon?

The Embassy Royal cocktail has been known as a variation of the classic Martini. We're serving up two variations for you to try at your next visit to one of Nashville's amazing craft cocktail bars.

The original gin variation

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The Embassy Royal cocktail is a cocktail with a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. While its exact origins are somewhat obscure, it has been enjoyed by cocktail enthusiasts for decades. The drink is typically made with gin, vermouth, and Grand Marnier, resulting in a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail.

One of the earliest mentions of the Embassy Royal cocktail can be found in the 1930 book "The Savoy Cocktail Book" by Harry Craddock, a renowned bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London. In this influential cocktail recipe book, Craddock lists the Embassy Royal cocktail as a variation of the classic Martini, with the addition of Grand Marnier liqueur, which adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the drink.

Over the years, the Embassy Royal cocktail has remained a favorite among cocktail enthusiasts, appreciated for its balance of flavors and elegant presentation. While its exact origins may be shrouded in mystery, its enduring popularity is a testament to its status as a timeless classic in the world of mixology.

To make an Embassy Royal cocktail, you'll typically need:

2 ounces of gin

1/2 ounce of dry vermouth

1/2 ounce of Grand Marnier or Drambuie

Orange twist for garnish

To prepare the cocktail, simply combine the gin, dry vermouth, and Grand Marnier in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist, expressing the oils over the surface of the drink before dropping it in, and serve.

The result is a sophisticated and flavorful cocktail with a perfect balance of botanical gin, aromatic vermouth, and the citrusy sweetness of Grand Marnier—a true classic that continues to delight cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

The bourbon lover variation

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Various renditions of this cocktail incorporate different elements such as orange syrup or juice, but all include Drambuie, a honey liqueur with a Scotch base. To maintain consistency while using American bourbon, let's swap Drambuie for Wild Turkey's bourbon-based honey liqueur. Since the liqueur and vermouth already provide sweetness, there's no necessity for additional syrup. Fresh orange juice and bitters will contribute brightness to the mix.

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Wild Turkey History

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Wild Turkey is a storied American bourbon brand with a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Its origins trace back to the Ripy brothers, who began distilling whiskey in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, in 1869. However, it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the Wild Turkey brand as we know it today began to take shape.

The brand's iconic name came about in the 1940s when Thomas McCarthy, a sales executive for Austin Nichols, the company that owned the Wild Turkey label, took some samples of their bourbon on a turkey hunting trip with friends. The bourbon was so well-received that McCarthy's friends began requesting "that wild turkey bourbon" every time he visited. Recognizing the potential marketing appeal, Austin Nichols officially adopted the name "Wild Turkey" for their bourbon.

One of the defining moments for Wild Turkey came in the 1970s when master distiller Jimmy Russell, now a legendary figure in the bourbon world, took the reins of the distillery. Russell's expertise and dedication to traditional methods of bourbon production have helped shape Wild Turkey's reputation for producing high-quality, authentic bourbon.

Over the years, Wild Turkey has expanded its product line to include a variety of bourbon expressions, ranging from the flagship Wild Turkey 101 to more premium offerings like Wild Turkey Rare Breed and Wild Turkey Master's Keep. Additionally, the brand has ventured into flavored and honey-infused expressions, catering to evolving consumer tastes while maintaining the core qualities that have made Wild Turkey a beloved bourbon brand for generations.

Today, Wild Turkey continues to uphold its legacy of producing exceptional bourbon while also embracing innovation and experimentation in the ever-evolving world of spirits. With a commitment to quality, tradition, and a touch of wildness, Wild Turkey remains a cornerstone of American bourbon culture.

Wild Turkey Website

Recipe:

2 ounces Wild Turkey 101

3/4 ounce Wild Turkey American Honey liqueur

3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed OJ

2 dashes orange bitters

1 orange slice or twist

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker fill with ice, add the bourbon, liqueur, sweet vermouth, orange juice, and orange bitters.

2. Shake well, 10 to 15 seconds.

3. Strain into a coupe glass.

4. Garnish with the orange twist.