Continuing with the theme of my last post regarding cocktails of the British aristocracy, I randomly stumbled upon the Queen Elizabeth Cocktail from my Trader Vic book from 1948. It is the same drink featured in the Savoy Cocktail book, as you can see here, from the Underhill-Lounge blog. Most posts about the Queen Elizabeth Cocktail have it quite differently, but since Trader Vic describes this one, I figured I would start there. I will eventually get to all of the different versions, of course.

For this version, combine in a glass

• 3/4 oz brandy
• 3/4 oz sweet vermouth
• dash orange curacao

stir well, and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. It’s a simple cocktail that tastes simple, as well. The vermouth is the most prominent ingredient, but the brandy and vermouth balance each other nicely. I’m usually not a fan of sweet vermouth drinks, but this one is pretty tasty because of the balance with the brandy. And then the curacao adds a nice citrus finish along with a citrus aroma as you sip it. Still, the vermouth stays on the tongue after you drink, which I don’t really like.

Considering that I made two of them in a row, it’s a pretty good cocktail. Also, Trader Vic doesn’t mention a garnish (as usual), but this one calls for at least a cherry, and the Underhill blog adds an orange slice, as well, which is probably a nice touch.